Professional Communication in Nursing

This article discusses the importance of professional communication in nursing through a case study of a patient with chesty cough. It covers the patient's background, assessment, and recommendations for a healthier lifestyle.

Running head: PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION IN NURSING
Professional communication in nursing
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

1PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION IN NURSING
Introduction
Date: /05/2018
Patient’s Name- Raymond Nguyen
Date of birth: 17/01/1955
Address: 52 Homebush St, Central
Situation
Raymond came to clinic with chesty cough since five days. Health assessment will help
determine the cause of cough. Smoking may be probable cause. Raymond has no allergies.
Background
Mr. Raymond Nguyen born in Vietnam and came to Australia in 1979. He presented
himself with chesty cough that is not getting better since five days. There were no known
allergies found. He lives in small two bedroom rented flat near city centre and is working as
news agent. He lives with his 35 years old daughter and three grandchildren of school age living
next door to him. He is well bonded with them and is happy spending time with grandchildren
on weekends as well as with friends to share Vietnamese meals. He is very family oriented
person. He has good social life with friends.
Assessment
1. Raymond presented with chesty cough

2PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION IN NURSING
2. Raymond skips breakfast due to busy schedule eat mainly Vietnamese meal at
cafes, fried food/rice consumed from local Asian cafe every day.
3. Raymond takes alcohol every night with his evening meal, 6-10 standard drink
(spirits, wine, beer). He drinks on outings with friends and other social gatherings
4. Raymond smoked Cigarettes 20/day for 42 years and is missing smoking
5. Raymond works at the local newsagent starts works very early in the morning,
take care of grandchildren after school, and takes them to park. No exercise or
physical activity observed
6. On weekends he spends with his friends at local Vietnamese clubs to have
Vietnamese meals. In summer spend with children at beach without sun
protection and getting more tanned.
7. Raymond is Buddhist prays to God at his shrine, everyday but misses attending
temple
Recommendations
1. You have presented yourself with chesty cough. It probably may be due to
prolonged smoking. Is it okay if I refer you to a physician for comprehensive
respiratory assessment?
2. Looking at the meals you eat each day, you mostly skip breakfast; eat mainly
meal at cafes, especially fried food/rice. It is not the healthy diet as recommended
by heart foundation. Daily diet must include fruits and vegetables according to
health experts. Poor nutrition, smoking and alcohol are contributors of COPD and
depression. Therefore, I request you to refer to the dietician. I will give you

3PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION IN NURSING
brochures on healthy eating habits that can be managed even while busy schedule.
Can we look forward to healthy eating and nutrition?
3. You said of consuming 6-10 standard drink everyday with meals and when out
with friends. Do you feel you cannot survive without alcohol? Have you felt any
changes in health due to alcohol consumption? Two drinks day is the usual
recommended pattern as per the Department of health. Do you perceive any need
of psychological counselling program to restrain from alcohol? I would like to
give you further information on this.
4. You told me you have 20/day. Did you perceive any change in health due to
smoking? Do you still consider smoking? Are you in need of any advice or
support service in this matter? Please confirm if it is possible to avoid relapse.
5. You said you take walk at beach with your grand children. It is healthy for you.
You also have mentioned not having sun protection. Though you have mentioned
not getting burned, you are getting more tanned. According to cancer council
excess sun exposure may cause skin cancer. So would like to know about sun
protection?
Conclusion
1. No smoking at present but refereed to doctor for chesty cough
2. Agreed to visit dietician
3. Agreed to cut alcohol by 2 drinks per day
4. Confirm future appointment for review. Thank you.