Reflective Essay on Nursing Practice: Case Study of Elderly Patient

This reflective essay delves into the challenges of nursing practice, focusing on a case study involving an elderly patient with Alzheimer's disease. The essay explores the difficulties encountered when dealing with an 85-year-old patient, Mrs. A, who exhibited symptoms of cognitive impairment, including memory loss and refusal of food and medication. The author reflects on the ethical dilemmas of whether to use force in feeding and administering medication, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to patient care. The essay highlights the significance of creating a conducive environment, employing non-coercive methods, and consulting with medical professionals to provide the best possible care. The author emphasizes the importance of psychosocial support and the limitations of medication alone, underscoring the need for patient-centered care. The essay concludes with the patient's eventual consent to take solid food, illustrating the effectiveness of compassionate and empathetic interventions. The essay discusses the importance of ethical considerations in nursing practice.

Running head: REFLECTIVE ESSAY IN NURSING
REFLECTIVE ESSAY IN NURSING
Name of the Student
Name of the university
Author’s note

1REFLECTIVE ESSAY IN NURSING
Reflective essay in nursing practice
My noble profession of nursing makes me exposed to various challenges and difficulties
that help me to uphold my skills and my capability of delivering an appropriate care (Butts &
Rich, 2012). I believe that it is my duty to provide any patient with a proper physical, spiritual
and mental support.
Things become complicated when it comes to dealing with elderly patients with mental
disabilities due to the diseases like dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative disease of the
brain and cause cognitive impairment in elderly persons (Zarit & Zarit, 2012). A person shows
various signs of mental retardation (Butts & Rich, 2012).
In my clinical practice I was appointed with the duty to cater to an elderly patient of age
85, Mrs. A, who was having AD. The patient had symptoms like acute memory loss and had
been admitted to the hospital with the complaint that she had stopped taking any medications and
has refused to take any food. Her daughters had tried to feed him forcibly but that has
deteriorated her condition. Her family members are having thoughts that she might have lost all
the hopes of living and wants to end her life anyhow.
The case was crucial and had to be handled with extreme care. Dr.J, was the medical
officer who was in charge of the patient entrusted with the duty of feeding her. We thought of
applying a nasal tube, but it was very difficult and risky as per her age. During our nursing
practice we are always imparted with the knowledge of delivering a care with holistic approach. I
tried to interact with Mrs A, and tried to convince her for feeding. I do not believe in applying
restraint. Therefore, I tried to provide her a conducive environment (Zarit & Zarit, 2012). I tried
to introduce the medicines intravenously, by consulting with the doctor, such that we don’t have

2REFLECTIVE ESSAY IN NURSING
to apply any restraint. I personally provided scopes such that the patient is allowed to interact
with her daughters.
Clearly I never have been under such a dilemma of whether to apply force or not, as everything
has to be done keeping her health status in mind.
A day later it was informed that the patient has consented in taking solid food, although
she still doesn’t want to continue medications.
From the above described incident I have learnt that medications always do not help to
bring out better outcomes. For, a patient like Mrs. A, it is very important to provide with a
psychosocial and holistic care.

3REFLECTIVE ESSAY IN NURSING
References
Butts, J. B., & Rich, K. L. (2012). Nursing ethics. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Zarit, S. H., & Zarit, J. M. (2012). Mental disorders in older adults: Fundamentals of assessment
and treatment. Guilford Press.