protocols can the nurse utilize for prevention of pressure injuries
protocols can the nurse utilize for prevention of pressure injuries
Running head: CARE PLAN 1
Class: NUR3400
Professor: Maikel Y. Portal APRN, FNP-BC
Miami Regional University
CARE PLAN 2
Abstract
Patient care has received much attention in today’s healthcare system. It enhances the treatment
plan by involving different health specialists in caring for the patient. Interdisciplinary approach
involves elements such as leadership, teamwork, patient-centered practice, and through
communications. The care providers ensure effective assessment of the condition thus meeting
patient’s desires and needs. The team pools their knowledge and expertise together towards the
recovery of the patients not just the treatment of the disease. Ideally, effective patient outcomes
can be achieved through a collaborative approach to the treatment plan. This reduces readmission
rates and avoids duplication of duties during the treatment process. The future of health care
delivery depends on how effectively the health providers implement the interdisciplinary
approach. In this paper, the interdisciplinary care plan will be drafted for McKay Johnson, a
patient diagnosed with diabetes and heart disease.
Keywords: interdisciplinary, therapy, diabetes, heart disease.
CARE PLAN 3
Background Information
Patient Name:?
Age: ?
Sex: ?
Demographics: ?
Condition: (Diabetes and Heart Disease) or any other PMH
Situation: Patient is forgetful and lives alone
Medical History
Johnson was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2013, but he reports he had symptoms one
year before the diagnosis. The medical record shows that he had fasting blood glucose records
showing values of 118-127 mg/dl, which categorized his condition as “borderline diabetes.” In
2016, he was diagnosed with heart problem. Johnson has been controlling diabetes until last year
when his family physician referred him to our hospital for special treatment of the disease. His
wife reports that her husband began to experience abnormal heartbeats, difficulties in breathing,
and high blood pressure. The diagnosis shows that Johnson recorded a pulse of 115 per minute
while the systolic blood pressure was 180 mm/Hg. He had bulging neck veins, swelling in the
legs, and fluids in the lungs. He had been on glyburide (2.5 g every morning), Gymnema
Sylvester, and chromium picolinate to control diabetes. Johnson was also given Angiotensin II
receptor blockers and Statins to control heart disease.
CARE PLAN 4
Johnson’s physical examination results show a BMI of 33.4 kg/m2, Pulse of 85 bpm,
fasting glucose of 164 mg/dl, blood pressure of 160/96 mmHg, JVP of 7 cm H2O, and 20
respirations per minute. He has lung crackles, no retinopathy, swelling legs, non-palpable
thyroid, no carotid bruits, and diminishing vibratory sense to the forefoot. He reports regular
wheezing and dizziness throughout the day. The lab results presented by the nurse show that
Johnson has cholesterol-to-HDL ratio of 4 (normal < 5.0), HDL cholesterol of 46 mg/dl (normal
< 40 mg/dl), triglycerides of 180 mg/dl (normal < 155 mg/dl), AIC of 7.5 % (normal 4-6 %),
sodium of 137 mg/dl (normal 136-146 mg/dl), potassium of 4.0 mg/dl (3.5-4.3 mg/dl), blood
urea nitrogen 34 mg/dl (normal 6.1-30 mg/dl) and Urine microalbumin of 42 mg (normal < 30
mg).
Medical Assessment
Based on Johnson’s medical history, physical examination, and lab tests, it is evident he
has uncontrollable type 2 diabetes and heart disease. His hemoglobin level (7.5%) is slightly
more than the normal indicators (4-7%). He has a BMI of 32. 4 kg/m2 and it is way above the
BMI of a normal person. When an individual exceeds a BMI of 30, he is termed as obese (Pop-
Busui et al., 2017). Johnson has elevated urine microalbumin and blood urea nitrogen. These are
the indicators of heart problem and diabetes. Swelling legs, lung crackles, and regular wheezing
are also the signs of heart disease.
Care Plan
Johnson presents uncontrollable type 2 diabetes and heart disease, which require a
coordinated treatment process from all nurses across the concerned disciplines. The first step of
the interdisciplinary team is to select the most pressing health issue and prioritize his medical
CARE PLAN 5
care in order to formulate an effective treatment plan. The team has to follow the care plan for
the two diseases.
Nursing Intervention Rationale
Assess the signs of hyperglycemia A patient who uses insulin to treat type 2 diabetes is at risk of developing hyperglycemia. Signs of hyperglycemia include headache, fatigue, tachycardia, dizziness, and visual changes.
Assess glucose level before and after the meals
The glucose level should be between 140 mmHg and 180 mmHg. Non-intensive care patients should be maintained at less than 140 mmHg (American Diabetes Association, 2019).
Monitor patient’s hemoglobin level A level of 4-7% is desirable and shows the progress of the treatment process.
Monitor blood pressure, apical pulse and peripheral pulse
Increased blood pressure is a sign of diabetes/ heart disease. Low pulse is a sign of decreasing tissue perfusion.
Do not take an axillary temperature Elderly persons have poor peripheral circulation which contributes to the formation of pocket airs in axillary areas (Touhy, Jett, Boscart, & McCleary, 2018). This gives inaccurate results.
Assess feet for temperature, and swellings. Monitor the color of the skin
This will help to monitor peripheral perfusion. Pale skin color is an indicator of decreased tissue perfusion.
Assess the pattern of physical activity Regular physical activities assist in lowering the glucose level (Naik, Dave, Stephens, & Davies, 2015). These activities prevent further complications of diabetes and cardiac disease.
Administer basal insulin Adhering to the prescribed medical regimens promotes tissue perfusion. This will keep glucose at a normal level.
CARE PLAN 6
Treatment Goal
At the end of the treatment, Johnson should have blood glucose level of less than 180
mmHg, BMI of less than 30.0 kg /m2, Hemoglobin AIC level of less than 7%, blood urea
nitrogen less than 30 mg/dl, and Urine microalbumin of less than 30 mg/dl. These results will be
an indication of the successful treatment plan.
Report BP of more than 155 mmHg (systolic)
Hypertension is a common condition for diabetes and heart disease. Controlling blood pressure can prevent further complications such as stroke and retinopathy.
Monitor urine output as well as urine albumin
Urine albumin is a sign of diabetes while urine output shows the control of both diabetes and heart disease.
Encourage Active ROM ROM prevents venous pooling and promotes tissue perfusion.
Encourage bedrest with the head of the bed elevated at 45 degrees
This position prevents blood from returning to the heart thus increasing oxygenation and decreasing dyspnea responsible for cardiac attack (American Diabetes Association, 2015).
Evaluate patient’s understanding of the medical conditions and treatment plan
This reduces medication errors. Non-adherence to the prescribed medication can lead to more complications such as hypoglycemia and stroke.
Administer and monitor medication regimen
Proper administration of prescribed diabetic and heart disease medication is important in stabilizing glucose level, hemoglobin level, and blood pressure.
Review the patients current diet and nutritional needs
Proper diet helps maintain the normal level of glucose level thus sustain the smooth flow of blood.
CARE PLAN 7
References
American Diabetes Association. (2015). Cardiovascular disease and risk management. Diabetes
