Adult nursing scenario Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Adult nursing scenario - Essay Example Mrs. Taylor, 68 is admitted with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) She is breathless and anxious.She has limited mobility due to a painful left hip.Using the Reflective Cycle of G. Gibbs (1988) I will reflect on the learning and developmental needs identified in the scenario described. The six 'stopping points' provide a helpful personal insight and are followed, in order, throughout this essay.Description: When Mrs. Taylor was admitted in the condition earlier described, I was working with a senior colleague, a ward sister experienced in adult nursing. The patient was in pain, greatly distressed and with some cyanosis.She had been handling her condition at home with the help of oxygen and drug therapy, so her present state indicated that some triggers must have exacerbated the condition.These could be bronchitis, pneumonia, allergy or too many cigarettes.Feelings: I felt a sense of urgency and the need to get medication started to alleviate the symptoms. I fe lt concern for her physical well-being and some frustration that it could be helped 'at once.'When I observed how sister spoke softly and reassuringly to Mrs. Taylor, touching her hand and smoothing her forehead, I felt slightly ashamed.At sister's suggestion, Mrs.Taylor breathed more slowly and her anxiety diminished. I then sat with her, asking how she was feeling, really listening carefully to her responses.I thought how much more difficult this would be with a child or mentally disabled adult,recognising the need for a more psychological approach... These could be bronchitis, pneumonia, allergy or too many cigarettes. NICE Guideline (2004) conclude ' The disease is predominantly caused by smoking and nearly all sufferers are over 35.' 2. The painful left hip was another major cause for concern. We got her settled in bed, nebuliser mask on and bed head raised, promising pain relief for the hip. Feelings: I felt a sense of urgency and the need to get medication started to alleviate the symptoms. I felt concern for her physical well-being and some frustration that it could be helped 'at once.' When I observed how sister spoke softly and reassuringly to Mrs. Taylor, touching her hand and smoothing her forehead, I felt slightly ashamed. At sister's suggestion, Mrs. Taylor breathed more slowly and her anxiety diminished. I then sat with her, asking how she was feeling, really listening carefully to her responses. 'Attending is the act of really focusing on the person who needs help. We need to make ourselves deliberately aware of what the other person is saying and of what he or she is trying to tell us.' Morrison and Burnard (1991) I thought how much more difficult this would be with a child or mentally disabled adult, recognising the need for a more psychological approach, more reassurances and a 'person-focused' nursing style. Adults like Mrs. Taylor appear more able to contribute to their own improvement, being both knowledgeable and aware. I thought that no matter which nursing domain I was involved in, I would recognise that the same requirements of reassurance, administration of medication and accurate record keeping would apply. I would also adhere to the principles of respect for any cultural or social background.