Evaluating Health History

Evaluating Health History

Evaluating the health history of a patient is an important part of the healthcare process. It involves gathering information about the patient’s past and current health status, medical history, family history, lifestyle habits, and any other relevant factors that may impact their health. The health history provides important clues about the patient’s health status, helps to identify potential risk factors for disease, and guides the healthcare provider in making informed decisions about the patient’s care.

The process of evaluating a patient’s health history typically involves:

  1. Gathering information about the patient’s current health status, including any current symptoms, medical conditions, or medications they are taking.
  2. Gathering information about the patient’s past medical history, including any previous
  3.  surgeries, hospitalizations, or injuries.
  4. Gathering information about the patient’s family history of medical conditions, including any genetic conditions or chronic diseases that may run in the family.
  5. Gathering information about the patient’s lifestyle habits, such as diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol and drug use, and any other factors that may impact their health.
  6. Assessing the patient’s risk for certain medical conditions based on their health history and other factors.
  7. Developing a plan of care that takes into account the patient’s health history and addresses any potential risk factors for disease or other health problems.

Overall, evaluating the health history of a patient is a critical component of the healthcare process and helps to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate care based on their individual health needs.

It is necessary for an RN-BSN-prepared nurse to demonstrate an enhanced understanding of the pathophysiological processes of disease, the clinical manifestations and treatment protocols, and how they affect clients across the life span.

Evaluate the Health History and Medical Information for Mr. M., presented below.

Based on this information, formulate a conclusion based on your evaluation, and complete the Critical Thinking Essay assignment, as instructed below.

Health History and Medical Information

Health History

Mr. M., a 70-year-old male, has been living at the assisted living facility where you work. He has no know allergies. He is a nonsmoker and does not use alcohol. Limited physical activity related to difficulty ambulating and unsteady gait. Medical history includes hypertension controlled with ACE inhibitors, hypercholesterolemia, status post appendectomy, and tibial fracture status postsurgical repair with no obvious signs of complications. Current medications include Lisinopril 20mg daily, Lipitor 40mg daily, Ambien 10mg PRN, Xanax 0.5 mg PRN, and ibuprofen 400mg PRN.

Case Scenario

Over the past 2 months, Mr. M. seems to be deteriorating quickly. He is having trouble recalling the names of his family members, remembering his room number, and even repeating what he has just read. He is becoming agitated and aggressive quickly. He appears to be afraid and fearful when he gets aggressive. He has been found wandering at night and will frequently become lost, needing help to get back to his room. Mr. M has become dependent with many ADLs, whereas a few months ago he was fully able to dress, bathe, and feed himself. The assisted living facility is concerned with his rapid decline and has decided to order testing.

Objective Data

  1. Temperature: 37.1 degrees C
  2. BP 123/78 HR 93 RR 22 Pox 99%
  3. Denies pain
  4. Height: 69.5 inches; Weight 87 kg

Laboratory Results

  1. WBC: 19.2 (1,000/uL)
  2. Lymphocytes 6700 (cells/uL)
  3. CT Head shows no changes since previous scan
  4. Urinalysis positive for moderate amount of leukocytes and cloudy
  5. Protein: 7.1 g/dL; AST: 32 U/L; ALT 29 U/L

Critical Thinking Essay

In 750-1,000 words, critically evaluate Mr. M.’s situation. Include the following:

  1. Describe the clinical manifestations present in Mr. M.
  2. Based on the information presented in the case scenario, discuss what primary and secondary medical diagnoses should be considered for Mr. M. Explain why these should be considered and what data is provided for support.
  3. When performing your nursing assessment, discuss what abnormalities would you expect to find and why.
  4. Describe the physical, psychological, and emotional effects Mr. M.’s current health status may have on him. Discuss the impact it can have on his family.
  5. Discuss what interventions can be put into place to support Mr. M. and his family.
  6. Given Mr. M.’s current condition, discuss at least four actual or potential problems he faces. Provide rationale for each.

You are required to cite to a minimum of two sources to complete this assignment. Sources must be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and relevant to nursing practice.

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