Answer

Patient Care

According to the case study, Mr. P, a 76-year-old man is suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF) and cardiomyopathy. He has moist crackles throughout his lung fields, breathing difficulties, and 4+ pitting edema. The patient has been hospitalized repeatedly to treat CHF symptoms and does not manage his polypharmacy efficiently or adhere to his diet restrictions. He seems hopeless and wonders why God has not taken him. Mr. P lives with his wife, who is saddened by her husband’s declining health and her inability to get out. She is also overwhelmed by the accumulating medical bills.  This paper discusses my approach to care; recommends an effective treatment plan, and an appropriate method for patient education, as well as, a teaching plan based on the scenario.

My Approach to Care

Congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy are interrelated. In other words, studies have shown that cardiomyopathy is among the leading causes of heart failure (Maron & Maron, 2013). Cardiomyopathy refers to a cardiovascular disease that often weakens the heart muscles and makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood around the body. On the other hand, congestive heart failure is a progressive chronic ailment that occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood sufficiently across the body (Kemp & Conte, 2012). In this case, my approach to care will involve managing the symptoms presented by the patient, minimizing the risk factors for the diseases, and preventing the conditions from getting worse. Managing the symptoms will help Mr. P live a normal life (Maron & Maron, 2013). Similarly, controlling the risk factors and preventing the diseases from getting worse will enhance his quality of life and lead to positive outcomes.

Treatment Plan

The treatment plan will entail patient education, medication, and continual care. Patient education will ensure that the client understands their condition better, including the causes, risk factors, and how to manage it effectively (Noble, 2009). Mr. P will also be taught on the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, adhering to the doctors’ instructions and managing his polypharmacy (Maron & Maron, 2013). Similarly, the medication will help in minimizing the symptoms such as the moist crackles, edema, and breathing difficulties, just to mention a few. Moreover, continual care is essential in enhancing the client’s health outcomes and quality of life (Rathert, Wyrwich, & Boren, 2013).  In this case, Mr. P will be provided with the appropriate medication, patient education, and continual care to ensure his safety and wellbeing.

Appropriate Patient Education Method

Patient education is significant for both Mr. P and his wife. According to the case study, the patient experiences difficulties in adhering to his diet restrictions and managing his polypharmacy. He also seems hopeless and wonders why God has not yet taken his life. In this regard, Mr. P needs to be guided on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle including regular exercises, proper nutrition, enough rest and controlling his polypharmacy (Rathert et al., 2013). As a result, the best patient education method for the client will be guidance and counseling. Mr. P will also be enrolled in a peer support group where he will learn from others and share his experiences with patients with similar conditions (Noble, 2009). Similarly, his wife will be counseled and educated on how to take care of her husband and herself. She will also be given books and leaflets to guide her and help her cope effectively.

Teaching Plan