Chapter 37, Problem 3CAQ

Summary Introduction

To describe:

The response of the nurse to Mrs. A about decision of staying in hospital rather than going home.

Case summary:

An 80-year-old Mrs. A is being hospitalized by her neighbor when they found her lying in the floor. When hospitalized, her blood pressure is low, she is dehydrated and weak. Moreover, she has severe back pain and also a pain in toes that makes her unable to walk. Mrs. A has lost her weight due to loss of appetite and her medical examinations reveal to have a terminal illness, a kind of leukemia. Mrs. A has been living alone after her husband’s death two years ago and she gets help and support from her only daughter who lives out of town, neighbor, and church community. The nurse finds out Mrs. A is upset and tearful, nurse talks with her to assess her situation and to gather information.