Understanding Arthritis: An Interview-Based Assessment

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ASSESSMENT 2: PART 1 WRITTEN REPORT Interview a person with a chronic health condition. This could be a family member, a friend or a work colleague. Answer the questions listed, using referenced answers where necessary. Write in sentences and ensure that each answer is at least 100 words. Me: Good afternoon Mrs. John and how are you feeling today?

Mrs. John: I am fine but continue experiencing the pain on my joints and especially

when I wake up out of bed and while using my hands.

Me: Mrs. John I would like to ask you some questions regarding your medical

condition – Arthritis to help you your family and your physician develop better ways

to assist with your treatment. I hope you are comfortable with me doing this?

Mr. John: Yes I am comfortable with it and will try to answer your questions as

accurately as possible.

Me. Thanks Fine Mrs. John, I will also explain the answers more clearly in situation

where I may find you lack proper understanding.Let’s Start:

1. What is the pathophysiology behind this chronic disease/condition?

(Reference required)

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Mrs John: Arthritis involves experiencing pain on the affected joints making is

difficult to walk and use the limbs.

Me: Yes but Arthritis is a much more chronic medical condition and that has no cure

but can be managed to limit its progression. Arthritisis an autoimmune disorder which

triggers the body is to attacking itself. With arthritisthe white blood cells attack the

synovial membrane which gets damaged resulting in limitedjoint flexibility. If

untreated the joints risk experiencingfusion which results in complete immobility of

the joint. The condition is not curable but chroniccases can be surgicallyoperated and

affected joints replaced to offer relief (Clough, 2006). In addition to medication, the

patient is also advised to perform regular exercise to assist retain their muscle tone

and joint flexibility.

2. Discuss the Anatomy and physiology of this chronic disease/condition.

(Reference required)

The most common type of arthritic is Rheumatoid arthritis which affects the wrists,

hands, knees and ankles. The medical condition has also been noted to affect the

patient’s internal organs including their heart, kidneys, lungs and digestive tract thus

requiring it to be closely monitored. Rheumatoid Arthritis involves the body attacking

itself and destroying healthy cells which are identified as an infection. This with

rheumatoid arthritis this occurs on the synovial membrane and cartilage lubricating

and protecting the joints from wearing down. With reduced lubrication and cartilage

destruction, the joint loose flexibility and when untreated the joints fuse (Ali, 2013).

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The condition results in chronic pain to the joints and in chronic cases require joint

replacement surgery to replace the affected joint tissue or remove and fuse the entire

joint to relieve the pain.

3. What are the clinical manifestations of this chronic health problem on the

health systems of the person you interviewed?

It’s important for both patients and the medical professionals to identify all signs of

arthritis from a very early stage as this helps slow the medical conditions progress.

While the signs may be obvious for patients suffering from chronic cases of

rheumatoid arthritis, the signs can be observed from a very early stage and require the

patient to remain vigilant. Swollen and hurting joints are the most common initial sign

and symptom ofarthritis setting it. It’s important to consider one’s life style and habits

since this is am majorcauseofarthritis (Argen, et al., 2004). Recent studies show

people who type on computers have a higher risk of developing arthritis on the fingers

and wrists. Diet is another major cause ofarthritis thus requiring careful management

to prevent and limit the medical conditions rapidly progressing.

4. What is the interviewees understanding of their chronic health problem.

Ask them to express in their own words, and transcribe this answer.

Me: Mr. John what was your understanding and knowledge of your medical

condition?

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Mr. John: I have never performed in-depth research with regard to the medical

condition but I do know that it involves damage to my joints due to the lack of

adequate joint lubrication. After hearing your description, I can know trace back my

finger and wrist arthritiscause and early signs during my early 40’s. I used to be a

secretary for over 15 years and had to type many letters each daywhich may be the

cause of my finger and wrist pain today (Cush, et al., 2010). But I detected the pain

earlier on and changed my profession but it seems the damaged was already done.

5. What physical and /or psychological impact does the chronic

disease/condition have on the person’s activities of daily living?

Yes Mrs. John damage may have occurs but it’s important to remain positive and

focus on the treatment as well as therapy required to reduce further damage. Failure to

seek medical treatment and therapy will only result in the medical condition

worsening. Over time the affected joints will fuse due to lack of movement and

require surgicaljoint replacement or removal of the affected joint tissue (Andersen,

2013). For this reason I am meeting you today to explain the important of maintain

proper treatment and physical exercises which will retain joint flexibility and slow the

arthritis from progressing. It’s also important to understand that the condition can

expected to affect additional joints on the body thus you must begin getting

professional treatment with immediate effect.

6. Using the problem solving approach in nursing what are the steps you

may use to assess the impact of this chronic disease processes on the client

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and/or their family and the achievement of activities of daily living when

creating a plan of care

As you know it’s important for the medical staff and care takers to consider future

implications linked to your current medical condition. As you mention your

rheumaticarthritis is currently affecting your fingers and wrists but as you grown

older, it is likely to affect additional joints and make mobility difficult. This may

require a family member to dedicate their attention exclusively towards your care thus

it’s important to seek proper medical care to slow the medical condition. It’s also

important to consider future implications linked to the conditions and how the patient

will receive care (Figas, 2008). Over time we may require to consider admittingyou to

a care center which specializes in such conditions but this all depends on how well

you care for yourself now and how long we can slow the progression of your arthritis.

7. What resources and support services are available for the interviewee in

their area? If your interviewee does not need these services, list at least

three (3) services that would be available in your area for a person

suffering from other chronic health problems.

It’s also important for me to explain to you the support services to assist with

treatment. There are three main facilities which you require to visit with immediate

effect and they will schedule your next appointment which you require to follow up

on. Being a retired pensioner, the facilities are free and you need not worry regarding

payment as your health insurance will cover your treatment. You will require

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visitinganarthritis specialist who will assess your current condition and provide

medication to relieve the pain and slow the progression. It’s also important to enrol

with a physiologist who will assess you current muscletone and assist with exercises

which will help retain your joint mobility to prevent stiffening. It’s also important for

you and your family to visit and select a suitable old age care centre where you can

submit your enrolment application in advance. This is important since these facilities

are full and require advance booking for available slots in the future. As your

condition is self-manageable at the moment, it’s important to book a future slot to

reduce the strain on the family to constantly care for you (Morewitz, 2006). The care

centres are also better as they have professionally trained nurses andmedical staff to

handle elderly patients suffering from similar conditions.