Clinical Reasoning Cycle for Healthier Lifestyle Adaptation

Question: Discuss about theClinical Reasoning Cycle for Healthier Lifestyle Adaptation. Answer: Introduction The global population is currently proceeding towards rise of aging demographic. According to the World Health Organization, the global population will have 22% geriatrics by 2050 (Facts about ageing, 2014). This condition will create immense pressure on the healthcare industry, which is why it is important to promote healthy aging amongst geriatric patients. As a nurse, it is important to advocate for healthier lifestyle adaptation and prevent morbidities. The essay discusses the patient education of healthy aging to a 62-year-old man named Mr. Johnson through clinical reasoning cycle. Discussion Consider the Patient Situation The patient came into the emergency unit, complaining that he is having chest pain, difficulty in breathing and was coughing violently with sputum generation (Miravitlles et al., 2014). I was the assigned nurse to the patient and when I interviewed him, he complained that his health was deteriorating. When I asked the patient about his medication regime, he said he only takes medicines for his hypertension condition. I also asked the patient about his family to which he said he lives with his wife, has two children who stay out of town but visit him once a month, and keep regular contact over phone. The patient is a heavy smoker and was previously diagnosed with hypertension. I contemplated that the cause of his difficulty was Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or COPD (Salvi Barnes, 2010). I asked the patient about his smoking to which he confided that he smokes two packets of cigarette every day. From the interview, I also gathered that he does not adhere to any form of diet a nd is currently concerned about his health. From the interview, I gathered that the patient had started to smoke as a result of peer pressure in his teenage years and is now trying to quit. Collect Cues and Information I arranged for respiratory tests, chest X-ray, CT scan and arterial blood gas analysis. I asked the person to if he was able to cooperate for the Spirometry test, to which he said he could. This would show the pulse oximetry, lung volume and diffusing capacity results (Johns, Walters Walters, 2014). The chest X-ray revealed that there were signs of emphysema in his lungs and wheezing. The CT scan also showed positive results for COPD, which helped to started the treatment process. The arterial blood-gas results showed that pH was normal; the lactate concentration was a little high, which showed acidic condition in the lung compartment. The PaCO2 level about 62mmHg, which meant he was a pink-puffer, the emphysema has spread in his lungs and. The PaO2 was also quire low, which meant, hypoxic conditions were prevalent inside the pulmonary compartment (Al-Kassimi Alhamad, 2013). There was significant obstruction in his pulmonary airway passage as indicated by the spirometer. Process information The treatment of the patient was commenced as soon as the results were clarified. Oxygen supplementation was provided to him. Bronchodilators were administered to reduce the hypertension condition (Make et al., 2012). The condition of the patient improved and he could speak properly after which the interview was continued to educate the patient regarding the importance of healthy aging. The patient should be educated regarding the side effects of smoking, alcoholism and sedentary lifestyle. As a nurse, advocating healthy lifestyle, exercise and advising on cutting down the substance of abuse (Patrick et al., 2011). The patient can be taught the importance of healthy diet which will help him reduce his weight and control further heart complications. The patient can be taught about the Australian governments guidelines for geriatric patients. Bad lifestyle choices from a young age hinder the process of healthy aging and give place for development of chronic diseases in the old age. Adu lts can be made aware of the consequences of their lifestyle choices from early on to prevent hospitalizations due to chronic diseases (Salmon, Richardson Prez, 2010). Reflection My experience from this incident was that to understand the importance of good and healthy lifestyle choices make chronic diseases less prone in the old age when the bodys immune system is diminished. Mr. Johnsons smoking habits has lead to the development of COPD which is a very risky disease if left untreated. The initial condition of the patient was quite alarming and if his son did not rush him to the emergency unit the patient would have been in serious life risk. As a nurse it is important to provide the best possible acre for every patient that comes into the hospital, but it equally important to teach the patient and minimize hospital readmissions. I advised the patient to adopt light exercises to prevent his lethargy. The most important intervention was to make Mr. Johnson cut down his smoking. In his age this habit was deteriorating his health and well being. Thirty-minute moderate aerobic activity would be beneficial for Mr. Johnson. I made sure to make the patient aware o f the National Physical activity recommendation for elderly provided by the Australian government. I also made the patient aware of the risks associated with vehicle driving and fall associated risks. Falling is one of the most important and common causes of hospitalizations among geriatric patients. I noticed that the patient son is also a smoker to which I took it upon myself to include Mr. Johnsons son into the interview and education regimen. I will always try to remember to educate my future patients regarding the importance of healthy aging to ensure that the risks of chronic diseases development is checked from early on. Conclusion The duty of a nurse is provide care and wellness to a patient to achieve improved health outcome. It has to be kept in mind that the nursing responsibility goes beyond clinical practice implementation and techniques. The given case study shows the importance of healthy lifestyle adaptation to prevent age related diseases development. This can help promote healthy aging, meaning that the healthcare industry will be less burdened in the future in the current population is made aware of the healthier choices and the repercussions of their adult decisions. References Al-Kassimi, F. A., Alhamad, E. H. (2013). 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