Introduction
This assignment examines the health problems experienced by Dominik Obraski in the case study. Dominik is a 68-year-old who has been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). He also suffers from depression following his wife’s death 18 months ago. Dominik is a heavy smoker and has been experiencing shortness of breath since her wife’s death. This assignment will examine the biological, psychological, and social factors influencing Dominik’s health. It will also explore the ethical, legal, and professional components regarding the nursing process, health promotion, and communication.
Biopsychosocial Factors
According to the biopsychosocial model, illness arises as a result of a complex interaction between biological components, psychological components, and social components (Smith, 2021). The model works by providing the service user with holistic care while treating them as a whole person, considering their physical, psychological, and social problems when delivering treatment rather than only treating the illness (Smith, 2021). This is because these elements are clearly related to one another; if one is impacted, it is very probable that the others will be as well.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) involves several progressive lung disorders. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most prevalent illnesses. When one is diagnosed with COPD, mucus begins to accumulate inside the tubes, restricting proper ventilation and eventually leading to respiratory issues (Gerayeli et al., 2021). Smoking and ongoing exposure to irritating chemicals are the two main causes of COPD. The patient is likely to experience hyperinflation of the lungs and gradual, partially reversible airflow restriction (Gerayeli et al., 2021).
According to the case study, Dominik has smoked his entire life, which has exposed him to long-term irritating harmful substances. As a result, Dominik is more prone to developing lung obstruction and airflow hyperinflation. Breathlessness is one of the signs of COPD (Flynn and Mercer, 2018). In order to choose the best clinical application, nurses must comprehend the pathophysiology of the condition. Nurses can measure and evaluate Dominik’s cigarette consumption with a brief intervention, a strategy for health promotion used by the Make Every Contact Count (MECC) initiative. Five steps can be used to do this: ask, advise, assess, assist, and arrange. Dominik’s smoking status can be recognized by the nurse, who can then ask the right questions to record his daily intake. It is the nurses’ job not only to help Dominik in quitting but also to encourage him to quit by giving him clear instructions and tailored counsel (Kusnanto et al., 2018). The nurse should help Dominik stop smoking with behavioral assistance; this can be accomplished with the use of universal e-cigarettes or pharmacological aids. Additionally, if Dominik is not ready to quit, it is the nurse’s responsibility to support and encourage future attempts to quit. The nurse should also conduct follow-up appointments within a short period of assessment time and recommend Dominik to a professional cessation service for assistance (Howatson-Jones et al., 2020).
Dominik’s Biopsychosocial Model of Health includes bereavement as a psychological component. Psychological elements such as emotions, cognitive functions, and behavioral tendencies may have an impact on our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors (Kusnanto et al., 2018). This case study strongly implies that Dominik is going through grieving as a direct result of his wife’s death. When a person loses a loved one, bereavement occurs, and the person is thereafter overcome with grief as a result of the loss (Kusnanto et al., 2018). Signs of grief are an indication of a strong sense of guilt the person is going through. Additional signs of sadness include a poor diet, a lack of personal hygiene, and the loss of one’s job.
Dominik may be experiencing depression since he may feel helpless and overwhelmed at this point in his grieving process. Depression is a problem that affects people of all ages worldwide and dramatically increases the risk of certain risk factors (Barberio et al., 2020). Reduced energy, poor attention, loneliness, sleep deprivation, and a sense of low self-worth are the consequences. Typically, these symptoms develop into chronic conditions that make it difficult for a person to carry out daily tasks (Faris, 2020). This psychological component clarifies Obarski’s incapacity to cook and tidy the house. The nursing profession must uncover the root of Mr. Obarski’s incapacity to complete tasks in order to determine the appropriate treatment plans for the patient, such as light physical activity and the adoption of an effective communication model during the healing process.
The Role of Nurse in Caring for Mr. Obarski
In order to meet patients’ demands and protect their health and welfare, nurses must use verbal and nonverbal communication (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2018). Empathy is “the capacity to recognize and accept another’s feelings without imposing one’s own.” Empathy helps the nurse comprehend Dominik’s loss to improve his mental health. To assist him in coping with his loss, the nurse should gain his trust and cultivate a positive relationship with him (Barberio et al., 2020). Dominik is likely to benefit from the nurse’s attentive listening because it enables him to confide in the nurse about his loneliness and loss.
Social isolation is the social component in Dominik’s case study. Social isolation has been linked to depression and continues to be detrimental to a person’s physical, mental, and cognitive well-being (Flynn and Mercer, 2018). Dominik decided to live alone and distance himself from other people after losing Eleanor. His current state and the urgent need for medical attention are directly related to the effects of his loss. Prior to the passing of his wife Eleanor, Dominik enjoyed a vibrant social life, yet, he was severely sociologically unbalanced. The nurse’s job is to provide patients a reason to view their problems from a different, more wired perspective during her encounters with them. (Varkey, 2020). The nurse should talk to Dominik, spend time with him, and find out about his interests and activities in order to develop a practitioner-patient relationship with him and promote trust.
The term “ethics” refers to the moral standards that all nurses should uphold in order to develop an ethically-driven treatment philosophy. It is expected of all nurses to uphold these moral principles (NMC, 2018). The ethical notions of beneficence, non-maleficence, autonomy, and justice are connected and rely upon one another within the framework of “principles” (Trujillo, Jr., 2021). According to the NMC (2018), “beneficence” is defined as “doing good and promoting best interest,” and nurses are urged to live up to this crucial duty of deontology. The nurse exemplifies the virtue of beneficence by prioritizing the use of constructive strategies while she works to improve Dominik’s health.
For instance, the nurse arranges for Dominik to be visited following repeated failed attempts to visit him on her own through Clara. In doing this, she enables herself to put Dominik’s needs first and act in his best interests. The beneficence principle is crucial in this case study because if Dominik’s COPD is not examined, his untreated symptoms could result in an exacerbation, which could be fatal (Faris, 2020). Due to this, Dominik’s social and psychological well-being is in danger of declining. As a result, the nurse must think about what is in the best interest of the patient and avoid harm (in a non-maleficent manner) without adding to Dominik’s mental anguish caused by his grief.
For Dominik to receive risk-free nursing care, the rule of law is essential. The Mental Health Act of 1983 protects Dominik’s well-being and authorizes nurses to carry out examinations and offer assistance in this area (Barberio et al., 2020). Unless it can be demonstrated differently, it is reasonable to assume Dominik has the ability because the case study does not establish that he has a mental health problem. Despite declining hospitalization, Dominik appears to pose a threat to his health. In accordance with the code’s Section 17.1, nurses are required to take reasonable measures to protect those who are vulnerable to harm, neglect, or abuse (NMC,2 018). By having an untidy home, food that has gone bad in the refrigerator, and a lack of personal hygiene, Dominik is showing signs of self-neglect.
In order to protect Dominik’s safety, it is the nurse’s responsibility to promptly contact the local authorities, including the police (NMC,2018). Dominik must be made aware of how these regulations are beneficial to his overall health, according to the nurse. Section 135 of the Mental Health Act permits the police to enter Dominik’s home (Mental Health Act,1983). By doing this, the police will be able to use the act to move Dominik to a secure location where he may get medical assistance if necessary.
Prioritizing people, successfully performing one’s job, protecting one’s safety, and promoting professionalism while simultaneously building trust in one’s chosen sector are the four characteristics of professionalism (NMC, 2018). These ingredients are required to maintain Dominik’s health in its present condition. Article 1.5 of the Code of Ethics for Nurses states that nurses must “respect and uphold people’s human rights.” This criterion is anticipated to be followed by nurses. The nurse has a responsibility to ensure that Dominik’s human rights are not abused in any way when attempting to reach him for assessment purposes (Howatson-Jones et al., 2020).
In conclusion, Dominik’s biological, psychological, and social needs were completed with a special focus on the nurse’s tasks in relation to communication strategies and the promotion of health. Numerous protocols, methods, and tactics are combined into a holistic framework, with Dominik’s safety and needs as the first priority. Additionally, they give him the chance to take part in his care, allowing him to keep his dignity and independence, as is emphasized in good nursing practice.
References
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