- Introduction
Background of Max Johnston’s health issues Max has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and has been accepted into a rehabilitation program. Schizophrenia is a disorder that is characterized by episodes of psychosis which may manifest as delusions, hallucinations or disorganized thoughts and behavior. It is a debilitating illness and the recovery is long and complex. For Max, one of the most distressing symptoms has been the beliefs that others are plotting to harm him in some way. He has carried a knife for self-protection and has been involved in a serious incident with his neighbor who he attacked because he was convinced the man was part of the plot. These beliefs have had severe repercussions for Max and often it is the involvement of a single risk incident that can do the most damage to the patient’s prospects and morale. Unfortunately, too, it is these problems that place severe stress on families who cope with episodes of serious affliction often over decades (Gleeson et al, 2005). Max has stated that the recent events have not been of his choosing and he would like to regain more control of his life. Hallucinatory experiences are another very distressing and common symptom of psychosis.
1.1. Background of Max Johnston’s health issues
Following a recent visit to his GP, Max decided to take some blood tests to confirm the state of his health, one of which was an oral glucose tolerance test. A few days later, he was contacted by the GP and was asked to come back in as soon as possible. Max was quite worried at this point and thought that there may have been some bad news. Positive reassurance techniques by the GP can now hopefully allay Max’s feelings of fear or anxiety. This is an important consideration as it is known that diabetes is a chronic illness often accompanied by feelings of anger and depression, which may have a serious effect on the mental health and life quality in an individual.
Max’s recent chest pain and associated symptoms of angina stem from his 35-year smoking history and are directly correlated to his pack-a-day habit. It has been decided that the benefit of nicotine replacement therapy in order to quit smoking outweighs the potential risk of future cardiovascular events and would be suitable given the proper monitoring and rapid access to an ECG. Angina is caused by a reduction of blood and oxygen supply to the heart muscle, and if a future myocardial infarction is to be avoided, so too must the regression of atheroma already present in the coronary arteries. The primary focus, with consideration to both cessation of smoking and prevention of further atheroma, will be control of high blood pressure and serum lipids.
Max Johnston is a 54-year-old male of European descent. He has been married for 28 years and has 3 children. He works full time as a manager in a medium-sized transportation company, and his hobbies include playing golf, watching rugby league, and maintaining his garden. Max has a history of not seeking regular medical check-ups, and his health has been known to take a back seat while dealing with work and family commitments. Over the past couple of years, Max has been experiencing shortness of breath, fatigue, and epigastric pain, which prompted him to visit his GP. This presentation will discuss the top three prioritized care issues: Max’s potential cardiovascular risk factor of smoking and how this has led to a recent diagnosis of angina, his concerning low HDL cholesterol level, and current diagnosis of diabetes, which has led to an abnormal GTT. These issues will be discussed in relation to best practice methods of care, evidence-based guidelines, and how they can be implemented in order to maximize Max’s quality of life.
1.2. Purpose of the essay
A range of theories, models, and frameworks are available to assist in the understanding and complexities of health. They provide an ordered structure to assess a patient and frame a comprehensive understanding. This essay will utilize the ‘Social Determinants of Health’ framework to address and differentiate the causal and influencing factors of the patient’s current health state. This will provide the necessary depth and understanding to construct an effective care plan.
To map and prioritize nursing care requirements for the specified patient, a united, goal-oriented care plan has first to be produced. This takes into account the patient’s perception and understanding of their health state and enhances their health through informed, theory-based and professional nursing care. However, health is affected by wide-ranging factors and is unique to each individual. In order to produce a comprehensive care plan, nurses need to further understand these causal and influencing factors to attain the desired health state. The final step is to understand the resources necessary for the intended care to be put into action. This is a complex process that requires the application of knowledge and critical thinking to the health issue with the intent to regain or improve an individual’s state of health.
- Health Issues Faced by Max Johnston
2.1. Overview of Max Johnston’s health conditions
2.2. Impact of health issues on Max Johnston’s daily life
2.3. Previous treatments and interventions
- Priorities of Care for Max Johnston
3.1. Identifying the most critical health concerns
3.2. Developing a care plan for Max Johnston
3.3. Balancing immediate needs with long-term goals
- Risk Factors Affecting Max Johnston’s Health
4.1. Genetic factors influencing Max Johnston’s health
4.2. Environmental factors contributing to health issues
4.3. Lifestyle choices and their impact on Max Johnston’s well-being
- Preventive Measures for Max Johnston
5.1. Importance of early detection and regular screenings
5.2. Implementing healthy habits to minimize risk factors
5.3. Promoting a supportive and conducive environment for Max Johnston’s health
- Collaborative Care Approach for Max Johnston
6.1. Involvement of healthcare professionals in Max Johnston’s care
6.2. Coordination between different healthcare providers
6.3. Engaging Max Johnston and his family in decision-making processes
- Future Challenges and Considerations
7.1. Anticipated obstacles in Max Johnston’s health journey
7.2. Strategies to overcome potential barriers
7.3. Long-term implications and planning for Max Johnston’s health