Nursing Care Of Physiologic & Psychologic Disorders
Present the age-related Physiologic or Psychologic Disorder
Choose from one: Integumentary function, Urinary function, Musculoskeletal function or Endocrine function.
Describe the age-related changes and common problems and conditions.
Summarize the nursing management appropriate for your Physiologic or Psychologic Disorder chosen
Sample Solution
Nursing care for both physiological and psychological disorders requires a holistic approach that addresses the patient’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Nurses play a vital role in providing comprehensive care, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
Physiological Disorders:
Physiological disorders encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the body’s function, such as:
- Cardiovascular diseases: Heart failure, coronary artery disease, arrhythmias
- Respiratory diseases: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Neurological disorders: Stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease
- Endocrine disorders: Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency
Nursing care for physiological disorders typically involves:
- Monitoring vital signs: Assessing temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation to track the patient’s condition.
- Administering medications: Providing prescribed medications to manage symptoms and promote healing.
- Performing procedures: Assisting with diagnostic tests, therapeutic interventions, and wound care.
- Providing patient education: Informing patients about their condition, treatment options, and self-management strategies.
- Promoting comfort and well-being: Addressing pain, fatigue, and other discomforts to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Psychological Disorders:
Psychological disorders, also known as mental health conditions, affect a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Examples include:
- Anxiety disorders: Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder
- Mood disorders: Depression, bipolar disorder
- Psychotic disorders: Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder
- Eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder
- Personality disorders: Borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder
Nursing care for psychological disorders often includes:
- Psychotherapeutic interventions: Providing individual or group therapy to help patients understand and manage their condition.
- Medication management: Administering psychotropic medications to stabilize mood and alleviate symptoms.
- Milieu therapy: Creating a supportive and therapeutic environment that promotes recovery.
- Crisis intervention: Assisting patients in managing overwhelming emotions and preventing self-harm.
- Social skills training: Helping patients develop communication and interpersonal skills to improve their relationships.
Holistic Nursing Care:
Regardless of the specific disorder, nurses strive to provide holistic care that addresses the patient’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This may involve:
- Assessing the patient’s individual needs and preferences.
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, therapists, and social workers.
- Providing emotional support and empathy.
- Advocating for the patient’s rights and best interests.
- Educating the patient and their family about the disorder and treatment options.
- Helping the patient develop coping mechanisms and self-management skills.
By providing comprehensive and compassionate care, nurses can play a crucial role in helping patients with both physiological and psychological disorders manage their conditions and improve their quality of life.