Help me with case study? Maslow Theory

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Patient, 74 was admitted to long term as was no longer able stay at home. Patient was a retired school teacher having taught grades 5 and 9 for 30+ years. Married in 1954. The couple had no children of their own Patient did have nieces and nephews in their life when young. Spouse passed away last year. Patient stayed in the home with her cat/dog but found caring for them hard. She sold her home and moved to a senior's complex 8 months ago. Patient misses backyard and gardening.

Patient has brother age 83, lives 3 1/2 hours away and tries to visit monthly. nieces and nephews are middle age and have busy lives. Most moved to other provinces and visit only at holidays.

Three months ago, Patient suffered a stroke and now has right sided weakness. admitted directly from the hospital and never returned home. Animals were sent off to new owners. Can no longer walk independently, in a wheelchair -can bear weight for a short period of time. Patient has expressive dysphasia but understands what is said. difficulty in swallowing food and drinks. vision is impaired on the right side.

Patient initially seemed to settle into her new environment quite well. Enjoyed socializing and seemed excited when school children visited . Patient likes to read but finds the print too small . attends church every Sunday.

As time passes, the children and other residents spend less time with Patient. They have trouble understanding patient due to speech problems. Patient started to spend more time in room reading (as best as they could), and now has lost interest in books and sits by the window in the room most of the time staring out. Patient's attendance to church is now sporadic, and they returns to the room immediately after meals, if they comes for meals at all. Patient makes odd comments such as "look at that" when looking into the mirror. Patient has lost 12 pounds since admission to the facility. Patient used to participate in her personal care but now you find that you are doing all of it.

Please answer the following questions:

  1. What events and changes occurred in Patient's life? How have the patient needs changed?
  2. Compare Patients current needs to each level of the pyramid. And explain whether or not they are being met.
  3. How would you help her meet her needs on each level of the pyramid as a nurse? Please choose interventions that would be appropriate and realistic.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Welcome to AN! We are willing to help students with homework but do request that you show your thoughts first. What do you think are some of the answers to the questions?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Thread has been moved to the Nursing Student Assistance forum.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Based on the case study, what factors are applicable on Maslow's hierarchy?

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Question 1

  1. What events and changes occurred in Patient's life? How have the patient needs changed?

My teacher says there are 18-20 changes. My thoughts: However I'm questioning if I'm repeating some or if they are more of a guess of a symptom then a change? What are your thoughts?

1. Patient is accustom to independent in life-fear of being a burden

2. A leader –teaching –change in work

3. Used to feeling busy and surrounded by kids in school

4. Retirement – doesn't say if it was something patient was looking forward to –large change and many feel like they have lost purpose

5. Loss /Grief–and possibly even more heightened with no children. Spouse and Patient together a long time

6. Stress to remaining individual decline in income

7. Age of patient and no mention of friends – many may have passed or relocated –social support

8. Self-Worth

9. Speech problems- feeling understood

10. Social connection

11. Weakness –one side on body. Mobility need assistance

12. Trouble swallowing

13. Feeling sad, blue, or down in the dumps.

14. Loss of interest in things that the person used to enjoy.

15. Aging with no children –support system

16. Losing pet

17. No access to gardening –changes in leisure

18. A stroke

19. Alone

20. Changes in body image with a stroke

21. Feeling worthless or guilty.

22. Decrease in appetite or weight.

23. Nutrition

24. Vision loss- Reading

25. Personal Care

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