Chronic Illness

Question 1

Phases of Chronic Illness - 8

Answer 1

Onset
Signs and symptoms are present.
Disease diagnosed.

Stable
Illness course and symptoms controlled by treatment regimen.
Person maintains everyday activities.

Acute
Active illness with severe and unrelieved symptoms or complications.
Hospitalization may be required for management.

Comeback
Gradual return to an acceptable way of life.

Crisis
Life-threatening situation occurs.
Emergency services are necessary.

Unstable
Unable to keep symptoms or disease course under control.
Life becomes disrupted while patient works to regain stability.
Hospitalization not required.

Downward
Gradual and progressive deterioration in physical or mental status.
Accompanied by increasing disability and symptoms.
Continuous alterations in everyday life activities.

Dying
Patient has to relinquish everyday life interests and activities, let go, and die peacefully.
Immediate weeks, days, or hours preceding death.

Question 2

Clinical Manifestations Tasks

Answer 2

Prevent and manage crisis
Carry Out prescribed treatment regimen
Control symptoms
Reorder Time
Adjust to changes in course of disease
Prevent social isolation
Attempt to normalize interactions with others

Question 3

When handling or moving a patient, use the following SPHM practices

Answer 3

Stand with your feet apart, creating a wide base.
Position the bed appropriately: waist level for direct care and hip level when moving patients.
Do not rotate from side to side; position work directly in front of your body.
Keep the patient close to your own body to avoid reaching or straining.

Question 4

prevent pressure injury

Answer 4

• Reposition the patient at least every 2 hours.
• Use gel pads for patients who are in a wheelchair and have difficulty shifting their weight. Reposition patients in wheelchairs every hour.
• Use barrier creams for incontinent patients.
• Do not rub areas that are reddened; work to relieve the pressure by repositioning or using pillows.
• Specialty beds may be required; however, these beds do not eliminate the need for repositioning.

Question 5

Elimination: Nursing Considerations

Answer 5

triggering techniques
intermittent catheterization
consistent toileting.