Case Study: Clarice and her Husband
1.What kind of associated stressor was the doctor talking about and how could you as a nurse help Clarice and her family deal with the situation?
The associated stress the doctor was talking about is that Clarice finds out her kidneys are severely damaged for poorly managed diabetes, she also finds out she is in the last stage of end stage renal failure. Another stress is that renal dialysis is needed to prolong life after diagnosis of ESRD. Kidney transplant is also mentioned as a treatment option for Clarice condition, and her families can live with this for a long time. Also, a surgical implant of arteriosclerosis fistula in her left arm is another stress that will be looked …show more content…
Another emotional impact will be feeling down which is usually sadness which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression with little or no desire to live anymore. Also, the family can become angry about this recent diagnosis of end stage renal disease and blame themselves for allowing Clarice health to deteriorate to what is it. Another emotion that this family can show will be that of fear as Clarice has to start dialysis to manage her renal failure. There is an emotion of anxiety as Clarice family has to consider kidney transplant as an option of treatment. She may worry about how this new diagnosis and treatment could disrupt her family life and how her husband will have to care for …show more content…
According to medplus.gov, when the nephrons have been damaged by 70%-80% a dialysis or transplant is required to sustain life. It is caused by poorly managed diabetes as related to Clarice’s situation where she quickly transitioned from chronic renal failure to end stage renal disease. Other factors that can cause ESRD include; hypertension, cardiovascular disease, family history. lupus, nephrotic syndrome, polycystic kidney disease and glomerulonephritis. Psychologically, a diagnosis of end stage renal disease can lead to chronic depression, anger and anxiety. The patient becomes hopeless and fear is a characteristic of their daily life. Spiritual, Clarice, her husband and family can view this diagnosis as an end to her life and could see the church as her last hope as she plans to transition to the next