The graded discussion topic for this week is related to the following Course Outcomes: (COs).

CO1 Apply prior knowledge of nursing and related disciplines theories and principles to explain expected client behaviors, while distinguishing between normal findings, variations, and abnormalities. (Police Officer 1)
CO3 When conducting a health assessment, use effective communication. (PO 3) A local hospital has directed your home health agency to evaluate and treat an elderly woman who is being discharged from its medical surgical unit.

Millie Gardner, an 83-year-old female patient, was discharged today to the care of her husband Fred (87), after a 9-day hospitalization for pneumonia, dehydration, and failure to thrive. She has a history of hypertension, Type II diabetes, and a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) with left-sided weakness. The patient is alert and oriented, but has periods of forgetfulness during the night. The patient has intermittent bowel and bladder incontinence and requires assistance with all activities of daily living (ADLs).

Medications:

Lopressor, Lisinopril, Plavix, Metformin, and Novolin R are available on a sliding scale. *NEW* Multivitamin Colace Zithromax
Champ, the couple’s rambunctious miniature Doberman pinscher dog, greets you upon arrival. Millie is in her wheelchair, staring out the window, while Fred is in the kitchen preparing the couple’s lunch.

Please use the general survey process to describe the areas that you would be observing immediately upon entering the home based on the scenario above.
What, if any, concerns do you have about Millie’s skin and nutritional status?
What nursing interventions will you include in your care plan to address these issues?
What methods will you employ to educate Millie and Fred about the new medications?
Please include the information that you will communicate to the physician’s office at the end of the visit on the SBAR.