Heart Failure and Spiritual Assessment

Description

This week you have examined the concepts of spirituality, uncertainty, intimacy, powerlessness and loss in chapters 5, 6, 10, 11, and 12 as they relate to clients with chronic illness. At the end of each of these chapters you will find one or two case studies. Choose the concept that most interests you (chapters 5, 6, 10, 11, or 12) and complete one of the case studies at the end of the corresponding chapter. Answer every question on the case study. Write your answers in complete sentences. Include references to the text as well as journal articles from nursing or health journals in your discussion. Include a reference page at the end of the document. The document should be saved as a Word document.

Use Lubkin’s Chronic Illness Impact and Intervention by Pamala D. Larsen 10th edition as a reference. This case study is 5-1. It comes from chapter 5 on spirituality.

CASE STUDY

Linda Lucero is an 89-year-old white woman who presents for a 2-month check-up for her end-stage heart failure. She is accompanied by her 89-year-old husband Fred. The couple live in their own home, and Fred is still driving his car. The couple live in the country 10 miles from the nearest city and shopping facilities. Linda is able to bathe, dress, eat, and toilet herself. She is dependent on Fred for cooking, laundry, and cleaning. Linda and Fred mention that they want to stay in their own home at present, but it is becoming more difficult to meet their needs. They mention that their church has been very supportive of their needs.

Discussion Questions

1. How would you perform a spiritual assessment of Linda? (HOPE spiritual assessment)

2. How would you assess the role of Linda’s church?

3. What spiritual interventions would you suggest for Linda and Fred? Why?

4. If you are not comfortable performing a spiritual assessment, what action would help you feel more comfortable?