The aim of this assignment is to reflect on the management of a patient with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Reflective practice is associated with learning from experience, (Johns & Freshwater 1998) and viewed as an important strategy for health professionals who embrace life long learning (Department of Health 2000). Engaging in reflective practice is associated with the improvement of the quality of care, stimulating personal and professional growth and closing the gap between theory and practice (Benner 1984; Johns & Freshwater 1998).
Central to Johns’ idea of reflective practice is the goal of accessing, understanding and learning through direct experience. It is this that enables the practitioner to take “congruent action towards developing increased effectiveness within the context of what is understood as desirable practice.” (Johns 1995, p 226).
The model for reflection that will be employed will be John’s model, this model uses Carper’s (1978) four patterns of knowing; aesthetics, personal, ethics and empirics adding a fifth pattern ‘reflexivity’. This reflective essay will critically evaluate the management of Mr. Cox during his 30 day stay as a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ITU).
Description
A pseudonym has been used to protect the identity of the patient in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC 2002).
Past medical history
Alcohol abuse (1 bottle of whisky and approximately 10 cans beer per day); Liver failure; Cardiomyopathy; Heavy smoker (23-30 cigarettes a day).
Mr Cox a 61 year old gentleman was admitted to hospital following a 2 day history of malaena and generalised weakness. (He had no previous history of Gastrointestinal (GI) bleed).He was diagnosed with decompensated Alcoholic Liver Disease due to his deranged Liver function tests, jaundice and oesophageal and duodenal varacies.
Mr Cox’s condition deteriorated and he was transferred to ITU following an upper GI bleed of
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