Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalance: Case Study
Patient Case Study: Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalance
This patient case study report will outline the contributing factors related to a fluid and electrolyte imbalance, whilst assessing the medical and nursing management for the patient. Furthermore, an evaluation of the implemented nursing and medical treatment will also be discussed in this report.
Introduction:
Patient History:
Mr. Richards presented to accident and emergency on the 7th October 2004, primarily due to the progressive deterioration of end stage motor neuron disease that was diagnosed two years ago. Coupled with a medical history of Alzheimer's disease, renal stones, enlarged prostate, hypertension, and an osophageal rupture, Mr. Richards' health has continued to deteriorate as evidenced by weight decline, diminished appetite, decreased mobility, muscle wasting, poor oral intake and dysphasia. Prior to his admission to hospital, Mr. Richards was cared for at home by his wife, however due to severe cognitive disturbances together with motor neuron features, his wife can no longer care for him at home as she cannot determine his needs or understand his complaints. Mr. Richards and his wife have both accepted his poor prognosis and deterioration as reflected by orders not to resuscitate, intubate or ventilate. His reason for admission is not an acute illness but to determine what palliative measures can relieve discomfort whilst correcting his fluid imbalance.
Rationale:
A combination of reasons exists as to why Mr. Richards's fluid and electrolyte imbalance has occurred. Firstly, as a result of Mr. Richards growing dysphasia, his difficulty in comprehending language combined with decreased communication has led to an inadequate oral intake (Lewis, 2000). Furthermore, coupled with the chronic, degenerative disease of the brain known as Alzheimer's (Marieb, 2004), a loss of interest in food, diminished appetite and a decreased ability to self-feed have contributed to the development
This patient case study report will outline the contributing factors related to a fluid and electrolyte imbalance, whilst assessing the medical and nursing management for the patient. Furthermore, an evaluation of the implemented nursing and medical treatment will also be discussed in this report.
Introduction:
Patient History:
Mr. Richards presented to accident and emergency on the 7th October 2004, primarily due to the progressive deterioration of end stage motor neuron disease that was diagnosed two years ago. Coupled with a medical history of Alzheimer's disease, renal stones, enlarged prostate, hypertension, and an osophageal rupture, Mr. Richards' health has continued to deteriorate as evidenced by weight decline, diminished appetite, decreased mobility, muscle wasting, poor oral intake and dysphasia. Prior to his admission to hospital, Mr. Richards was cared for at home by his wife, however due to severe cognitive disturbances together with motor neuron features, his wife can no longer care for him at home as she cannot determine his needs or understand his complaints. Mr. Richards and his wife have both accepted his poor prognosis and deterioration as reflected by orders not to resuscitate, intubate or ventilate. His reason for admission is not an acute illness but to determine what palliative measures can relieve discomfort whilst correcting his fluid imbalance.
Rationale:
A combination of reasons exists as to why Mr. Richards's fluid and electrolyte imbalance has occurred. Firstly, as a result of Mr. Richards growing dysphasia, his difficulty in comprehending language combined with decreased communication has led to an inadequate oral intake (Lewis, 2000). Furthermore, coupled with the chronic, degenerative disease of the brain known as Alzheimer's (Marieb, 2004), a loss of interest in food, diminished appetite and a decreased ability to self-feed have contributed to the development