Josephina Case

Assessment In this case, Josephina is an 80-year-old lady who has contracted bilateral pneumonia. Her family support system, her husband, and son have surrounded the patient during this frustrating and hard time in her life. Josephina is afraid of shortness of breath. After several weeks of improvement, Josephina’s health condition has decreased that had resulted in use of a respirator. Josephina is fully alert and aware of her medical condition, however has resulted with much frustration. Thus, this had led Josephina in wanting to disconnect her respirator and would like the social workers and nurses to respect her wishes. Josephina declines any further medical treatment. Josephina’s primary physicians have asked social workers to help
Keeping in mind that Josephina is an 80-year-old woman who is possibly receiving social security benefits, other factors may be a possible contribution towards her financial issue. It is not proven whether or not her son is working or contributing towards bringing in income, however, these are factors to keep in mind to determine what possible resources are needed or available in regards to Josephina’s wishes. According to Josephina’s frustration, anxiety, stress, and depression are all high risk factors that contribute towards her condition. These are high risk factors that should be taken into consideration and choosing the best treatment plan and the necessary resources needed. Based on Josephina’s case that is taken place in a hospital, it is best practice to screen for any suicidal/homicidal ideation with patient and spouse. Despite Josephina’s decision for her medical treatment in wanting to end respiratory treatment, it is possible that the husband is undergoing an emotional roller coaster ride due to the possibility of losing his wife. Such risk factors such as stress and depression may play a role and can easily take over one’s ability to function normal in life
Recognizing mental health disorders can be very difficult. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) is a diagnostic tool for mental health disorders used by health care professionals that is quick and easy for patients to complete (PHQ Screeners, n.d). The questionnaire relies on patient self-report, the clinician should verify all responses, and a definitive diagnosis is made on clinical grounds taking into account how well the patient understood the questionnaire, as well as other relevant information from the patient (PHQ Screeners, n.d). This will allow the social worker to administer the PHQ-9 and determine whether the family or Josephine will need further mental health