Introduction
Diabetes remains one of the major chronic conditions affecting many people in the globe. Statistics show that “over 29 million American citizens have diabetes” (Healthy People 2020, 2015, para. 3). This number is expected to rise in the coming years. A powerful healthcare plan will empower more people in order to deal with this diabetes. The proposed care plan will therefore target individuals with diabetes. The ultimate goal is to ensure more people are able to manage the condition.
Healthy People 2020 Topic
The Healthy People 2020 indicates that diabetes is a major challenge in the United States. The selected Healthy People 2020 topic is diabetes. The country plans to reduce the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM). New efforts are also being undertaken to support individuals who are at risk of developing the condition (Healthy People 2020, 2015).
Summary of Weeks 1-3
Week One
The selected choice for this week was diabetes. The study identified diabetes as one of the chronic diseases affecting many Americans. As well, many people are not aware of the risks factors associated with DM. Several agencies are focusing on the best initiatives to address the problems associated with DM. Several conditions such as “kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and obesity were observed to coexist with diabetes” (Kirk, Ebert, Gamble, & Ebert, 2013, p. 381). Individuals with these conditions have higher chances of developing diabetes. Studies have indicated that “individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, the elderly, and obese were observed to have higher chances of becoming diabetic” (Kirk et al., 2013, p. 383). A powerful questionnaire was therefore used to understand the major problems and challenges associated with DM.
Week Two
People diagnosed with DM should accept the condition before embracing the most appropriate management practices. The exercise highlighted the importance of using a holistic care plan whenever dealing with chronic diseases such as diabetes. The “first aspect of the plan is to bring together different players such as diabetes educators, family members, and support groups” (Forjuoh, Ory, Jiang, Vuong, & Bolin, 2014, p. 408). The patient should also embrace the best personal efforts. For instance, the individual should exercise, take medicines adequately, and develop a positive attitude towards the disease (Forjuoh et al., 2014). The important goal is to have a better life. The approach will also improve the health outcomes of very individual at risk of developing DM. Proper disease management regimes will eventually address the problem and support the changing needs of every individual.
Week Three
This week examined the major strategies that can support the health needs of patients with DM. The assignment focused on the case of Liz Olivia. Several support strategies have the potential to produce positive results. The disease management process should focus on the social, educational, and physical needs of the patient. Nurse educators should encourage their patients to engage in the most appropriate practices (Forjuoh et al., 2014). Pharmacological interventions can also support Olivia’s needs. Some medications have the potential to address the issues associated with the disease. Social support and therapies will also ensure the targeted patient leads a normal life. Self-management practices should be used to support the ever-changing needs of more people. Individuals at risk of DM require new guidelines in order to deal with the condition.
Care Plan for the Group
The proposed care plan for patients with DM will present the best interventions. The most appropriate actions will also be identified in order to support more individuals (Forjuoh et al., 2014). Evaluations will also be done in order to analyze the realized goals and outcomes. The plan will have the following steps.
Nursing Diagnoses
The “first nursing diagnosis will focus on imbalanced nutrition less than the body requirements” (Chew, Shariff-Ghazali, & Fernandez, 2014, p. 796). Activity intolerance will also be monitored by examining the level of energy production. The next diagnosis will “focus on impaired skin integrity” (Forjuoh et al., 2014, p. 409). This is “usually related to decreased activity, poor skin-care, and decreased sensory sensation” (Chew et al., 2014, p. 798). The plan will also monitor the deficit of body fluids. This occurs “due to osmotic dieresis from polyuria or hyperglycemia” (Chew et al., 2014, p. 798).
Assessment Data
The assessment data will be both subjective and objective. Subjective assessment will focus on immunological deficit, purulent discharge, and hyperthermia (Chew et al., 2014). Objective assessment data will include fatigue, weight loss, increased rate of respiration, and body weakness.
Interview Results
The results of the interview will be used to identify the needs of different patients. Such patients will be grouped depending on their health needs. The approach will ensure every group embraces the best disease management practices (Chew et al., 2014).
Desired Outcomes
The first outcome is to ensure the patients understand the best medications and therapeutic interventions. The patients will also become aware of the causative factors associated with DM. The individuals will also be expected to control their weights effectively (Blais & Hayes, 2011). Appropriate measures will be used to deal with fatigue among the targeted patients.
Evaluation Criteria
Powerful criteria will be applied for every identified group. The criteria will monitor the major health challenges and management practices embraced by the patients. Data will also be collected frequently (Blais & Hayes, 2011). The collected data will dictate the best intervention strategies.
Actions and Interventions
Nurse educators and caregivers will use powerful interventions to support the targeted patients. The groups will be informed about the importance of physical activities. Physicians and dieticians will also be involved throughout the process. Drugs will also be administered properly depending on the existing signs. Vital signs will also be monitored regularly (Blais & Hayes, 2011). Lost fluids will also be replaced frequently. Social support and therapies will also be embraced.
Evaluation of Patient Outcomes
The outcomes of the patients will be evaluated frequently. The important objective is to ensure every patient is supported in a professional manner (Blais & Hayes, 2011). Individuals who require specialized support systems will also be identified. The plan is also expected to produce positive results.
Strategies for the Caregiver in the Plan
Nurses and caregivers will engage in different actions in order to empower the targeted chronic illness group. They will discuss with the individuals in order to identify the need for activity or medicine. They will also monitor the blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration after physical activities. They will educate and support the individuals through the plan (Blais & Hayes, 2011). They will ensure the patients inject themselves effectively. Individuals at risk will also be empowered to embrace the best practices (Healthy People 2020, 2015). The caregivers will also examine every aspect of the care plan. The important objective is to support every member of the chronic illness group.
Reference List
Blais, K., & Hayes, J. (2011). Professional Nursing Practice. Boston, MA: Pearson.
Chew, B., Shariff-Ghazali, S., & Fernandez, A. (2014). Psychological Aspects of Diabetes Care: Effecting Behavioral Change in Patients. World Journal of Diabetes, 5(6), 796-799.
Forjuoh, S., Ory, M., Jiang, L., Vuong, A., & Bolin, J. (2014). Impact of chronic disease self-management programs on type 2 diabetes management in primary care. World Journal of Diabetes, 5(3), 407-411.
Healthy People 2020: Diabetes. (2015). Web.
Kirk, J., Ebert, C., Gamble, G., & Ebert, C. (2013). Social support strategies in adult patients with diabetes: a review of strategies in the USA and Europe. Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism, 8(4), 379-389.