People are living longer and want to stay as independent as possible, for as long as possible. With advanced age come factors that pose a threat to an older person’s safety and well-being. As we examine “The Home Visit with Sallie Mae Fisher” (Grand Canyon University, n.d.). Problems and identified risks will be discussed in order of priority. Evidence will be provided with recommendations and interventions to help make Sallie Mae safer at home. Medication Compliance and Education Problem
Sallie Mae has a problem obtaining her medications and is dependent on her daughter who could not pickup her medications in a timely manner. Her pill bottles were on the table and it appears she has …show more content…
The obvious indication was her trip over the throw rug, which needs to be removed. Additional fall risks include: complaints of weakness and poor appetite, a low blood pressure, and the use of multiple medications. According to Sirkin & Rosner (2009), elderly patients that take several medications are at a higher risk for adverse effects, including falls (p. 403). As discussed above, Sallie Mae needs her medications reconciled and should also have orthostatic blood pressure monitoring; hypotension is a main contributor to falls and it can commonly occur due to concomitant drugs (Smith, …show more content…
Fisher home visit, after conducting an assessment Ms. Fisher exhibit signs of poor nutrition and dehydration. Ms. Fisher reported that she has a loss of appetite and mostly consumes canned soup. During her physical assessment, she displayed signs of dehydration as evidenced by her dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor and tenting. During her one-week discharge form the hospital she has had a total weight loss of 14 pounds and had not had regular bowel movements.
As recommended from the American Heart Association on heart-healthy diets and lifestyle, individuals suffering from congestive heart failure and hypertension should follow a diet low in sodium and increase fluids (American Heart Association). Recommendations that can be made to improve Ms. Fisher nutritional deficiency is providing education on healthy eating choices such as restriction on sodium and increase in vegetables and fruits intake and an increase in fiber. Ms. Fisher should also be instructed regarding any fluid limits although dehydration caused by her medications is a concern.