Women’s Health: Care Plan
Case study 1
The probable diagnosis for the 17-year-old girl is a non-infectious genital ulcer such as an aphthous ulcer or sexual trauma. However, to ascertain either of the two diagnoses, a nurse must have a plan of care to capture the practical details of the condition. Thus, in essence, this discussion aims to establish the role of a nurse in caring for this girl.
Firstly and most importantly, a nurse in her care plan, he/she must include a comprehensive history of the patient. The patient’s history is central to the effective management of the 17-year-old girl because it gives a clue of what the patient is undergoing. Such is the case due to the possibility of establishing whether the girl has suffered recurrent aphthous ulcerations in the mouth (DermNet New Zealand, 2016). With such a clue, a nurse can presume that the patient might be having the diagnosis of acute aphthous ulceration in the genital area.
Secondly, a physical examination is another critical component for the plan of care. An inspection of the ulcerative lesion can help the nurse gain more insight of the patient’s condition. For instance, an ulcerative genital ulcer that is not sexually often has a yellow or dark skin surface (Dixit, Bradford, & Fischer, 2013). Apparently, with such evidence, the nurse can effectively manage the patient.
Moreover, a nurse must consider ordering for further tests like culture and sensitivity in her plan of care. The indication for culture and sensitivity test is the ruling out of the possibility of a sexually transmitted infection as a sole cause of the genital ulcer(DermNet New Zealand, 2016).
That notwithstanding, managing the pain emanating from the ulcer should be at the top of the nurse’s interest in his/her plan of care. The pain management is attainable using analgesics like Acetaminophen. Also, Dixit, Bradford, and Fischer, (2013) are of the opinion that corticosteroids are applicable as they can reduce the inflammation and pain in a dual role.
Lastly, the nurse must incorporate a health education session for the patient. Through such a forum, the girl, and her boyfriend can forge a new understanding of the condition and the need for a healthy sex life.
In conclusion, a comprehensive history, focused physical exam, culture and sensitivity, pain management, and health education are vital ways to manage a patient of this kind.
Case Study 2
The possibility of contracting sexually transmitted infections in the elderly population is a neglected subject in the focus of health care systems in the recent past. To avert this phenomenon, a nurse must institute a care plan that will pay attention to the sexual needs of an elderly client wishing to engage in sexual relations. A case in point is the 50-year-old woman presented in the scenario. The interventions to include in this care plan are the essence of this discussion.
Firstly, a comprehensive history and physical examination are of the essence. Such is the case given the sensitivity of engaging in another relationship that may not be suitable for one’s health because of the body status. For example, through the immunization history, one can establish whether the patient is free from the risk of Hepatitis B, which is sexually transmitted (Idso, 2009). With such information, the nurse is sure to address the real needs of his/her patients.
Secondly, a nurse can also include a teaching plan about sexually transmitted infection in the plan of care. An educational plan that focuses on enlightening the elderly woman on issues that pertain to the spread of sexually transmitted infections and their outcomes is crucial in the care plan. Such information will help the elderly client to abstain from multiple sex partners that may predispose her to such conditions. Additionally, Loue, Sajatovic, and Koroukian, (2008) assert that the nurse can emphasize on the sexuality problems that the elderly patient is susceptible to because of her age. For instance, she is at risk of conditions such as pruritus vulvae due to the absence of estrogen in post-menopause.
Lastly, the nurse needs to meet emotional and psychological needs of the woman in her plan of actions (Idso, 2009). The 50-year-old may present with psychological distress because of the failed marriage. Thus, the nurse must address this issue, for example by counseling her to boost the woman’s self-confidence and inspire a spirit of success.
In closure, a combination of the listed interventions is of the essence if a nurse must inspire good sexuality practices in an elderly patient.
REFERENCES
DermNet New Zealand., (2016). Non-sexually acquired genital ulceration | DermNet New Zealand.Dermnetnz.org. Retrieved 13 October 2016, from http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/non-sexually-acquired-genital-ulceration/
Dixit, S., Bradford, J., & Fischer, G. (2013). Management of nonsexually acquired genital ulceration using oral and topical corticosteroids followed by doxycycline prophylaxis. Journal Of The American Academy Of Dermatology, 68(5), 797-802. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2012.10.014
Idso, C. (2009). Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention in Newly Single Older Women: A Forgotten Health Promotion Need. The Journal For Nurse Practitioners, 5(6), 440-446. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2009.02.015
Loue, S., Sajatovic, M., & Koroukian, S. (2008). Encyclopedia of aging and public health. New York: Springer.
