chapelhow

Introduction

Through the utilisation of the accompanying text, I aim to discuss and reflect upon one person’s care, to which I have had previous involvement. Using the perspectives set out by Chapelhow et al (2005), I aim to gain a broader outlook on what is expected of me as a Student Nurse. Chapelhow et al (2005) has identified six skills that they feel are required of every Health Care Practitioner. These skills are defined as ‘enablers’ as they are fundamental skills that provide the means for expert professional practice (Chapelhow et al 2005). Although there are six skills outlined, I will only be using two of them to analyse the care I provided. I have chosen to use communication and risk management as my two enablers.

Case study

The person’s care I have chosen to analyse is that of a 65 year old female, for the purpose of confidentiality she will immediately be known throughout as Mary (NMC 2008). Mary was admitted to the continuing care unit where I was placed. Although Mary had come into the unit as a new admission, she has been known by the trust the unit resides in for over 10 years. Mary has only one known relative, her next of kin whom was married to her deceased brother. Mary was admitted as an informal patient, meaning she had not been sectioned under the Mental Health Act (1983). She was also deemed as having full capacity in regard to the Mental Health Capacity Act (2005).

Mary has suffered with her illness for over 10 years. She has previously been diagnosis with a Cluster B type Personality Disorder. Mary comes across as narcissistic, self-engrossed and can be very demanding at times. Mary suffers from anxiety and is prone to panic attacks in relation to her PD diagnosis. At times Mary has been known to make ...

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...ssure ulcers can be preventable if there is a systemic and multi-professional approach to their prevention and continuing assessment of skin integrity. Mary was determined and worked well with the physiotherapist; she was up and on her feet within a week of returning. Staff had to prompt her to move around the ward, which at times was hard for her due to her anxiety. Mary was deemed high risk for falls, so was put on a prevention of falls chart in conjunction with the pressure area chart and repositioning chart.

It is imperative that Health Care Professionals learn to manage risk. There are many factors to think about including environment, assessment, identification and prioritising when managing risk. Being able to strategically implement preventative measures will help in managing risk. Risk management works hand in hand with all enablers set out by chapelhow.