Diabetic Foot Care Essay Example

quarter horses.

Despite having a prosthesis due to his left leg being amputated just below the knee, my client still attends Sunday Mass and Wednesday bible study at church. Though he has limited mobility, he tries to assist in farm work as much as he can and receives help from his brother when needed. His unhealthy snacking habits occur when he feels hungry or is at church. His support system comprises of his spouse, parents, sibling, and fellow church members.

Despite having a family history of depression and experiencing passive suicidal ideation, he follows a routine of waking up early to feed the horses and complete farm chores, and then spending his time watching TV until there are other tasks to do. Although he has not made any suicidal attempts, while having his foot?s digits amputated, he did express a desire for his entire leg to be amputated. Following consultations with professionals, he was informed about why solely amputating the digits was necessary and what the effects of losing his entire leg would be.

During my assessment of the client, they displayed a strong understanding of their health situation and had many questions for the doctor. As part of an assignment, I asked if I could provide some educational material, to which the client was receptive. However, I noticed that the client did not fully comprehend the significance of maintaining a healthy blood glucose level despite having knowledge of the disease's basic pathophysiology. To assist with education, I obtained various brochures and a booklet from the hospital, and also utilized a mirror and testing string provided by my professor.

Information on diet management and the causes of

unnoticeable sores can be found in these references. The individual has completed high school but not pursued further education in college. They frequently conduct online research and dedicate approximately two hours daily to reading the Bible.

During the teaching process, I asked my client about the key things he needed to learn. He mentioned two things: identifying the food he can eat and recognizing if he has a sore. To eliminate distractions, I requested my client to switch off the television and create a conducive learning environment. He agreed and acknowledged that the silence would aid him in focusing. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that having someone around to assist him would make it easier.

During our conversation, I inquired whether his wife could assist him, but he explained that due to her job as a secretary and having to help on the farm, she is stretched thin with time. Although initially planning not to visit today, it would be beneficial for his wife to attend the session as well. To improve his nutrition, my teaching plan includes discussing what foods to eat, providing examples for him to identify proper nutrition, and demonstrating how to use a mirror to check for sores and inspect his extremities. Hospital-provided materials would be helpful for teaching and the client can keep the materials as a reference. I have printed a packet from the care notes on MicroMedix, given him a pamphlet from the diabetes clinician, and provided a book on self-care.

Using a mirror, I demonstrated and provided examples for how to check and manage sores, maintain a proper diet, and keep blood glucose levels stable. To ensure effective teaching, I eliminated potential

distractions by turning off the television and closing the window blinds. This allowed the client to remain focused and attentive throughout the session. After teaching, I encouraged the client to articulate their understanding of the importance of each topic covered.

The importance of meal planning in controlling diabetes was highlighted as the initial step. To accomplish this, we evaluated the feasibility of following a fixed eating schedule by reviewing his daily routine. We also discussed substituting chips with fruits, veggies, and whole grains for snacks and selecting lean protein sources like chicken, turkey, or ground beef while limiting fried food consumption for main meals. Lastly, we suggested including low-fat or non-fat foods or beverages into his diet.

During my teaching, I instructed on the moderation of salt and sugar consumption. Additionally, I provided guidance on utilizing a cheap mirror from a store such as walmart to prop up in a chair or bathroom, enabling the patient to check their overall health and observe any potential foot sores. Furthermore, I illustrated the sting test to assess the patient's foot sensitivity, indicating areas with or without sensation.

The loss of sensation in the feet due to neuropathy was the reason for this. We stressed the importance of exercise, encouraging the patient to do leg lifts or walk around the farm instead of just doing chores. Exercise would aid in weight loss, reduce stress, lower cholesterol, regulate blood glucose levels and improve insulin function. Following a 30-minute session with my client, I evaluated our progress and went over appropriate snacks and meals.

Despite liking chips, the individual was reminded that consuming large portions is not advisable; however, moderate amounts are

permissible. As an alternative, we explored their preferences for fruits and vegetables, and discovered that carrots, apples, pineapple, peaches, and celery with peanut butter would be suitable substitutes. Overall, the instruction was deemed successful and complemented the advice provided by the diabetes clinician the day before.

During our meeting, we discussed setting up a mirror at his home to check his feet and went over snacks available in the lounge. To test his preference for snacks, I offered him a choice between jell-o, ice cream, and orange sherbet. He ended up selecting the orange sherbet, explaining that he wanted to reduce his intake of dairy and sugar.

During my instruction, I confirmed that he was right; sherbet can contain the same amount of sugar as ice cream, but it has lower fat content and no dairy. Throughout the shift, I regularly evaluated his comprehension. He demonstrated an eagerness to learn by frequently asking questions. Before departing, he presented me with a plan or a provisional schedule outlining his ability to incorporate smaller meals or snacks consistently. Additionally, he contacted his wife to stop at the dollar store and buy a mirror on her way home.

Placing the menu of food choices by his chair in the living room would reinforce his dietary decisions and help him maintain a regular schedule at the hospital as well as his daily routine. Although he has an understanding of the teaching session and we have set insulin injections and meal plans, implementing an exercise and snacks routine would be very appropriate.

Although collaboration with other team members would need to be ensured, the teaching session was deemed very successful and greatly appreciated.

The patient received instruction that enabled him to successfully manage his diabetes.