Contemporary Issues In Nursing Essay

1) Introduction:

Contemporary issues describe current problems faced in a given environment. Some of the issues which are faced in nursing home practices are malnutrition, polypharmacy, staffing levels and risk of falls.

At workplace I deal with Dementia affected clients. This condition generally affects the older age group and is a progressive illness. Dementia is a non-curable condition. In this condition elderly client requires focussed care and support in their Activities of daily living. The dependency factor only increases with time and finally becomes fully dependent for all levels of care.

Due to the advancing illness the elderly clients are at a high risk for imbalances related with nutrition and hydration. The dementia clients’ needs

adequate care about their nutritional status. (Abbott, Rebecca A).Malnutrition is a broader term used for either over nutrition and under nutrition. Commonly seen in Dementia related clients is under nutrition which is contributed by factors like behavioural, emotional and disease related factors. Nutrition and its management are paramount in geriatric care.
Major issues identified with dementia patients in respect of Under nutrition are Feeding impairments ,Slow eating ,Challenging behaviours ,cognitive impairments ,Barriers to nutrition and environmental. I found these are very important in determining the quality of life of clients. With adequate nutrition providence, their care is well supported. It is critical to see clients have a proper intake both with food and water in relation to comfortable quality living. The risks associated with lack of oral intake could only worsen their condition and make them prone to be susceptible for illness and infections.
In relation to form a theme for the above highlighted issue, concepts are required and are the basic ingredients for the theory.

Various concepts are: Dignity, empowerment, respect, environment, relations, vulnerability, comfort, loneliness, self-care and autonomy are the concepts in malnutrition. In the concept study, the relation of the theme has been shown that providing proper daily intake, surely runs parallel with all the concepts mentioned earlier. In relation to theory findings, self-care deficit theory and Person centred care theory is to be rationalised in this assignment and to be discussed further. The theories taken both highlight at the maximum to help realise that the client is to be supported all the way through, while maintaining oral intake and proper recording which does bring a difference and helps maintaining a healthy relationship with clients that are dependent on their care. The areas of concern and issues will be reflected upon individually and recommendations to improve the standard of care will also be established and help with the overall guidance and application of new procedural policies in dealing with issues that have been raised and to cater effectively to the clients and their

well-being.
The focus of this assignment will be based on two themes:
a) Feeding Impairment’s
b) Challenging issues associated with nutrition