Patient Interview Research Paper

The individual I had the pleasure of interviewing was a German/Mexican 86 year old female patient who was admitted in because of a fall at home resulting in a hip fracture. She is a petite woman with a full set of thin, white hair and she does not wear make-up. She was comfortably dressed in a dark blue/gray stripped t-shirt and a pair of black pajama pants with yellow slip-resistant hospital socks. Although she had some hearing difficulties, she was fully alert and oriented. The room where she was staying was plain. Other than her hygiene products, extra clothes, and purse, she did not have many personal items that personalized the room. She is temporarily staying in the acute facility, meanwhile she receives physical therapy.

The patient

didn’t want to share much about her childhood. However, she did mention she was born in Chandler, AZ and moved to Encinitas, CA with her family where she attended public school. When she moved back to Chandler, AZ she went to a private Catholic school. According to the patient, Catholic school was very strict and discipline wasn’t frowned upon. When she graduated, she earned money by cleaning offices and housekeeping. She never sought higher education because she felt that it wasn’t necessary during that time. The type of work always revolved around maintenance and warehouses.

She married soon after she graduated and adopted a daughter.

She avoided the question of why she never had any biological children. The current family the patient has includes her son-in-law and a very close friend. She lives alone for the moment, but when she gets home her close friend will move in with her to keep her company. She is very close to her son-in-law and said she is lucky to have him in her life. She calls her son-in-law and friend her “angels of mercy.” Unfortunately, her daughter and husband recently passed away about 6 – 7 months ago and she has never met her only grandson. The grandson currently lives with his father who won’t allow her to meet him, she doesn’t understand why. She had 3 siblings, 1 sister and 2 brothers, who have also passed

away.

Some highlights mentioned about her life were adopting her daughter and traveling with her husband. She never traveled too far, but she did enjoy traveling to California and other states. She also mentioned her family always had fun “jamaicas,” known to the patient as parties. Patient said her hobbies in the past were dancing and socializing with her family and friends. When asked if she has any current hobbies she said she loves to spend time with her friend. She is afraid to engage in activities that might harm her such as gardening.

She considers her biggest accomplishment to be raising her daughter and when asked about any regrets she said none.

According to the patient, she wouldn’t change her past because your previous errors make you the person you are today and she wouldn’t change anything in her past. The passing of her daughter and husband has been tough on her. She didn’t want to share much about them because she didn’t want to begin to cry, but she did say she’s trying to keep a positive attitude. From what I gather, she is adapting to a new life without her daughter and husband. Thankfully, she feels happy because she has a great support system with her son-in-law and

friend.
The only chronic illness my patient currently has is hypertension. She appeared to be generally healthy and mentally stable. She was admitted to the hospital for a fall at home which resulted in a hip fracture. When I interviewed her she wasn’t wearing a cast or any other supportive equipment. However, she does use a walker and wheelchair. She is capable of ambulating with her walker, but she is afraid due to her recent fall. She is continent and seems to be very independent.

Based on Erikson’s psychosocial theory, I believe she in stage 8 due to her age. According to D’Amico and Barbarito, stage 8 is generally people who are between ages 65 to death. Stage 8 is explained as “integrity vs. despair.” Integrity describes individuals who appreciate the uniqueness of life and accept death; whereas despair describes individuals who feel “a sense of loss, despair, and contempt for others” (p. 25). Based on the attitude and life view of my patient, I believe she is in the integrity side of Erikson’s theory. During our interview, my perception of her was that of a positive, cheerful woman who enjoys life and moves forward from tough situations.

The interviewing experience was very special to me. I had the opportunity to meet someone who has such a positive outlook in life. I’ve always been the type of person who likes to view life in color. I don’t like to have a negative outlook in life because I believe having a positive outlook will help you develop a better lifestyle. My patient confirmed that for me during our interview. She is currently dealing with a lot of grievances, yet she still manages to keep a smile in her face. I truly admire her courage and I hope to have the pleasure of seeing her again.