case study
Case Study #1: The Aging Population
Identify the main problems.
Analysis of the issue
Effective strategies
Links to Gerontology
David Story is 83 years old. David has a routine of waking every morning at 5 AM, getting dressed, and going to the coffee house to drink coffee. He stays at the coffee house until 7 AMand attends mass at 8 AM. He lives alone, his wife passed away 5 years ago. He does not have any children. He has been retired for many years, after working at the railroad. David does not have a significant health history. He is treated for hypertension and takes 5 mg of lisinopril everyday. David went to his physician yesterday, after feeling very weak and tired. He lives in SouthernIllinois and temperatures have been in the low 100s for a week. Upon evaluation by his primary physician, his blood pressure was 82/46. The physician decided to send him to the hospital and treat him for dehydration.
What if… You are concerned with David going home after a short, 36-hour stay. In preparing to discharge him, what resources should you encourage David to utilize?
What if… You learn that David only consumes a small amount of fluids every day. David states he drinks coffee every morning, a glass of tea at lunch, and two beers every night, but he does not understand why he became dehydrated. What patient teaching should you provide David?
What if… David tells you he is set in his routine and does not spend much time socializing with other people. David states he does not like to participate in “old people” activities. What activities can you encourage him to do to stay busy?
