Reference no: EM133406404

Case Study: Mobility and Balancing Qi

Karen is a home health nurse working with an elderly Asian-American woman. Karen works with Mrs. Chen 3 days a week to help with her mobility after a series of falls. Mrs. Chen is still weaker on her left side, and the lack of improvement makes her attitude toward Karen less-than-friendly.

In an effort to improve their work, Karen has tried to speak with Mrs. Chen regarding their relationship, but she wasn't sure Mrs. Chen understood. Karen invited a translator to speak with Mrs. Chen on her behalf. The translator explained to Karen that Mrs. Chen is upset that Karen isn't treating the cause of her mobility problems, the imbalance or deficiencies in her Qi.

Not knowing much about Qi, or the Taoist religion which Mrs. Chen practices, Karen worked with the translator to help understand what Mrs. Chen needs in order to get the most out of their work together. Karen soon discovered that, aside from Meals on Wheels and an occasional neighbor, she is one of the only people who visits Mrs. Chen. Most of Mrs. Chen's friends and family are also elderly or live far away. She'd like Karen to help her gain access to better nutrition and holistic medicines to help better treat her whole body.

Part 1

By trying to understand Mrs. Chen's religious and spiritual needs without judgement, what principle is Karen displaying? Why is this principle important to effective nursing?

Mrs. Chen's religion, Taoism, seeks to treat the whole person. What principle of nursing echoes this?

When Karen brings in a translator to facilitate their conversations, which nursing principle does she display?

Part 2

Write up another case where religious beliefs will affect the plan of care for the patient. In your write-up, show how you would fashion an effective plan of care for this patient.