Introduction
Nurses are at the forefront of promoting health—not only by treating illness but by preventing it and ensuring holistic wellness. Whether it's advocating for better sleep habits, supporting emotional well-being, or addressing disparities in care, nurses must integrate clinical knowledge with compassion. This week’s readings reinforce how Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, culturally sensitive nursing, and rest and sleep interventions are essential in creating individualized, person-centered care plans.
Let’s examine how nurses can meet physical, emotional, and environmental needs in real-world situations.
???? Case Study: Whole-Person Nursing Assessment
Client: Mr. Henry Salgado, 58 years old
Background: Recently discharged after a myocardial infarction
Current Concerns: Reports difficulty sleeping, feeling “stressed and tired all the time,” and uncertainty about his health outlook.
Social History: Lives alone, works night shifts, and recently lost his brother to a heart condition.
Assessment Findings:
- BP: 138/90 mmHg
- BMI: 31.2 (obese)
- Appears withdrawn and fatigued
- Reports sleeping less than 5 hours/night
- No family nearby
- Admits he’s “not great at cooking or eating healthy”
- Avoids follow-up appointments due to transportation issues
???? Discussion Prompt
Choose ONE of the following categories and respond thoroughly:
1. Promoting Health and Preventing Disparities
- What social determinants of health affect Mr. Salgado’s well-being?
- As a nurse, how would you promote health and prevent illness in this case (Taylor Ch. 3)?
- What community-based interventions or resources could reduce disparities in care?
2. Maslow’s Hierarchy in Action
- Apply Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to prioritize Mr. Salgado’s concerns (Taylor Ch. 4).
- Which basic needs should be addressed first, and why?
- Provide specific nursing interventions to meet needs in at least three levels of the hierarchy.
3. Supporting Rest, Sleep, and Self-Concept
- What factors are contributing to Mr. Salgado’s sleep disturbance (Taylor Ch. 35)?
- How can nurses assess and intervene to promote rest and emotional wellness?
- How might self-concept and emotional strain be influencing his health outcomes?
???? Instructions for Participation
- Post your initial discussion by Saturday at 11:59 PM CST.