- The scenario is based on a 69-year-old female that presented with chest pain and was diagnosed with stable angina. The patient reports the pain started 5 days ago and gets worse on exertion and stops when resting. She has a past medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. My treatment plan included giving her nitroglycerin sublingual for the chest pain as needed. Starting her on additional medication to bring down her blood pressure. Educating her to continue taking her aspirin. The patient refused to take statin medication to help reduce her cholesterol. She started taking red yeast rice pill but that’s not helping with her cholesterol. I educated her on lifestyle modifications and referred her out to cardiology.
How would your treatment plan change if your client admitted to food insecurity? What resources are available in san diego that would be useful for senior citizens experiencing food insecurity and dietary restrictions based on medical diagnoses of stable angina?
Include the following components:
a. write 250-300 words in a Microsoft Word document
b. demonstrate clinical judgment appropriate to the virtual patient scenario
c. cite at least two relevant scholarly sources that are APA within 5 years
d. communicate with minimal errors in English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation
Full Answer Section
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Food Assistance Programs:
- Connect the patient with local food assistance programs, such as:
- CalFresh (California Food Assistance Program): A federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to purchase food.
- Community Food Banks: These organizations provide food to people in need.
- Senior Nutrition Programs: These programs offer meals and nutrition education to older adults.
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Medication Adherence:
- Collaborate with a social worker or case manager to address any barriers to medication adherence, such as cost or transportation.
- Explore options for medication assistance programs or generic alternatives.
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Lifestyle Modifications:
- Provide education on the importance of physical activity, even in small amounts.
- Encourage stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga.
- Discuss the impact of smoking and alcohol consumption on cardiovascular health.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Food Insecurity. [invalid URL removed]
- United States Department of Agriculture. (2023). Food and Nutrition Service. https://www.fns.usda.gov/
By addressing the patient's food insecurity, we can improve her overall health and well-being, ultimately leading to better control of her stable angina and reduced risk of future cardiovascular events.
Sample Answer
Assessing the Impact of Food Insecurity on Patient Care
Understanding the Impact of Food Insecurity
Food insecurity, a state of uncertainty about reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food, can significantly exacerbate chronic conditions like stable angina. Individuals experiencing food insecurity may resort to less nutritious, less expensive food options, leading to poor dietary habits and increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Modifying the Treatment Plan
If the patient admitted to food insecurity, I would modify the treatment plan to address the underlying social determinant of health. Here are some strategies:
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Nutritional Counseling:
- Refer the patient to a registered dietitian to develop a personalized meal plan that aligns with her dietary restrictions and addresses her specific nutritional needs.
- The dietitian can provide guidance on heart-healthy food choices, portion control, and meal planning.