The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate the skills of the professional nurse as an educator. You are to prepare a patient scenario based on the required assigned topic. You will choose an already developed and reliable mHealth app to use in the education of your patient.
Course Outcomes
This assignment enables the student to meet the following course outcomes:
- CO 1: Describe patient-care technologies as appropriate to address the needs of a diverse patient population. (PO1)
- CO 5: Identify patient care technologies, information systems, and communication devices that support safe nursing practice. (PO5)
Patient Scenario: Patient Name: Sarah Thompson Age: 45 Gender: Female Medical Diagnosis: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Background Information: Sarah Thompson is a 45-year-old female who was recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. She has a sedentary lifestyle, consumes a high-calorie diet, and has a family history of diabetes. Sarah is concerned about managing her condition effectively and wants to learn more about self-care strategies and monitoring her blood glucose levels.
Educational Approach: To educate Sarah about managing her Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, the nurse will incorporate the use of an mHealth app called “GlucoseTracker.” This app has been widely recognized for its user-friendly interface, accurate glucose monitoring, and comprehensive educational resources.
Objective: The objective of using the GlucoseTracker app is to empower Sarah with the knowledge and skills to monitor her blood glucose levels effectively, make appropriate lifestyle modifications, and understand the importance of medication adherence.
Implementation:
- Introducing the App: The nurse will introduce Sarah to the GlucoseTracker app and explain its features, including glucose tracking, medication reminders, meal planning, and educational resources. The nurse will ensure that Sarah understands the app’s purpose and how it can assist her in managing her diabetes effectively.
- Setting Up the App: The nurse will guide Sarah through the process of setting up her profile within the GlucoseTracker app. This will include entering her personal information, such as age, weight, and target blood glucose levels. The nurse will emphasize the importance of accurate data entry to ensure personalized recommendations.
- Blood Glucose Monitoring: The nurse will demonstrate how to use the app’s blood glucose monitoring feature. This may involve explaining the process of obtaining a blood sample, using a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and entering the readings into the app. The nurse will emphasize the frequency of monitoring and how to interpret the results.
- Medication Reminders: The nurse will assist Sarah in setting up medication reminders within the app. This feature will help Sarah adhere to her medication regimen by providing timely reminders for taking medications, refilling prescriptions, and tracking adherence. The nurse will stress the importance of medication adherence in managing diabetes effectively.
- Meal Planning and Nutrition: Using the app’s meal planning feature, the nurse will guide Sarah in creating a balanced and healthy meal plan. The nurse will educate her about the importance of carbohydrate counting, portion control, and making healthier food choices. The app can provide nutritional information for various foods, allowing Sarah to make informed decisions when planning her meals.
- Educational Resources: The nurse will explore the educational resources section of the app with Sarah. This section may include articles, videos, and interactive modules that provide information about diabetes management, exercise recommendations, stress management, and coping strategies. The nurse will encourage Sarah to explore these resources regularly to enhance her knowledge and skills.
- Goal Setting and Progress Tracking: The nurse will assist Sarah in setting achievable goals within the app, such as improving physical activity, achieving target blood glucose levels, or losing weight. The app can track progress and provide feedback to motivate Sarah and reinforce positive behaviors. The nurse will emphasize the importance of setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories.
Evaluation: The nurse will regularly evaluate Sarah’s progress in using the GlucoseTracker app and managing her Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. This evaluation may involve reviewing Sarah’s blood glucose logs, assessing her understanding of diabetes management principles, and addressing any questions or concerns she may have. The nurse will provide ongoing support and guidance as Sarah continues her self-care journey.
By incorporating the GlucoseTracker app into Sarah’s diabetes education, the nurse can empower her to take an active role in managing her condition. The app’s features, such as blood glucose monitoring, medication reminders, meal planning, and educational resources, will enhance Sarah’s knowledge, skills, and overall self-care capabilities.