Case Studies, Chapter 3, Health, Wellness, and Health Disparities Questions with Verified
Answers
1. You are a nurse caring for a 42-year-old mechanic who is hospitalized for a gangrenous wound on
his foot. His history includes unmanaged diabetes, smoking (20 pack-years), and hypertension. He
denies alcohol use. He supports himself with full-time work. Socially, he belongs to a motorcycle
club and enjoys riding whenever his work schedule allows. When asked how he would rate his
overall health, he reports, “I may not have much money, but I’ve got my health!” (Learning
Objectives 2 and 5)
a. What pertinent data can you gather based on available patient information?
The pertinent data gathered based on this patient data includes the following:
-gangrenous wound on foot
-unmanaged diabetes
-smoking (20 pack years)
-hypertension
b. How would you categorize the patient’s illnesses?
-gangrenous wound on foot: acute illness
-unmanaged diabetes: chronic illness
-smoking (20 pack years): chronic condition
-hypertension: chronic illness
c. What questions should you ask yourself when caring for this patient?
When caring for this patient I would ask my self if the patient is ready to learn? I would
assess his lifestyle choices and look at the reality of steps to improve his care. I
would ask this patient if he would be interested in smoking cessation. I would ask myself if
management of diabetes and hypertension is realistic.
d. Which stage-of-illness behavior avoidance does this patient seem to display? Give the
rationale for your choice.
This patient is in stage three, this is evidenced by the patient being hospitalized. The
hospitalization of the patient indicates that
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