Physiological disorders-task 2
Introduction-Vijay Patel
This report will be based on Vijay Patel, who is a 47-year-old father who lives with his
two children and wife. He has been currently unemployed and endeavours to give up
smoking. He spends a lot of time at home and has a limited social life. Vijay has been
diagnosed with grade 2 bowel cancer and asthma. This report will provide a justified and
personalised treatment plan that reflects the needs, wants, and wishes of Vijay whilst
ensuring that his physical, emotional social and intellectual needs are met ensuring a
holistic approach to his healthcare.
Diagnosis of asthma
As stated in the case study Vijay presented to his G.P a series of chest infections and a
persistent cough. This exemplifies signs of asthma and therefore requires further
medical intervention promptly -an early diagnosis will enable the G.P to offer the most
appropriate healthcare in the early stages of the disorder. Following this, the G.P will
refer Vijay to the asthma practice nurse who will carry out a peak flow test. A peak flow
test is a measurement of how quickly an individual can blow air out of their lungs. This
involves the patient blowing as hard as they can into a small handheld peak flow meter.
A peak flow of 400-600 L/min is considered normal, the case study however states that
Vijay had a peak flow of only 340 L/min indicating that asthma could be present. The use
of this procedure alone is however unreliable and requires a spirometry to confirm the
findings. It is also major for health professionals within this inter-disciplinary team
providing care for Vijay to note his contextual factors given the history of smoking and
industrial work that could arguably contribute to a worryingly low peak flow result, but
most significantly his exposure to these toxins makes him susceptible to developing
asthma.
Diagnosis of Bowel cancer
Vijay reported that he had found blood in his stool, and this would have raised an
extensive cause of concern for the doctor as this is an indicative of bowel cancer. A
digital rectal examination is major in the diagnosis of bowel cancer. This is an internal
examination of the rectum which can be performed by a doctor. A further stool sample
for carcinoembryonic antigen (a specific antigen for bowel cancer) can be performed by
an oncologist to further confirm the findings of Bowel cancer, maximising the validity for
results, assuring that the most appropriate care and treatment is provided.
Treatment
Treatment available for bowel cancer consist of surgery, chemotherapy, and
physiotherapy which would be effective in treating Vijay in the initial stages of stage 2
, bowel cancer, however the impact of perhaps having to live with a special diet or stoma
bag can be exceedingly overwhelming on the health and wellbeing of a patient. In
addition to this, procedures such as chemotherapy can pose a plethora of life-long
effects such as emotional difficulties and loss of fertility. It is therefore important to note
and consider this when generating a treatment plan in order to ensure that his
experiences are made at ease to ensure his needs are effectively met. Furthermore,
Vijay will require regular monitoring and testing in order to ensure that the cancer is not
spreading.
Moreover, Vijay will require a reliever inhaler which is blue and utilised to treat asthma
symptoms when they occur, which should relieve symptoms within a few minutes. This
can be utilised alongside a prevent inhaler which is utilised every day to reduce the
inflammation and sensitivity of the airways, minimising the conceivable risks associated
with asthma.
Treatment plan
In order to provide an effective treatment plan, goals must be implemented. This
consists of a clear goal that identifies what Vijay's care needs are which further reflects
his physical, social, intellectual, and emotional needs. Active participation is also
essential as it enables Vijay to get involved within his healthcare assuring that he feels
inclusive, promoting his autonomy. Success of the treatment plan is 100% dependant on
his sense of motivation and willingness to engage in the process. For example, Vijay
endeavours to give up smoking and this can be an exceedingly difficult and life changing
task however a great sense of motivation is required to achieve his desires. Vijay will be
cared for by a multi-disciplinary team, including a specialist cancer surgeon, an
oncologist and radiologist who are all able to access his treatment plan and therefore
meet his health care needs appropriately.
Bowel cancer treatment plan-Vijay Patel
Vijay’s bowel cancer diagnoses states that he has stage 2
bowel cancer. This means that the cancer has spread into the
outer lining of his bowel. It has not yet spread to his lymph
nodes or distant parts of his body. Vijay will require medical
intervention promptly so that the cancer does not spread to
other parts of his body.
Need identified
Radiation therapy- utilises beams of intense energy to kill
cancer cells. Vijay may require five treatments a week (1
treatment a day from Monday to Friday) allowing him to have
a break on the weekends. This will be performed by a