Mrs Patel was admitted to the ward with chronic neuropathic pain also known as nerve pain. It is a condition that affects the nerves, the pain occurs when the nerves is damaged (Fear, 2010). Patient/s who suffers from this condition describes the pain as shooting, burning, numbness, prickly and feeling of coldness (Royal College of Nursing, 2004). According to National Institute of Clinical Essence (2011), ‘neuropathic pain is caused by a lesion or disease of the peripheral somatosensory nervous system’. In addition, Mrs Patel also suffers from Type 2 diabetes which is a condition that causes the blood sugar to become elevated, in which the insulin producing cells are unable to make enough insulin. There are different kinds of diabetes neuropathy: sensory, autonomic and motor (Diabetes UK, 2012). According to Poole (2008), neuropathic pain is related to diabetes neuropathy. Most people who suffer from diabetes experience neuropathic pain. Obesity is a risk factor of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. According to Ferrannini & Cushman (2012), hypertension is the sustained elevation of systemic arterial blood pressure to a level likely to cause cardiovascular damage or other adverse consequences.
In order to assess Mrs Patel’s healthcare needs appropriately, the nurse will use the four stages of the nursing process. The nursing framework by Roper, Logan and Tierney's (1996), is widely used to recognise the patient’s problems. The twelve activities of daily living provide guidance to the nurse, when assessing the patient
needs and in delivering a holistic care. Therefore, the used of evidence-based framework when assessing the patient needs is the best practice. Using this systematic approach will result in the delivery of nursing care efficiently and effectively, which is beneficial to the patient and nursing staff (Bryn, Billing and Ryland, 2006). When the nurse is carrying out assessment, he/she must gain consent and respect the patient privacy & dignity at all times (Nursing & Midwifery Council, 2008). For an example, the curtain should be close, when providing intimate personal activities and intimate care. The assessment approach must be person centred and requires the participation of the patient. The patient makes choices and decides about her care, this is important in promoting person-centred care. The term person-centred care was first used by Kitwood (1997) in dementia patients. The concept of this approach is to focus on the patient; the involvement of individual and preferences is paramount in the nursing care.
Collaboration within other healthcare professionals is also important, in order to improve the quality of patient care. However, communication amongst the healthcare professional needs more improvement to prevent errors as well as misunderstanding. A good inter-professional skill is essential, such as, listening, speaking and understanding is important. Healthcare professionals will have to set boundaries to avoid repetition in delivering care to the patient. According to Holland and Hogg (2010) nurses are expected to understand culturally competent health care to diverse individuals in order to deliver care to different cultures. In addition, nurses must know of their patient/s traditions, ways of life and beliefs