Nursing

Second monologue: Occurs two weeks later. “As much as I hate to miss it, I don’t think I’ll go into town today. I never miss Monday morning coffee at the VFW with my buddies. Sometimes my friends worry about me; they will probably wonder where I am. I know it’s only 20 miles, but I just haven’t felt like eating the last couple of days; maybe I’ve got the flu that’s going around. I’m not sure if I should take my insulin because I’m not eating, but my blood sugar was 203 when I poked my finger this morning. How can that be when I’m not eating? Wow! I just took of my sock to check on my sore and my whole foot is red and big. I haven’t looked at it for a few days; it was just a little pink the last time I checked it. I should have paid closer attention to those pills I was supposed to take, that antibiotic. The nurse wanted to make sure I didn’t get an infection in that toe. She comes tomorrow to change the bandage; I’d better make sure to take the antibiotic today.”

1. What are Red’s strengths?

2. What are your concerns for this patient?

3. What is the cause of your concern?

4. What information do you need?

5. What are you going to do about it?

6. What is “Red” experiencing?