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Interviewing skills that were utilized when collecting the volunteer’s health history information

Having finished my interview with my volunteer, a 28-year-old African American male, I understood that my interviewing techniques might have had both positive and negative effects on him. The interview covered a nursing assessment of his health history. My primary step was to welcome the patient and set up a rapport. I greeted the patient by mentioning his name before introducing my name and status as a registered nurse. I avoided shaking his hand, given his Muslim religious status, which I believe enhanced the patient comfort. I understood that I maintained eye contact through the interview, which empowered me to invite the patient's story using open-ended questions (Webb, 2019). The assessment technique gave him full freedom of response. In any case, I see that the large table between us acted as a physical barrier. Accordingly, it might have led to my volunteer feeling distanced to me, and along these lines, holding a ton of essential information that would have led an exact assessment.

A brief synopsis of the pertinent health history information that was collected

My two main concerns are the ways poor living lifestyle can affect someone’s health and how can it be improved. We met in person at eleven o’clock a.m. and the interview lasted for 55 minutes. By conducting this interview, my volunteer has given me enough information to understand the risks, reasons, and preventions on my topic. In a nutshell, my client confirmed that he has been heading off to the doctors office soon for a follow-up treatment plan that was set three months before when he was confirmed to have reduced his weight drastically. He reports that as of now, he has started exercising, running for about two to three miles every day. His latest blood pressure at his last doctor’s appointment was found to be 141/91, which he says was an incredible improvement from his past blood pressure of 153/99. He, notwithstanding, denies the presence of any stressing factors. He likewise denies any chest pain and no record of palpitations. Nonetheless, my volunteer says that he can't tell when his blood pressure is high while at home. Both of his parents suffered from hypertension. He reports that he attempts to eat well, yet he enjoys consuming food high in cholesterol, loves salmon, and lots of fried food. In the past, he used to consume caffeinated drinks; however, he reports that he has stopped the habit. He says that he has never taken any medication for any chronic diseases but has taken pain medicine, Tylenol 500mg in the past when he sustained a knee injury requiring 6 stitches.

Potential health risks and health behaviors that were identified in the volunteer interview

After a comprehensive interview session with my volunteer, it was noted that he was deficient in the knowledge of proper nutrition. I also noted he does not exercise at all. Another thing I observed during the interview session was anxiety.

One health promotion need that was identified in the volunteer interview

Two health actions plan that I would promote for my volunteer to maintain health and wellness would be to maintain an active lifestyle with regular exercise and to eat a healthy balanced diet. Both of these elements are critical to the body, being able to function appropriately. My rationale for this is on the grounds that, as indicated by Warburton & Bredin (2016), "An individual's day by day food decisions can capably influence health. However, the combination of food and physical exercise is all more remarkable still.

References

Webb, L. (Ed.). (2019). Communication Skills in Nursing Practice. SAGE Publications Limited.

Warburton, D. E., & Bredin, S. S. (2016). Reflections on physical activity and health: what should we recommend?. Canadian Journal of Cardiology, 32(4), 495-504.