Basic Med Surge

H.J., a 74-year-old black man, is a retired army military officer. His wife of more than 50 years passed away 4 years ago. He has 4 daughters and 2 sons who are all grown and married. He has 14 grandchildren with a great-grandchild on the way. His son brought him to the health care provider today because he is concerned his father has been more forgetful and is losing weight. H.J. has a history of coronary artery disease that is being managed with metoprolol XL (Lopressor) and aspirin. His son says that the knees are scraped from a recent fall.

Subjective Data

• Patient states, “I am doing fine. I just miss my wife and the fine meals she used to make.”
• His son says he has noticed his dad has been tightening his belt up to 2 notches.
• Patient states, “My children are worrying unnecessarily.”

1. What level of assessment do you need to perform? and why
2. How will your assessment be different from the assessment performed by the health care provider?
3. What nursing diagnoses and problems do you feel exist for H.J.?

Please remember the discussion guidelines!