Health, Illness, and Disparities

A nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse explains to the client that COPD is a chronic disease. Why is COPD considered a chronic disease?

It has gradual onset and lasts for a long time

Health Promotion

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A patient has been admitted to the hospital for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, a problem that was accompanied by a random blood glucose reading of 575 mg/dL, vomiting, and shortness of breath. This patient has experienced which of the following phenomena?

Exacerbation

A nurse is caring for a patient who has breast cancer. The patient tells the nurse: "I don't know why this happened to me, but I'm ready to move on and do whatever I need to do to get healthy again." This patient is in which stage of acute illness?

Stage 3 Explanation: When a person becomes ill, certain illness behaviors may occur in identifiable stages (Suchman, 1965). These behaviors are how people cope with altered functioning caused by the disease. They are unique to the person and are influenced by age, gender, family values, economic status, culture, educational level, and mental status. By the statement the client made above, the client is in stage 3 of acute illness, assuming a dependent role. This stage is characterized by the client's decision to accept the diagnosis and follow the prescribed treatment plan. Stage 1 is experiencing symptoms. Stage 2 is assuming the sick role. Stage 4 is achieving recovery and rehabilitation.

The client who has cancer has adapted to her diagnosis and has recently returned to work. When first diagnosed she was depressed and told everyone how sick she was. Since undergoing the chemotherapy she states that she now feels better than ever. The nurse recognizes that which of the following models of health promotion is most appropriate for this client?

Health-Illness Continuum Model