1- Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
2- Nursing Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran ,jouybari@gmail.com
2- Nursing Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran ,
Abstract: (4 Views)
Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) requires holistic, patient-centered care that extends beyond pharmacological management. Watson's Human Caring Theory provides a structured framework for addressing the physical, psychological, spiritual, and relational needs of patients with chronic illness. This case study aimed to describe the integration of Watson's 10 Caritas Processes into the nursing process of an 85-year-old patient with CHF and to evaluate its six-month effects, representing one of the first applications of this model in an elderly, illiterate, physically limited CHF patient with realistic goal-setting in a low-middle-income country.
Case Presentation: An 85-year-old Muslim woman with CHF and three previous readmissions received a six-month nursing intervention based on Watson's Caritas Processes. The intervention integrated pharmacological management with therapeutic presence, empathetic communication, spiritual support (prayer/Quran recitation with consent), family education, and realistic goal-setting. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and after six months. Oxygen saturation improved from 92% to 95% on room air, and dyspnea at rest decreased from 9/10 to 3/10. Daily weight decreased by 1.5 kg, and edema improved from +2 to trace. The patient progressed from bed rest to sitting on a chair for five minutes. Anxiety decreased from 8/10 to 3/10. The family learned daily weight monitoring, fluid restriction, and danger sign recognition, and the patient regained partial independence in feeding and face washing.
Conclusion: In this 85-year-old CHF patient with prior readmissions, a six-month intervention combining pharmacological management (diuretics, ACE inhibitor, and beta-blocker) with nursing care guided by Watson's Caritas Processes was associated with improved oxygenation (SpO2 from 92% to 95%), reduced dyspnea (from 9/10 to 3/10), decreased weight (1.5 kg) and edema (from +2 to trace), improved functional status (from bed rest to sitting for five minutes), reduced anxiety (from 8/10 to 3/10), and regained partial self-care. Family engagement also facilitated successful home monitoring.
Case Presentation: An 85-year-old Muslim woman with CHF and three previous readmissions received a six-month nursing intervention based on Watson's Caritas Processes. The intervention integrated pharmacological management with therapeutic presence, empathetic communication, spiritual support (prayer/Quran recitation with consent), family education, and realistic goal-setting. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and after six months. Oxygen saturation improved from 92% to 95% on room air, and dyspnea at rest decreased from 9/10 to 3/10. Daily weight decreased by 1.5 kg, and edema improved from +2 to trace. The patient progressed from bed rest to sitting on a chair for five minutes. Anxiety decreased from 8/10 to 3/10. The family learned daily weight monitoring, fluid restriction, and danger sign recognition, and the patient regained partial independence in feeding and face washing.
Conclusion: In this 85-year-old CHF patient with prior readmissions, a six-month intervention combining pharmacological management (diuretics, ACE inhibitor, and beta-blocker) with nursing care guided by Watson's Caritas Processes was associated with improved oxygenation (SpO2 from 92% to 95%), reduced dyspnea (from 9/10 to 3/10), decreased weight (1.5 kg) and edema (from +2 to trace), improved functional status (from bed rest to sitting for five minutes), reduced anxiety (from 8/10 to 3/10), and regained partial self-care. Family engagement also facilitated successful home monitoring.
Article Type: Case report |
Subject:
Nursing
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