[An experience nursing a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis using the theory of self-care].
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive and lethal motor neurodegenerative disease. The cause of the disease is unknown, and there is no cure current clinical treatment methods include Riluzole and supportive therapy. However, Riluzole only decelerates the patient's muscle strength loss and prolongs survival by about 3-5 months (Aventis Pharmaceutical, 2004). The patient will die eventually because of aspiration pneumonia or respiratory failure. This paper documents the use of Orem's self-care theory and holistic nursing assessment in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. There are four areas of nursing concern: impaired self-care ability (dressing, feeding, toileting, and bathing), risk of falls, impaired verbal communication, and powerlessness. In terms of these problems suitable nursing activities are provided to develop the patient's ability to care for himself, prevent accidents, promote skills of non-verbal communication, and alleviate powerlessness in order to strengthen control.
School of Nursing, National Defense Medical Center, National Defense University.
Kai-Chi
KC
Chung
Shu-Feng
SF
Shi
Yu-Ying
YY
Tang
Kwua-Yun
KY
Wang
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D018939:Holistic Nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016294:Models, Nursing