LEARNING DISABILITY NURSING COURSEWORK
Peter is a 30-year-old homeless man with a diagnosis of mild learning disability, Autism and anxiety. Peter has been diagnosed with high cholesterol, has a family history of diabetes and he is a heavy smoker. Peter also drinks alcohol and smokes cannabis. Peter experiences significant difficulty in communicating with others, his manner is often misinterpreted and people find him cold and aloof. He has a limited circle of support, and mainly socialises with people from whom he can obtain drugs.
Peter is currently living in general needs temporary accommodation, and refuses support from his outreach workers. He is prescribed oral medications but his concordance can be irregular. Peter has had regular admissions to a local inpatient MH ward, and he appears to improve when in the ward environment. The ward is reluctant to re-admit him as they have advised admissions are not productive.
Peter has recently presented to the local Accident and emergency department, his injuries suggesting that he has been quite seriously beaten. Other older injuries were also noted in various stages of healing. Peter will not say who was involved, but just says “I’ll be Ok, they’re mates really, it just gets a bit out of hand sometimes.” Peter has a complicated elbow fracture which is extremely painful likely to require surgery, which Peter is refusing, saying that it’ll get better on it’s own, and that he is scared of general anaesthetics. He also has several lacerations to his face, which required stitching, and lots of bruising to his face and abdomen.
Peter has been referred to the Learning disabilities team, of which you are a member.
UPDATE
On further investigation, you have been able to find out the following information:
Peter receives Clomipramine 150 mg per day and vitamin D on repeat prescription, and has also been prescribed co codamol from the hospital as pain relief.
His BMI is 36
His BP is 130/90, pulse 92, respirations 18/19 and oxygen saturations 96.
He drinks alcohol most days, sometimes heavily, but is not physically dependant on alcohol.
His lives with 3 other people in a supported living service but has his own flat. He does not want to accept help, as it highlights his vulnerability. He doesn’t want anyone to know what is going on.
There is a Mental health and learning disabilities ward in the local hospital, called Peach ward. This is part of St Gilbert’s hospital, which has general and Mental health facilities.
TASKS
- 4000 word written assignment based on the above scenario depicting an individual with Autism. You will need to show your understanding of this condition and its implications via an essay in 4 parts. The first part to explain the condition. The second to state how the condition impacts and affects the situation provided in the scenario. The 3rdpart to discuss proposed intervention, their use and rationale. The final forth part to discuss holistic care and the roles of other identified professionals in the proposed interventions.