Problem
Case Study G - Cecilia
Cecilia is an elderly lady who lives in a residential facility. Ever since coming to the facility, Cecilia has suffered from various aches and pains which she receives pain medication for. These pains, however, have never stopped her from being chirpy, talkative and jokey with support staff, including yourself.
Recently, Cecilia has said that the pain she is experiencing is getting worse, particularly at her joints and in her hands. Over the last few weeks, she has been less chatty on your daily visits and seems much more withdrawn than usual. Normally when you visit, she gets straight out of her chair to give you a hug, but in the last week, she has stayed put in her chair. When you have made her a cup of tea, she has also seemed to struggle more with grasping the cup. Her appetite has decreased, and on your last visit, she looked noticeably pale.
On this visit, Cecilia is crying due to the pain and her whole body is stiff; she cannot bear to move her limbs or bend in any way, and the skin around her joints, including her knuckles, has become discolored, resembling a bruise. You are not permitted to provide her any pain relief other than paracetamol and ibuprofen, but these are having no effect on the pain levels Cecilia is experiencing. You are unable to help her move into her bed due to her pain, and you do not know what is causing the physical symptoms.
Organisational reporting procedures for physical condition and wellbeing.
Use the template document ' Client Condition Concern Form'
Complete client details fields and their baseline condition
List all known conditions and medications
What all changes in physical condition, along with the date when they were first noticed
Write down where you believe wellbeing is affected by physical condition and include any supporting observations made
Copy form and give one to supervisor and place the other in client file
Where it is deemed necessary, contact the client's doctor/health provider/emergency services to arrange an appointment/consultation.
Question: What variations have been noticed in Cecilia's physical condition?