CASESTUDY4Erin-SuffolkCountyCommunity.docVIP

CASE STUDY: Beth GENDER F AGE 4 months SETTING ? Clinic ETHNICITY ? White American CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS PREEXISTING CONDITIONS ? Preterm birth COEXISTING CONDITIONS SIGNIFICANT HISTORY COMMUNICATION DISABILITY SOCIOECONOMIC ? Middle class SPIRITUAL PHARMACOLOGIC PSYCHOSOCIAL ? Parental anxiety ? Caregiver stress ? Breastfeeding support LEGAL ETHICAL ALTERNATIVE THERAPY PRIORITIZATION ? Yes DELEGATION ? Yes THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Overview: This case requires knowledge of infant feeding, association between preterm birth and gastroesophageal reflux as well as an understanding of the clients background, personal situation, and mother-child attachment relationship. Client Profile Beth is a 4 month old infant who was delivered by Cesarean section at 35 weeks gestation, weighing 2.3 kg (5 lb) and measuring 42.5 cm (17 in.) in length. She is the first child for Robert and Janice Carter. Since birth Beth has been a fussy baby who frequently throws up after almost every feeding and cries all the time. Janice stays home and cares for Beth while Robert works; however, when he comes home from work each day, he helps with Beths care. Beth is clean and obviously well cared for by her parents, who appear to have bonded well with her and love her very much. During her recent 4 month check-up Beth was diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) following a battery of diagnostic tests in response to Beths history of frequent regurgitation following feedings. Janices parents live in the same town as Janice and Robert and his parents live a 30 minute driving distance away. Case Study Janice and Robert bring Beth in for a 2 week weight check at the pediatricians office. During the nurses family assessment, Janice and Robert appear exhausted and anxious. Janice comments, I feel like its my fault that Beth is not gaining we