What information would be important to include in the health history? What nursing interventions would apply generally to Gwen and her family?
QUESTION
Gwen Carter, 12 years old, is admitted to the pediatric unit of the hospital with a renal infection. Gwen was diagnosed with trisomy 21. (Learning Objectives 1, 3, and 5)
- What information would be important to include in the health history?
- What nursing interventions would apply generally to Gwen and her family?
ANSWER
Nursing Care for Gwen Carter, a 12-Year-Old with Trisomy 21 and Renal Infection
Introduction
Gwen Carter, a 12-year-old girl, has been admitted to the pediatric unit of the hospital with a renal infection. Gwen also has a diagnosis of trisomy 21, commonly known as Down syndrome. As a nurse caring for Gwen and her family, gathering pertinent health history information and implementing appropriate nursing interventions is crucial. This essay will outline the important aspects to include in Gwen’s health history and provide general nursing interventions for Gwen and her family.
Health History Information
When collecting Gwen’s health history, it is important to consider specific details related to both her renal infection and trisomy 21 (Akhtar, 2022). Key components to include are:
Renal Infection:
- Date of onset and duration of symptoms such as fever, flank pain, urinary changes, etc.
- Any previous history of urinary tract infections or renal issues
- Relevant diagnostic tests, including urine analysis, culture, and imaging results
- Previous treatments and responses to interventions
- Allergies or adverse reactions to medications
Trisomy 21:
- Age of diagnosis and any associated medical conditions
- Previous surgeries or hospitalizations related to trisomy 21
- Current medications, including any specific to Down syndrome
- Developmental milestones and delays
- Any additional support services, such as occupational or speech therapy
Nursing Interventions for Gwen and Her Family
When providing care for Gwen and her family, it is essential to address their unique needs and considerations (Toney-Butler, 2023). Here are some general nursing interventions to optimize their care:
Establish Rapport and Communication:
- Create a trusting and supportive environment by actively listening and acknowledging concerns (Sherwood, 2021).
- Use clear and concise language while adapting communication to accommodate any speech or language challenges Gwen may have due to her trisomy 21.
Individualized Care Planning:
- Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop a comprehensive care plan tailored to Gwen’s specific needs, considering her renal infection and trisomy 21.
- Address her developmental delays and accommodate her cognitive abilities when explaining procedures, medications, and treatment plans.
Supportive Care:
- Provide comfort measures to alleviate Gwen’s pain or discomfort associated with her renal infection.
- Encourage a calm and familiar environment, as children with trisomy 21 may be sensitive to sensory stimuli.
- Promote adequate rest and sleep, which are crucial for Gwen’s overall well-being and healing process.
Education and Empowerment:
- Educate Gwen and her family about the importance of proper hygiene, medication compliance, and measures to prevent future urinary tract infections.
- Offer resources and referrals to support groups or organizations that specialize in providing assistance to families of children with trisomy 21.
Collaboration and Continuity of Care:
- Foster collaboration with interdisciplinary team members, including physicians, social workers, therapists, and educators, to ensure holistic care for Gwen.
- Facilitate a smooth transition from the hospital to the home or any other healthcare setting by coordinating with the appropriate healthcare providers.
Conclusion
Caring for Gwen Carter, a 12-year-old with trisomy 21 and a renal infection, requires a comprehensive understanding of her health history and the implementation of tailored nursing interventions. By considering the important aspects of Gwen’s health history and applying general nursing interventions, healthcare professionals can optimize her care, enhance her well-being, and support her family throughout the treatment process.
References
Akhtar, F. (2022, September 6). Down Syndrome. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526016/
Sherwood, G. (2021). Quality and Safety Education for Nurses: Making progress in patient safety, learning from COVID-19. International Journal of Nursing Sciences, 8(3), 249–251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnss.2021.05.009
Toney-Butler, T. J. (2023, April 10). Nursing Process. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499937/

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