Assignment Task:
You are assigned as an individual support worker to a client named Maggie, a 72-year-old woman. You assist with administering Maggie's medications, assist her with mobility and transport to and from home, and help with meal preparation and personal care practices. Maggie typically experiences some pain in her joints caused by arthritis. This is normal, and her individualized plan includes strategies to manage this.
However, Maggie starts to complain of abdominal pain. You also notice that her bathroom breaks have become longer and more frequent. She says that she is experiencing some diarrhoea but does not believe it is serious. You follow your organization's procedures to report the change and with your encouragement, Maggie agrees to visit her usual doctor to discuss her symptoms.
After ruling out more serious conditions, Maggie's doctor believes she is experiencing mild irritable bowel syndrome and refers her to a dietitian. Maggie's dietitian says that her symptoms should ease if she increases her intake of fruits and vegetables and recommends that she increase her fluid intake to approximately two litres of water per day.
Maggie is happy with the meal plans provided to you by the dietitian, but she does not want to drink so much water. Typically, she drinks two cups of coffee and two cups of tea per day, and she does not wish to change her routine.
Based on the information given by Maggie, which body system is most likely to be related to her symptoms of abdominal pains and diarrhoea? Justify your answer.
Why is it essential that Maggie's symptoms and behavioural changes were acknowledged, reported, and escalated in a timely manner? Want Online Help?