Respond to this post: Stigma Associated with Disease Being an advocate for your

Respond to this post:
Stigma Associated with Disease
Being an advocate for your patient is an imperative role in nursing. As health care changes rapidly and continuously, nurses are stepping up to provide leadership to meet the needs of the vulnerable (PubMed, 2019). Being a nurse advocate goes beyond the bedside. Nurses must learn to listen to their patient’s needs to address all aspects of their care. In this discussion, I will discuss the types of assistance required for vulnerable populations.
A 24-year-old pregnant woman who is currently homeless and unmarried
This client likely has not received any prenatal care due to being homeless. The first step would be to assist this woman in receiving immediate medical care. Not only is her life a concern, but so is the unborn child’s life. She should be taken to a local emergency department to receive labs, an examination, and diagnostic studies such as an ultrasound to assess the baby. While she is there, social services could assist the patient in signing up for Medicaid for Pregnant Women, WIC for nutritional needs, and living arrangements.
A 16-year-old girl who has run away from her foster home and who has an IV drug habit
With this patient, listening is crucial. She may have run away from the foster home due to abuse. She may be addicted to drugs to help cope with the abuse or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Listening and building a rapport with this patient is imperative to assist her in receiving the necessary care. Contacting Social Services to report her whereabouts and ensure they assess the situation thoroughly to help secure a safe environment for her. The patient will need some form of rehabilitation, and building a connection with her is the first step in assisting her.
An immigrant worker whose TB skin test just came back positive
Being this patient is an immigrant worker, they may have been skeptical about seeking medical attention for any symptoms that may have previously presented. Now that this patient has a positive TB skin test, this patient needs to be admitted to the hospital under isolation protocol. According to the CDC (2021), “This means the person’s body was infected with TB bacteria. Additional tests are needed to determine if the person has latent TB infection or TB disease” (para. 6). They need to receive a chest x-ray and labs. Since this patient is an immigrant, there is a chance their English may not be fluent; therefore, providing forms of interpretation is vital for caring for this patient. Our hospital has a phone service to video chat with interpreters to assist with language barriers. This allows for HIPPA to be maintained and provide the best care possible. Social Services could help this patient receive insurance to help with medical bills and paying for required medications.
An employed, married man who contracted Hepatitis B through a blood transfusion 30 years ago
The RN must listen and ensure the patient that this is not his failure. Since the patient is married, the nurse must discuss with the patient whether his spouse is aware of Hepatitis B. It is vital to ask the patient if he is currently receiving treatment for Hepatitis B. If not, the RN needs to assist the patient in obtaining the proper medical attention to start treatment.
References
Attending to Vulnerable Populations Through Nurse Advocacy on Boards and in Public Service. (2019). Creative nursing, 25(2), 82–86. https://doi.org/10.1891/1078-4535.25.2.82
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, March 8). Testing for TB Infection. Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/testing/tbtesttypes.htm Please use this book for one of the references:
Here’s the topic for context:
Topic 2: Stigma Associated with Disease
Some vulnerable populations may have diseases, health impairments, and pregnancy that bring humiliation and predisposed judgment. Unfortunately, these health conditions can cause vulnerable populations to become ostracized by the general public.
What ways would you choose to function as an advocate for vulnerable populations?
Discuss the types of assistance you might provide to each of the following clients from a vulnerable population:
A 24-year-old pregnant woman who is currently homeless and unmarried
A 16-year-old girl who has run away from her foster home and who has an IV drug habit
An immigrant worker whose TB skin test just came back positive
An employed, married man who contracted Hepatitis B through a blood transfusion 30 years ago
UsdUse this book for one of the references:
Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2020). Public health nursing: Population-centered health care in the community (10th ed.). Mosby.