Learning modules
Activity 4: Six months later
In Herbert's story, he was introduced as a self-funded retiree with heart failure that had progressed and had been re-classified from Class 11 to Class 111 Heart Failure. It's been six months since Herbert was told that his heart failure was progressing.
His heart failure continues to worsen and he's upset that it's stopping him from spending time with his friends and doing what he enjoys.
He's particularly bothered by his fatigue and his breathing problems. As part of his assessment, Herbert is asked about his appetite. He states that he has a poor appetite and that although he tries to eat he feels that there "isn’t much pleasure in it anymore".
Think about the physiological, psychological, and environmental factors that may be contributing to Herbert's symptoms.
Video
Herbert's story
Thinking points
Thinking points
Activity 4: Six months later
- Describe the similarities and differences when undertaking a clinical assessment and investigations for patients with Class I and Class IV Heart Failure. Provide reasons for your answer.
- What observations do you make from the video that indicate deterioration in Herbert’s condition?
- Consider Herbert's experience with his illness over the past six months.
a) In what ways is this consistent, or not, with your earlier predictions about disease progression?
b) What factors do you think might have influenced Herbert's illness trajectory? - What are the common symptoms or clinical problems that he may now be experiencing?
- What are Herbert’s psychosocial needs likely to be now that his condition is deteriorating?
- Consider Herbert’s disease and review the pathophysiology of:
a) fatigue
b) loss of appetite. - How are the fatigue and loss of appetite impacting on Herbert’s quality of life?
