Question

Elizabeth, a 68-year-old woman, has experienced relatively good health for most of her lifetime. A year and a half ago, she suffered a bout of pneumonia, with a very difficult recovery. She continued to “feel sick,” and had no appetite. Weight loss and decreased energy levels ensued. Her primary care provider admitted her to the hospital for further tests, which revealed a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (although she had never been a smoker), and pulmonary aspergillosis. She was discharged with a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line and daily administration of antibiotics at the IV therapy center. After 3 months of IV therapy, the aspergillosis seemed to be gone and Elizabeth felt somewhat healthier.

Houseguests visited Elizabeth during the summer, and one of them came down with a cold. With permanent damage from the COPD, a weakened immune system, and the trauma and stress that Elizabeth had just been through, she caught the cold, which developed into another bout of pneumonia. The aspergillosis returned and a pulmonary embolism and blood clot were found in her left leg. The PICC line was reinserted and Coumadin prescribed. This treatment meant daily trips to the IV therapy center and a stop at the hospital lab to have Coumadin levels evaluated.

1. What indicators of stress do you see manifested in this case study?

2. How can Elizabeth better deal with this stress?

3. How can health care professionals help her manage the stress?

Answer 1

1. Indicators of stress are :-

- feeling sick

- no appetite

- weight loss

- immunocompromised

- decreased energy levels

2. Elizabeth can better deal with this stress by expressing her concerns to others and by taking social help .

3. Healthcare professional can help her to manage her stress by using the following relaxation techniques :-

- deep breathing exercises

- meditation

- biofeedback

- massage therapy

- provision of psychological support

- invite humor into life