Case study .care giver role strain

Case study .care giver role strain

Instructions: Read the following case study and answer the reflective questions. Please provide  rationales for your answers. Make sure to provide citations/references for your answers in APA  format.

CASE STUDY: Caregiver Role Strain: Ms. Sandra A.  Sandra, a 47-year-old divorced woman, received a diagnosis of stage 3 ovarian cancer 4 years  ago, for which she had a total hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo- oophorectomy, omentectomy,  lymphadenectomy, and tumor debulking followed by chemotherapy, consisting of cisplatin  (Platinol), paclitaxel (Taxol), and doxorubicin (Adriamycin). She did well for 2 years and then  moved back to her hometown near her family and underwent three more rounds of secondline chemotherapy. She accepted a less stressful job, bought a house, renewed old friendships,  and became more involved with her two sisters and their families. Sandra developed several complications, including metastasis to the lungs. Then she could no  longer work, drive, or care for herself. She had been told by her oncologist that there was  nothing else that could be done and that she should consider entering a hospice. She met her  attorney and prepared an advance directive and completed her will. She decided to have  hospice care at home and, with the help of her family, set up her first floor as a living and  sleeping area. She was cared for by family members around the clock for approximately 3 days. Sandra observed that she was tiring everyone out so much that they could not really enjoy each  other’s company. At this time, she contacted the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) to seek  assistance. Her plan was to try to enjoy her family and friend’s visits. After assessment, the VNA  nurse prioritized her problems to include fatigue and caregiver role strain. Other potential  problem areas that may need to be incorporated into the care plan include anticipatory grieving  and impaired comfort.

Reflective Questions

1. What are some of the stresses on Sandra’s middle-aged sisters and their families?

2. What resources are available to manage these stresses and support the sisters while  caring for their dying sister Sandra?

3. Describe Sandra’s feelings about dependency and loss of autonomy because she is  unable to do her own activities of daily living any longe