Case scenario
Peter Mitchell is a 52 year old male with morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes who
was admitted to the medical ward with poorly controlled diabetes, obesity ventilation
syndrome and sleep apnoea. Peter was referred by his GP after he presented with
symptoms of shakiness, diaphoresis, increased hunger, high BGL levels and difficulty
breathing whilst sleeping. Peter has been a smoker for approximately 30 years and
smokes approximately 20 cigarettes per day.
On his previous admission, Peter was seen by a dietician and commenced on low
energy, high protein diet (LEHP) to assist with weight reduction. His GP had
previously discussed weight loss with Peter however he had never wanted to do
anything about it as it seemed ‘too hard’. Peter was also reviewed by the
physiotherapist and was commenced on light exercises which he was to continue at
home on discharge.
Peter has been discharged home, with referral to community care unit for ongoing
support and follow up, after four weeks in the medical ward to manage his weight
and clinical comorbidities.
Past medical history
Obesity (weight 145kgs with a BMI of 50.2m2).
Type 2 diabetes (Diagnosed 9 years ago)
Hypertension
Depression (Diagnosed three months ago by GP).
Sleep apnoea
Gastro oesophageal disease reflux disease
Social History
Peter is an unemployed male who receives government benefits. Peter lost his job
three years ago as a fork lift driver at the Moranbah coal mine in far North
Queensland. Peter states that he has always been a ’biggish guy’ with his ‘normal
weight’ sitting at around 105kg but since starting insulin and losing his job he has
gained a significant amount of weight.
NRSG366 Assessment Task One: Case Study One
Consequently, because of his weight issues Peter has difficulty finding work
due to fatigue and feeling generally ‘uncomfortable’ about his size. Peter is a
divorcee who lives alone, his two sons live in the same state but live in different
cities and rarely visit him. He is socially isolated because he is
embarrassed by his size and he rarely goes out. Peter is also finding it
increasingly difficult to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Peter realises that
he is in the prime of his middle age life and is motivated to lose weight and quit
smoking but isn’t sure where to start.
Current Medication
Insulin Novomix 30 B D (34units mane & 28units nocte)
Metformin 500mg BD
Lisinopril 10mg daily
Nexium 20mg daily
Metoprolol 50mg BD
Pregabalin (Lyrica) 50mg nocte
Last observations on discharge
Weight 145kgs
Height 170cms
BP 180/92mmHg
RR 23 Bpm
HR 102 Bpm
Sp02 95% on RA
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