case study

John is 55 years old. He is a full-time bricklayer who

immigrated from Scotland to Australia when he was 17.

He lives with his wife Lauen in a one storey house, and

together they have 3 daughters (all have moved out of

home). Five months ago John underwent a right below

knee amputation due to peripheral vascular disease and

has given up working. Prior to his operation, he was

smoking a pack of cigarettes per day (30/day), and now

reduced to 25/day. John now spends his time watching

Netflix or at his local soccer club (behind the bar, so he

can drink with his mates). He is drinking 10 - 14 standard

drinks per day (he favours an IPA). John has current

referrals from the GP to a physiotherapist, dietician,

occupational therapist and has appointments for all

within the next four weeks.

Question

1. Define the modifiable risk factor either smoking or

alcohol and outline how the risk factor if left unchanged,

may impact on the disability outlined in the case study

(i.e. pathophysiology), and how further decline/loss of

independence may impact on the persons life,

considering their personal circumstances.

2. Outline and justify one (1) innovative and practical

strategy that can be implemented at home by the person

in the case study to encourage risk factor behaviour

modification, why it is a relevant strategy for the case

study, and what the RN's role will be within this strategy.