You are a nurse caring for a 42-year-old mechanic who is hospitalized for a gangrenous wound on his foot. His history includes unmanaged diabetes, smoking (20 pack-years), and hypertension. He denies...

You are a nurse caring for a 42-year-old mechanic who is hospitalized for a gangrenous wound on his foot. His history includes unmanaged diabetes, smoking (20 pack-years), and hypertension. He denies alcohol use. He supports himself with full-time work. Socially, he belongs to a motorcycle club and enjoys riding whenever his work schedule allows. When asked how he would rate his overall health, he reports, “I may not have much money, but I’ve got my health!” (Learning Objectives #2 & #5)

1. What pertinent data can you gather based on available patient information?


2. How would you categorize the patient’s illnesses?


3. What questions should you ask yourself when caring for this patient?


4. Which stage-of-illness behavior avoidance does this patient seem to display? Give the rationale for your choice.


5. What strategies could you propose to the patient to promote health and prevent illness?


6. What factors can be useful in predicting a patient’s use of health-related behaviors?