Page 136 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

with chronic illness.
F. Optimal care for individuals with multiple chronic illnesses may
be limited because of multiple health needs present.
G. Many health professionals do not feel adequately prepared to
manage individuals with multiple chronic illnesses.
H. Risk factors
1. Individuals with one chronic illness are at risk for
developing multiple chronic illnesses.
2. Modifiable factors include an unhealthy diet, physical
inactivity, and tobacco use.
3. Nonmodifiable factors include age and genetics.
4. Other risk factors include globalization; urbanization;
population aging; elevated blood pressure, blood
glucose, and blood lipids; and increased weight.
I. Health care considerations for individuals with chronic illness
1. Follow-up care is important in promoting health for
individuals with chronic illness.
2. Focusing on a single illness does not effectively
manage an individual with multiple chronic diseases
—rather, the “big picture” needs to be understood in
managing these clients.
3. Interprofessional collaboration is important in safely
managing individuals with chronic diseases.
4. Nurses play a key role in facilitating communication
between providers and specialists.
5. Inclusion of the client and support person(s) in health
care decisions helps increase adherence to a complex
health care regimen.

Box 5-1

Some Special Population Groups

Racial and ethnic minorities
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning individuals
Homeless
Socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals and families
Intellectually disabled individuals
Battered individuals and victims of abuse or neglect
Single parents
Foster children
Individuals with mental illness
Older adults
Military veterans
Prisoners
Immigrants and refugees

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