Nursing care for diabetic patients with foot ulcers : Case study of two patients

Abstract

This research aimed to 1) study the use of nursing process in nursing practice for diabetic foot ulcer patients and 2) use it as a guideline for caring for other diabetic foot ulcer patients. The sample group was specifically selected from 2 diabetic foot ulcer patients who underwent leg amputations in the surgical and orthopedic ward for men at Wichian Buri Hospital, Phetchabun Province. The instruments used for data collection were a questionnaire and a personal data questionnaire. The statistics used for data analysis included comparison and correlation of patients. The results of the study found that from the two case studies, the two diabetic patients were similar in terms of age, had an infection in the body from the infection of the foot ulcer, and underwent below-knee amputation. However, the second case study, due to delayed treatment, had a more severe infection than the first case study. He had respiratory failure and did not receive continuous medication, causing high blood sugar levels. He was also different in terms of status and lack of relatives to take care of him continuously. The second case required continuous follow-up and coordinated care to the community. Important nursing care included infection care, blood sugar control to be normal, pre- and post-operative nursing, and psychological care, such as anxiety due to fear of surgery, loss of image from leg amputation, and anxiety due to fear of being a burden to others. Including multidisciplinary care, including nutritionists, psychologists and physiotherapists.