Component Task: Home Visit to a Diabetic Client

This is a visit made by the Public/Community health nurse to a diabetic client at home. Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition that needs constant monitoring and supervision.

Aims

·         Provide continuous care to client and family

·         Counsel/educate client and family on management of the condition

·         Prevent complications

·         Encourage lifestyle modification including diet, exercise, alcohol intake etc.

Types

·         Special

·         Routine

Requirements

·         Refer to items in the well-equipped home visiting bag

·         Map of the area/community

·         Records of the client manually/electronically

·         Register of the area/community

·         Arrange for transportation

Steps

1.        Read map of the community

2.      Knock, enter, greet and introduce self

3.      Observe environment for cleanliness, safety and comment

4.      Explain the purpose of visit

5.      Assess client’s knowledge on condition

6.      Alleviate client and family’s anxiety/fear about the condition

7.       Assist client to identify health needs

8.      Check and use items in the home visit bag

9.      Interview and counsel on:

·         The general health of client

·         Causes, management and prevention of complications

·         Schooling/occupation

·         General lifestyle – diet modification, exercise etc.

·         Medication and regular check-ups

10.    Schedule for follow up visit with client and family

11.      Record and report findings manually/electronically