Reference no: EM133472896

Case Study: Working with the HomelessSally Anne, aged 19, brought two children into theemergency room. The 6-month-old boy's complaints area cold with mild fever, fatigue, vomiting with drycoughing spells, decreased intake of cola (2 ouncesevery 3 hours-her version of clear liquids), onescraped diaper per 12 hours- the diaper is not soakedso Mom recycles it after scrapping off the solids. Thechild's cry is weak, red eyes, sneezing moves thickmucus, prolonged cough, high-pitched noise duringintake. The child's condition did not improve over thelast 24 hours.The family of three lives in the family sedan parkedbehind a service station due to Mom'sfear of lack of shelter safety. Turk, the 3-year-old, sportsbruises on arms and legs, and a knot on his forehead.He appears semiconscious (responds to light pain),coughs when disturbed, refuses fluids and food, andpulls away from touch. Mother states that he has beensick for more than a week, but she is concerned that hehas not been as fussy the last 24 hours. His skin tentswhen pinched. Sally Anne believes he lost weight buthas not used a scale. Turk does not look adults inthe eye or follow a finger point. He moans but has notcommunicated with words. He appears to fantasize, andfinger plays violently. His fingers seem to attack eachother. He does not seem to listen nor does he respondNUR4636to questions. Both children are wearing dirty clothing.Mom is exhausted and asks for help with formula anddiapers.Treatment: Both children kept overnight for assessmentin a room with a bathroom and couch. Mother permittedto bath and wash children's clothing after their baths.Cooling mist tent ordered. Children placed next to eachother for convenience and for precautions. Socialworker involved for discharge planning. The boys areplaced on IVs for hydration and given clear fluids fordrinking. Antibiotics are placed in the IV.

Question 1. What information is needed for a completeassessment?

Question 2. Will this family be worse off when released fromthe hospital? What community resourcesfor homeless families could be activated in thesmall town? What prevents the family fromfalling through economic cracks that will preventdevelopmental assessments andtreatments?