Brain Tumor, Essay Example

Georgia Ann is a 70 year old woman that has fairly good health. However, recently, she has needed eardrum surgery because she has experienced hearing loss and it is possible that she would benefit from a hearing aid. Georgia Ann is very active and continues to work in spite of her age. Her only surgical history was removal of a brain tumor in the 80s. She experienced a full recovery and reports no residual symptoms from this experience.

To ensure that Georgia Ann’s hearing is protected after the surgery, it is necessary to provide her with a hearing examination to determine if her hearing has diminished, improved, or remained the same. Pure-tone testing could be used for this purpose. If it is found that Georgia Ann is experiencing mild to severe hearing loss, she should be equipped with a hearing aid (NIH, n.d.). This is important because it will help Georgia Ann continue with her work without having to worry about whether she will be able to hear.

Next, it would be helpful to support Georgia Ann’s neurological health because of her history of brain tumors. At least once a year, Georgia Ann should be given a CT scan of her brain to ensure that tumors are not developing (ASNR, n.d.). Even though the brain tumor has not been a problem since the 1980s, aging is related to a higher incidence of cancer, so it is important to monitor this area and possibly detect the development of a brain tumor before symptoms occur. Recovering from this type of surgery is more challenging for a woman in her 70s or older, and it is always better to catch the development of tumors early to ensure that they do not have the ability to metastasize.

Even though Georgia Ann is in good health, it would be beneficial to confirm her needs. Therefore, it is recommended that a blood test and urine test is taken to determine whether she is experiencing any vitamin or mineral deficiencies and whether there are signs of contamination in the urine. Fortunately, Georgia Ann has Medicare with supplemental insurance provided by her job that covers the extensive medical testing that would be necessary to ensure that Georgia Ann is able to maintain her health. In addition, she is able to purchase any additional medical items she would need for this purpose because finances are not an issue.

While the patient is currently in good health, it would be beneficial to provide her with three goals to ensure that her health is maintained. Even before the results of the blood test are known, Georgia Ann should begin taking a multivitamin daily, focusing on those that have high levels of calcium and vitamin D to protect her bone health. Next, she will be asked to stretch for at least 20 minutes a day to maintain her flexibility and energy. Last, she will be asked to keep a record of her hearing difficulties and submit the record during the next visit to determine whether modifications need to be made with regards to the hearing aid.  Overall, Since Georgia Ann is in good health, there is not a need to be highly concerned with the symptoms she has experiencing. Instead, she should focus on prevention to ensure that her good health remains as she ages.

References

ASNR. (n.d.). Brain Tumor. Retrieved from http://www.asnr.org/patientinfo/conditions/brain_tumor.shtml#sthash.qmr9417B.dpbs

NIH. (n.d.). Hearing Aids. Retrieved from http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/pages/hearingaid.aspx