In this report, the author reports on a 70-year-old hemodialysis patient who expressed concerns about self-perceived frailty and gradual deterioration of the upper and lower extremities. The author noticed that the patient was health-conscious and exhibited a willingness to actively learn. Taking advantage of the patient’s strong desire to learn, the author imparted the nursing experiences concerning resistance training.
The care period was between March 4, 2019, until June 9, 2019. The Gordon 11 Function Health Patterns were employed for a case-centered analysis. Subjective and objective data were collected through observations, interviews, physical examinations, listening sessions, and record reviews. The main problems were to determine whether the lack of endurance in performing risky activities was associated with a lack of muscle strength in the upper and lower extremities, whether malnutrition was present due to insufficient nutritional intake, and whether a lack of specific knowledge had led to a lack of correct information concerning sarcopenia.
The author established a relationship with the patient during dialysis. She exercised her nursing intuition and enthusiasm and collaborated with physicians, physical therapists, and nutritionists from other departments to develop suitable interventions. The patient and his wife were invited to partake in the design of a resistance training program for his upper and lower extremities and a customized care plan. They were also educated on nutrition and sarcopenia.
he patient received resistance training along with dialysis three times a week, and his performance was monitored. The patient was cooperative and dedicated. The author found it was an immense accomplishment to track the gradual improvement in the patient’s muscle strength and nutrition, and hopes that her experiences can serve as a reference for clinical nurses in providing care to sarcopenia patients receiving hemodialysis.