Problems with the Care of a Patient with Huntington’s Disease Hospitalised in a Psychiatric Ward — Case Report

Abstract

Introduction. Huntington’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease, autosomal dominant inherited, characterised by a slow death of central nervous system cells. One of the most common causes of death is suicide.
Aim. The aim of the paper is to present the problems and needs of a patient with Huntington’s disease, hospitalised psychiatrically because of organic mood disorders.
Case Report. The case report concerns a 60-year-old patient with Huntington’s disease who, due to suicidal thoughts and tendencies, was admitted to the psychiatric ward. The paper presents selected care problems observed in the patient.
Discussion. Almost every patient with Huntington’s disease experiences psychiatric symptoms. They appear at different stages of the disease. The described patient, hospitalised psychiatrically, experienced mental and somatic problems. The main objectives of nursing care were to reduce or eliminate the identified problems, mainly to ensure safety and improve functioning. Interventions included, in particular, close observation, assistance in self-care activities, motivating the patient to exercise and perform tasks independently, care in the event of fever, education on sleep hygiene.
Conclusions. Patient care problems were related to mental and somatic disorders, in particular suicidal thoughts and tendencies and fever, difficulties in sleeping, moving and passing urine. The main nursing interventions included close observation and a holistic approach in collaboration with all members of the therapeutic team. The patient was discharged in a good general condition, in a balanced mood, without suicidal thoughts. He did not attempt suicide during hospitalisation. (JNNN 2020;9(1):33–38)