Nutrition and Pathophysiology
Assignment -1
- Wilko states he is a social drinker and “can stop at any time.” How accurate is his self-assessment?
The accuracy of the above statement is uncertain. It can be viewed as something that every individual who is in denial about their drug and substance abuse can use to comfort themselves. The self-assessment results from the perception where Mr. Wilko could be identified to be experiencing the denial stage of drug and substance abuse.
- What stressors are present in Mr. Wilko’s case?
The presence of family stressors can be identified in Mr. Wilko’s case, given that there is increased pressure from his family for him to deliver. Work-related stressors could also be identified in Mr. Wilko’s case, where he can be determined to have resulted in drinking as a coping mechanism for the above-related aggressor.
- Why does Mr. Wilko continue to increase his alcohol intake?
Mr. Wilko could be viewed to be increasing his alcohol intake as a coping mechanism for the stressors that have been identified in his life. For instance, Mr. Wilko was determined to take a beer at work, but as the stressors increase, he has taken up more drinking. Economic reasons could also be attributed to being another causative reason for his observed increase in alcohol intake. For instance, the economic downturn in the housing industry is another stressor that has contributed to his increased alcohol intake.
- What changes in liver function can Mr. Wilko expect if he continues to drink large amounts of alcohol?
Continued intakes of a large amount of alcohol are likely to result in damaged liver functions, which may result in conditions such as jaundice, among other related liver conditions. In the long run, advanced complications such as liver cirrhosis may develop, thereby resulting in total failure.
- Wilko complains to his wife that all the stress is causing “indigestion.” How do stress and alcohol consumption affect GI function?
Stress and alcohol affect the gastrointestinal function in that it results in observed incidents of reduced appetite as well as interferes with the various food chemical breakdown processes. As a result, a patient is likely to experience complications such as indigestion as well as nutritional challenges. Alcoholism is, therefore, possible to affect his G.I function extensively.
Why is Mr. Wilko at a higher risk of trauma?
Mr. Wilko is at a considerable risk of trauma, given that his chosen mode of approach to addressing the stressors that he is experiencing in his life. Given that his family is already concerned and worried about his current behavior, Mr. Wilko’s most significant risk of trauma is in the chance that his family is unable to put up with his behavior, and he is separated from them, which would be likely to worsen the situation.