A 32 year-old Aboriginal woman (Jacinta) presents to her GP with the following symptoms: ow mood, low self-esteem, frequent fatigue and loss of energy; moodiness

A 32 year-old Aboriginal woman (Jacinta) presents to her GP with the following symptoms:

ow mood, low self-esteem, frequent fatigue and loss of energy; moodiness, rapid weight loss, periods of uncontrolled crying, shortness of breath, nervousness, re-occurring migraines, broken sleep

recently started smoking again after having quit for five years

hospitalization 12 months previous after a serious episode of asthma; however Jacinta reports her asthma had not been problematic since this episode. She is not currently using Ventolin as she reports being unable to afford to get her script filled

direct family medical history is not known as the client was raised by extended family members

current medication: Ibuprofen, Valium (not prescribed) 

previous medication: Zoloft, Ventolin.

– Jacinta has six children under the age of seven in her care and is the biological mother of two. Jacinta’s sister who is the mother of the other four children has had to leave town to care for a sick extended family member in a remote area. The children remained in town as travel costs were too high. It is undetermined how long the mother of the four children will be away.

– Jacinta, who had to resign from her employment in order to care for the children, does not receive any extra money from Centrelink to assist in looking after the children. Her sister is unable to contribute as her money is being used to support the extended family member’s medical treatment.

– Jacinta is struggling to pay her rent and frequently misses meals in order to provide sufficient food for the children. She has lost considerable weight since her last presentation at the GP. She tells the GP that caring for the children is causing her to have memories of her own childhood. She reports feeling disconnected from the community and not belonging, as she has only lived in the area for a few years. Jacinta reports experiencing great ‘shame’ in having to seek assistance from her GP and is concerned about further referrals.

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, describe your role and what you can bring to the team?

What challenges and opportunities will you encounter in the team?

What active listening and communication skills might help you resolve these challenges?