Mrs. Douglas, 71 years old, has left-sided weakness and uses cane for ambulation

QUESTION

ANSWER

In this scenario, Mrs. Douglas, a 71-year-old patient with left-sided weakness who uses a cane for ambulation, is reluctant to ambulate with anyone other than nursing staff. To best facilitate her physiotherapy assessment, the practical nurse should consider the following options:

Explain to the client the importance of this physiotherapy assessment in her plan of care.

Explanation:

1. Patient-Centered Approach: It’s crucial to involve the patient in decisions about their care whenever possible. In this case, Mrs. Douglas’s comfort and cooperation are essential for a successful physiotherapy assessment. Explaining the importance of the assessment and how it contributes to her overall plan of care can help her understand the significance of cooperation.

2. Communication and Trust: By taking the time to communicate with Mrs. Douglas and addressing her concerns, the nurse can build trust and rapport. This can help alleviate her apprehension about ambulating with physiotherapy staff.

3. Patient’s Autonomy: Respecting the patient’s autonomy and preferences is essential. While it may be feasible to arrange for nursing staff to be present during the assessment initially, the goal should be to encourage Mrs. Douglas to become more comfortable with the physiotherapy team over time.

4. Collaboration: Collaboration between nursing and physiotherapy is essential. However, it’s also essential to empower Mrs. Douglas to participate in her own care. The nurse can work collaboratively with the physiotherapy team to find ways to gradually transition Mrs. Douglas to more comfortable interactions with them.

By explaining the importance of the assessment and engaging Mrs. Douglas in the decision-making process, the practical nurse can facilitate a more positive and cooperative attitude, ultimately benefiting Mrs. Douglas’s rehabilitation and overall well-being.