Interdisciplinary Team Approach in Caring for Patients with Stroke and Severe Headache in Emergency Care

QUESTION

• Group 4: 73-year-old male, post-op day 1, status post-carotid endarterectomy on the surgical unit, demonstrating signs of stroke.
• Group 2 A 60-year-old male paraplegic arrives at triage in a local emergency department with reports of a severe headache.
• ****suggest two interdisciplinary team members to assist with caring for the patient and provide a rationale for the importance of including them in the care of this patient.
• Describe one additional step or process not previously stated that the RN can use to care for the patient experiencing the medical emergency.

ANSWER

Interdisciplinary Team Approach in Caring for Patients with Stroke and Severe Headache in Emergency Care

Introduction

In emergency care, providing comprehensive and interdisciplinary care is crucial to effectively manage patients with diverse medical conditions. This essay explores the importance of including specific interdisciplinary team members in the care of a 73-year-old male post-carotid endarterectomy patient demonstrating signs of stroke and a 60-year-old male paraplegic presenting with a severe headache. Additionally, an additional step for the registered nurse (RN) to enhance patient care will be discussed.

Patient 1: 73-Year-Old Male Post-Carotid Endarterectomy with Signs of Stroke

To ensure optimal care for the patient experiencing signs of stroke, the following interdisciplinary team members are essential:

Neurologist

Including a neurologist in the care team is crucial to accurately assess, diagnose, and manage the patient’s stroke symptoms. Neurologists specialize in neurological disorders, including stroke, and have expertise in interpreting diagnostic tests such as brain imaging (CT or MRI scans). Their knowledge and skills are vital for determining appropriate treatment interventions and implementing timely stroke management protocols.

Physical Therapist

A physical therapist plays a vital role in the rehabilitation and functional recovery of patients after stroke. They can assess the patient’s mobility, balance, and coordination and develop individualized exercise and rehabilitation plans. The physical therapist’s involvement is essential for maximizing the patient’s physical abilities, promoting independence, and preventing complications associated with immobility.

Including a neurologist and physical therapist in the care team ensures comprehensive stroke management, combining medical expertise and rehabilitative interventions to optimize the patient’s recovery and quality of life.

Patient 2: 60-Year-Old Male Paraplegic with Severe Headache

In the case of the paraplegic patient presenting with a severe headache, the following interdisciplinary team members are recommended:

Neurosurgeon

Given the patient’s severe headache and potential neurological implications, involving a neurosurgeon is essential. A neurosurgeon specializes in the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the nervous system, including spinal cord-related issues. Their expertise in assessing and managing neurological symptoms will contribute to accurate diagnosis and appropriate surgical interventions, if necessary.

Pain Management Specialist

Considering the patient’s severe headache, involving a pain management specialist is crucial to provide effective pain relief. They have expertise in evaluating and managing complex pain conditions, tailoring treatment plans to address the patient’s unique needs. The pain management specialist can provide a comprehensive approach to alleviate the patient’s headache and improve overall comfort.

By including a neurosurgeon and pain management specialist, the care team can address the complex nature of the patient’s condition and provide targeted interventions to manage pain and alleviate symptoms.

Additional Step for the RN

In addition to the interdisciplinary team approach, the RN can implement a structured pain assessment tool, such as the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, to assess and monitor the patient’s headache intensity. Regularly documenting pain scores and reevaluating the effectiveness of pain management interventions will enable the RN to promptly address any changes in the patient’s condition and advocate for appropriate pain relief measures.

Conclusion

In emergency care settings, adopting an interdisciplinary team approach is crucial for providing comprehensive and specialized care to patients with diverse medical conditions. For the 73-year-old male post-carotid endarterectomy patient demonstrating signs of stroke, involving a neurologist and physical therapist ensures optimal stroke management and rehabilitation. For the 60-year-old male paraplegic with a severe headache, including a neurosurgeon and pain management specialist facilitates accurate diagnosis and effective pain relief. By implementing a structured pain assessment tool, the RN can actively monitor the patient’s headache intensity and advocate for timely interventions. Together, this collaborative approach promotes patient-centered care, improves outcomes, and enhances the overall quality of emergency care services.