Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Chronic Illness and Disability Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Chronic Illness and Disability related questions and content

A 39-year-old patient with paraplegia has been admitted to the hospital for the treatment of a sacral ulcer. The nurse is aware that the patient normally lives alone in an apartment and manages his ADLs independently. Before creating the patients plan of care, how should the nurse best identify the level of assistance that the patient will require in the hospital?

  • A. Make referrals for assessment to occupational therapy and physical therapy.
  • B. Talk with the patient about the type and level of assistance that he desires.
  • C. Obtain the patients previous medical record and note what was done during his most recent admission.
  • D. Apply a standardized care plan that addresses the needs of a patient with paraplegia.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Patients should be asked preferences about approaches to carrying out their ADLs, and assistive devices they require should be readily available. The other listed actions may be necessary in some cases, but the ultimate resource should be the patient himself.