PN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 Related

Review PN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 related questions and content

A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who reports difficulty eating due to chronic arthritis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

  • A. Ask the provider for a prescription for a pureed diet.
  • B. Have an assistive personnel feed the client.
  • C. Obtain a referral for physical therapy.
  • D. Apply foam handles to the client's eating utensils.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Chronic arthritis often impairs hand dexterity and grip strength, making self-feeding challenging. Option A, a pureed diet, addresses swallowing issues, not arthritis-related difficulties with utensils, so it's irrelevant here. Option B, having assistive personnel feed the client, undermines independence and dignity without addressing the root issue of utensil handling. Option C, physical therapy, may improve joint function long-term but doesn't provide immediate help for eating. Option D is correct applying foam handles increases utensil girth, improving grip for arthritic hands, promoting self-feeding and autonomy. This intervention directly tackles the physical limitation caused by arthritis, aligning with nursing goals of enhancing quality of life and independence. It's practical, cost-effective, and can be implemented quickly, offering immediate relief while other therapies (like PT) work in the background. Evidence supports adaptive equipment as a first-line strategy for arthritis patients struggling with daily activities, making this the most appropriate and empowering choice.