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Question

Difficulty: EasyCollaboration with Interdisciplinary Team

A client who underwent a left total knee arthroplasty three days ago is preparing for discharge. The client lives alone and states, "I am very anxious about going home. I do not think I can safely manage getting in and out of my bathtub or using my toilet." Which action is the most appropriate for the nurse to take?

  1. Consult with an occupational therapist to evaluate the client's need for adaptive bathroom equipment.Answer
  2. B
    Instruct the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to educate the client on how to safely use the bathroom at home.
  3. C
    Inform the client that discussing discharge safety is a low priority compared to completing the routine morning physical assessment.
  4. D
    Assure the client by stating, "Do not worry; everything will work out perfectly once you are back in your own home."

Answer

The most appropriate action is to consult with an occupational therapist to evaluate the client's need for adaptive bathroom equipment.
Occupational therapists are the specific interdisciplinary team members responsible for helping clients regain independence with activities of daily living (ADLs). Because the client is struggling with the mechanics of bathing and toileting at home, an occupational therapy consultation is required to assess the home environment and recommend adaptive equipment like grab bars or raised toilet seats.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's statement and identify the core need.
The client is expressing fear and anxiety specifically related to performing activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing and toileting.
Identifying the specific deficit allows the nurse to determine the correct intervention or referral.
2
Determine the appropriate interdisciplinary team member for the identified need.
An occupational therapist is the discipline specifically trained to evaluate and assist clients with ADLs, fine motor skills, and the use of adaptive home equipment.
Effective interdisciplinary collaboration ensures the client receives specialized care tailored to their specific recovery needs.
3
Evaluate the remaining options against safety, communication, and delegation principles.
Delegating teaching to a UAP, using false reassurance, and ignoring safety concerns for routine tasks are all inappropriate and unsafe nursing actions.
Eliminating incorrect nursing actions confirms the correct collaborative approach.

Key Concept

Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team: Occupational Therapy
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Topics

Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team

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