A client recovering from Guillain-Barré syndrome is preparing for discharge from a rehabilitation unit. The client has regained lower extremity strength and ambulates with a walker, but continues to experience profound bilateral hand weakness. The client is tearful and states, "I am terrified to go home. I cannot even hold a fork to eat or button my own shirt." Which is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
- AAssign the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to educate the client on the proper use of specialized feeding devices.
- BComfort the client by ensuring them that their hand strength will fully return once they are settled in their home environment.
- Collaborate with the healthcare provider to initiate an occupational therapy evaluation for adaptive daily living strategies.Answer
- DPrioritize an urgent speech-language pathology assessment to rule out dysphagia, based on the principle of airway priority.
Answer
The most appropriate action is to collaborate with the healthcare provider to initiate an occupational therapy evaluation for adaptive daily living strategies.
Occupational therapy (OT) specializes in fine motor skills, upper extremity function, and activities of daily living (ADLs). For a client with Guillain-Barré syndrome experiencing persistent hand weakness that impairs self-care tasks like eating and dressing, the occupational therapist is the most appropriate interdisciplinary team member to consult. The OT can evaluate the client's specific needs, recommend adaptive equipment (such as weighted utensils or button hooks), and teach energy conservation techniques, which are essential for a safe and successful discharge home.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The occupational therapist is the interdisciplinary team member responsible for evaluating and treating deficits related to fine motor skills and activities of daily living (ADLs), including the use of adaptive equipment.