Ticket To Class • Place In Bright Space Prior To The Start ✓ Solved

Ticket to Class • Place in Bright Space prior to the start

Scenario: Your 79-year-old female patient suffered a stroke 6 months ago. She is cared for in her sister’s home. The patient is dependent for position changes. She is unable to communicate the need to be turned. She must be fed at all meals. She has a stage II pressure injury on her sacral area.

Questions: Develop a teaching plan for the family to ensure that the patient’s needs are met.

Paper For Above Instructions

Creating a teaching plan for the family of a patient who has suffered a stroke involves an understanding of the patient’s medical needs, the caregiving responsibilities, and effective communication strategies. The patient, a 79-year-old female, requires substantial assistance, given her inability to communicate her needs effectively and her dependency for activities of daily living. Consequently, the family must be educated on specific care techniques to manage the patient’s needs optimally and prevent complications such as pressure injuries.

Understanding the Patient's Condition

The family should first understand the implications of a stroke, particularly how it affects the patient's mobility, communication, and nutritional intake. According to the American Stroke Association (2021), stroke survivors may experience a range of outcomes affecting their independence and need for assistance in daily activities. Supporting a patient with a stage II pressure injury requires knowledge about skin care, nutrition, and mobility management.

Skin Care Management

One critical aspect of care is managing the stage II pressure injury on the sacral area. Families must be instructed on how to reposition the patient frequently to alleviate pressure on susceptible areas. The recommended frequency is at least every two hours, depending on the patient's tolerance (Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society, 2016). The family should be taught how to examine the skin for any changes that may indicate worsening of the pressure injury or skin breakdown.

Additionally, keeping the skin clean and dry is essential. Families should use mild soap and water for cleansing and apply a moisture barrier to protect the skin. Use of specialized cushions or mattresses may also be beneficial in managing pressure injuries (Black et al., 2015). It’s vital that caregivers observe any signs of infection or worsening conditions and communicate these effectively to healthcare providers.

Nutrition and Feeding Techniques

Since the patient must be fed at all meals, the family should learn safe feeding techniques. Nutrition is vital for healing and maintaining overall health, particularly for a patient with pressure injuries (Stratton et al., 2010). The caregivers should be educated on the importance of providing a well-balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. They should also understand the patient’s dietary preferences and any potential swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) that may necessitate special food preparations.

The family can be taught to:

  • Offer small, frequent meals to enhance the patient's comfort and ensure adequate intake.
  • Use adaptive utensils that can facilitate feeding.
  • Position the patient upright during meals to prevent aspiration.

Communication and Emotional Support

Moreover, communication is a significant challenge for the patient due to her stroke. Family members should practice using non-verbal cues, maintaining eye contact, and encouraging the patient to express her needs through gestures or facial expressions (National Stroke Association, 2022). Providing emotional support, including engaging the patient in conversations about her interests, can improve her quality of life.

Emergency Protocols

It is also crucial for the family to develop a plan for emergencies. This plan should cover what to do in case of a medical crisis and whom to call for help. Family caregivers should familiarize themselves with the patient's health history and any medications prescribed, understanding their purposes and potential side effects (Miller et al., 2017).

Education Resources

To reinforce this teaching plan, the family should have access to educational materials, including pamphlets and informational websites that provide resources about stroke rehabilitation, pressure injury care, and effective caregiving strategies. Organizations like the Stroke Association and the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society can provide valuable guidance and support for caregivers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, developing a comprehensive teaching plan for the family of a stroke survivor addresses not only the medical needs of the patient but also equips the caregivers with the tools they need to provide effective care. By fostering an understanding of skin integrity management, nutrition, communication techniques, emotional support, and emergency preparedness, families can significantly improve their loved one’s care and quality of life.

References

  • American Stroke Association. (2021). Understanding Stroke. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke
  • Black, J. M., Hawks, J. H., & Hurst, D. (2015). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Clinical Management for Positive Outcomes. Elsevier.
  • Miller, E. L., Murray, N. A., & Zorowitz, R. D. (2017). Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach. Elsevier.
  • National Stroke Association. (2022). Stroke Care: Communication Challenges. https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-survivor-support/communication-challenges
  • Stratton, R. J., Elia, M., & McCray, S. (2010). Protein and Energy Requirements of Patients with Pressure Ulcers. Clinical Nutrition.
  • Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society. (2016). Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pressure Ulcers. https://www.wocn.org/wound-care-resources/wocn-guidelines
  • Barker, S. B., & Barker, R. T. (2019). Pressure Injury Prevention: A Guide to the Treatment of Pressure Ulcers. Nursing Clinics of North America.
  • Schmults, C. D., & Margolis, D. J. (2019). The Role of Nutrition in Preventing Pressure Ulcers. Advances in Wound Care.
  • Rybarcyk, B. J., & Reisinger, H. (2018). The Role of Family in Patient Rehabilitation: Enhancing Care. Journal of Patient Safety.
  • Stotts, N. A., & Wu, S. E. (2019). Enhancing Caregiver Education in Wound Care Management. Journal of Wound Care.