Question

1. Case Study: OT Intervention

The occupational therapist working at the day activity center for persons with cognitive impairments (mental retardation) was trying her best to calm a loud, disruptive adult. This adult had a cognitive impairment, very limited mobility, and was labeled with autism. The therapist had attended a session on sensory integration and sensory dysfunction at a conference, and thought that perhaps the person was experiencing sensory overload. She decided to try putting a blanket over the head and body of the individual to see if this would calm him. She then went about her business elsewhere in the building helping clients in the other rooms of the program, planning to check back on the individual later in the afternoon.

Was there anything wrong with this practice?

Case Study: Psychologist Intervention

The psychologist at a rural work program for adults with disabilities was the senior manager on duty when the paraprofessional staff came running into his office. It seems one of the individuals attending the program had slammed a door on his finger, cutting the tip of the finger completely off. The staff wanted to know what to do. The staff wanted to call the paramedics but the psychologist decided to tell the staff to drive the individual to the emergency room some 20 miles away. He also told the staff to put the finger tip in a cup of water and take it with them to the emergency room.

The individual was fine after receiving treatment at the emergency room; however the finger tip was lost because of the damage caused by soaking the finger tip in water.  

Did the psychologist do anything wrong?

Answer 1

1). Yes, this is absolutely the wrong practice. Without getting concern from the client or from client guardian you should not restraint the client. For restraining a client you need a concern form to be signed by client's guardian. Also restraining the client and leaving him alone in the room is really bad. It could can result in any risk even to the client. It is practice against the ethical principles. Health worker should have knowledge about the moral, ethical and legal principles.

2). Yes, what the psychologist did is really wrong.If he is not sure about the transporting the amputated part he must call the physician or other paramedical staff to get information regarding first aid and transporting the cut off part. First of all as a health care professional he should know all first aid and emergency practices. He sent the finger tip in the cup of water. The finger has soaked for a period of time hence it fails to attachment. The patient has loss his finger because of lack of knowledge of the psychologist. So it is wrong. Actually the finger tip has to covered in a wrapper then put it into the ice pack. If it is transported in this way the finger tip not become wet it will dry but not lose its function hence it can attach to the client missed part.