Question

Please discuss what your steps would be to address this scenario: A 78-year-old man on the medical floor continues to take his gown off after you have replaced it at least 7 times. the last time he took his gown off, he ripped out his iv and you had to start a new one.

* What is your solution to this problem?

* using the nursing process, describe how you came to this decision.

* what questions you would need to be answered to make a better decision?

NOTE: In this class word coun individual write up or posting will be 300-350 words minimum.

Answer 1

Multiple attempts to replace the gown has now reached to iv cannula ripping, he may cause harm to self so, now the solution is to ask the physician to write a restraint order it could be physical or chemical .

Being a nursing professional ,our aim is to provide comfort and care to the patient . In this case the elder patient is not understanding due to his mental instability , he is continuously removing his gown and also now has ripped of his iv cannula which is a kind of causing harm to himself.

In such cases when patient cannot understand or intentionally engage in such activities then the physician should prescribe for restraint orderwhich has to be renewed every 24 hourly and extended if required after taking consent from the family members.

The questions to be asked to make a better decision are :-

- why are you removing the gown again and again ,is there any issue with that ?

- are not feeling comfortable with it ?

- make him understand that it will cause harm to you

- make him understand that it's the hospital dress and you have to wear it as every other patient.

These questions will help us to decide whether he is doing it intentionally or unintentionally and decision is taken according to it .