Question

Case Scenario: Subacute Care Unfortunately, Mrs. Fox's right leg could not be saved, and a surgical amputation was performed below the level of the knee. At that time, the patient also displayed impairments to the following: swallowing solid foods, speaking words and full sentences, anterograde memory, fine and gross motor function of the right upper and lower extremity. Mrs. Fox spent 2-3 weeks in inpatient care receiving all necessary rehabilitation services with good improvement in objective measurements. However, it was determined that the patient was not yet prepared to return home safely with her family. The necessary paperwork was processed so that the patient could be transferred to Helen Hayes Hospital, a skilled nursing facility, where she could continue to receive rehabilitative and nursing services. Prior to her accident, Mrs. Fox had a 15 year history of cigarette smoking. Her physician strongly advised her to cease smoking due to its negative effect upon tissue healing and overall negative effects upon her health. During a rehabilitation session, the patient reported that her situation had left her feeling depressed, particularly because of her difficulty communicating with her husband and 2 children. She also expressed fear that she would never walk "normally" again or be able to do things such as brush her hair or feed herself like she did before. She stated that the only time she felt "happy" lately was when she was painting in the common room. Based on the case scenario above, answer the following questions: 1. List all the health professionals which may be involved in Mrs. Fox's subacute care? 2. What would be the role of each provider? 3. Why might providers need to communicate with one and other specific to this case? 4. How might they communicate? 5. List all other healthcare team members, previously or not yet discussed, who might be involved and describe each of their roles.

Answer 1

A Registered competent nurse is needed for her comprehensive Care. It includes feeding her as she is having difficulty in swallowing solid foods. Liquid diet small and frequently will help here. Use of creches and assistance in using this would help her in mobilisation.

Occupational therapist including speech therapist will also enable her to articulate words and make sentences and thus boost her confidence. Also regular physiotherapy will increase her movements.

A counsellor who can provide rehabilitation services and behaviour change therapy for her addiction to cigarette.

All these Health care team members will have to work in co ordination with each other as these factors are interdependent. Once Mrs. Fox learn to build sentences and works she will bear a positive attitude towards life which will help her in improvement of her physical health.