A young married woman has returned home following extensive rehabilitation for a C8 spinal cord injury.The home health care nurse visits and notices that the patient's mother and husband are performing many of the activities of daily living that the patient was managing during rehabilitation.What is the most appropriate nursing action at this time?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is important to involve the patient's family in the care plan to increase their understanding of the patient's needs and to promote the patient's independence. This can be achieved by including the husband and mother in developing a plan of care that identifies ways to increase the patient's participation in activities of daily living. It is important to recognize that the patient may still require some assistance, and the family's support can be helpful in promoting the patient's recovery. Simply encouraging the patient to perform her own care may not be sufficient, as it may not address the underlying issue of the family's involvement in her care. Telling the mother and husband to stop performing care may also not be the best approach, as it may create conflict and undermine the patient's relationships with her family. Therefore, working collaboratively with the patient's family to develop a plan of care that promotes the patient's independence is the best course of action.

A Young Married Woman Has Returned Home Following Extensive Rehabilitation