Question

Alison Linton is 86 years old with end stage cardiac disease and has shown a steady decline over the past few weeks. She appears to be in her last days and is unable to swallow, no longer taking food. You are assigned to provide her morning care. As per her plan of care, provide her with the following skills from start to finish using the patient manikin to play the role of Ms. Linton: Skill.

1: A.M. care, Skill
2: Oral hygiene, Skill
3: Back massage and skin care, Skill
4: Assist with grooming, Skill
5: Making a closed bed.

Answer 1

Provide gentle morning care for Alison Linton, starting with comfort measures, followed by careful oral hygiene, a soothing back massage and skin care, assisting with grooming, and making a closed bed, all tailored to her condition and need for comfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

When providing morning care for a patient like Alison Linton with end stage cardiac disease, a comprehensive, yet gentle approach must be taken. Start by performing the basic A.M. care, which includes ensuring she is comfortable, repositioning to prevent bedsores, and checking vital signs if applicable.

Next, provide a gentle back massage and skin care to promote circulation and provide comfort. Be cautious of her frail condition. Then, assist with grooming such as combing her hair, ensuring this is done with minimal discomfort. Last but not least, make a closed bed to maintain cleanliness and comfort, which involves changing bed linens with the patient still in bed, a delicate task that requires skill to avoid causing distress.