Question

The nurse is preparing a client for discharge who will be requiring physical therapy (PT) to rehabilitate after a total knee replacement. After reading the healthcare provider's order for PT, which would be the nurse's initial action?

A) Set up appointments according to the order with the hospital PT department.
B) Call home health and schedule a therapist to visit the home for therapy.
C) Discuss the various types of settings for therapy and have the client choose the venue.
D) Teach the family the exercises needed for the client.

Answer 1

The nurse's initial action would be to set up appointments with the hospital PT department.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse's initial action after reading the healthcare provider's order for physical therapy (PT) for a client who will be requiring rehabilitation after a total knee replacement would be to set up appointments according to the order with the hospital PT department. This is because in the early stages, PT is usually provided in a controlled facility, like a hospital, where the therapist can closely monitor the client's progress and adjust the therapy plan as needed.

Home health agencies are typically involved in later stages of rehabilitation when the client is stable and able to continue therapy at home with the guidance and instructions provided by the hospital PT department. Discussing the various types of settings for therapy and teaching the exercises needed for the client are also important actions, but they would generally occur after setting up the initial appointments with the hospital PT department.