Question

The nurse is preparing for the discharge of a client who will require physical therapy (PT) for rehabilitation following a total knee replacement. After reading the healthcare provider's order for PT, what should the nurse do next?

A) Set up outpatient appointments for the client with the hospital's PT department
B) Call home health and schedule a therapist to visit the client's home for PT
C) Inform the client about the settings in which PT may occur and have the client choose the venue
D) Teach the client's family the exercises that will be included in the client's PT regimen

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the client about possible PT settings and let the client choose where to receive treatment. The PT plan may include heat therapy, exercises, usage of equipment, and strength and endurance monitoring, all tailored to help the client regain full functionality.

Step-by-step explanation:

After reading the healthcare provider's order for PT (physical therapy), the nurse should inform the client about the settings in which PT may occur and allow the client to choose the preferred venue for their sessions. This choice could be based on the client’s personal circumstances, such as the ability to travel or the convenience of in-home therapy. It’s essential for the client to understand the various aspects of the appropriate physical therapy plan, including the initial warm-up with a heat pack, ongoing exercises, the use of equipment like crutches if necessary, monitoring of strength, balance, and endurance, and the icing protocol to reduce inflammation. Continual assessment during PT ensures that any progression towards regaining the range of motion and normal limb function is tracked, culminating in an exit exam and a detailed report to the doctor.