Question

The nurse is caring for a client who is on bed rest. After reviewing the image above, which is the most appropriate reason for the nurse to observe this client perform the activity?

Answer 1

The nurse should observe the client performing the praxis activity on bed rest to assess their ability to understand and follow instructions, demonstrating their cognitive and motor skills alongside neurological integrity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate reason for the nurse to observe the client perform the activity described, such as flipping the palm of their hand on their thigh, is to assess the client’s praxis abilities. This is important for a patient on bed rest, as it can indicate how well the client understands and follows verbal instructions, and whether they're able to transform these into coordinated movements. This assessment helps in determining the client's cognitive and motor skills, which may have been compromised due to prolonged bed rest.

Furthermore, such observation helps in the detection of potential neurological deficits, providing crucial information about the patient’s proprioception and the integrity of their motor and sensory pathways. By understanding the patient's abilities, the healthcare team can tailor rehabilitation and care plans that cater to the patient's specific needs while preventing further complications such as muscle atrophy or pressure sores.