Question

An older adult patient has stage I wounds to his right elbow, sacrum, and bilateral heels. His face grimaces as he tries to move around in the wheel chair. He weighs 125 pounds. His daughter says he looks thinner in the past few weeks. What collaborative opportunities can the nurse pursue for this patient?

Select all that apply.
a) Wound specialist
b Nutritionist
c) Social services
d) Surgeon
e) Family

Answer 1

The patient requires a collaborative approach involving a wound specialist, nutritionist, social services, and family to address his stage I wounds, weight loss, and overall care.

Step-by-step explanation:

An older adult patient with stage I wounds and signs of distress when moving suggests a need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care. For this patient, a few collaborative opportunities include:

• Wound specialist: To assess and plan treatment for the stage I wounds on the patient's right elbow, sacrum, and bilateral heels.
• Nutritionist: Given the patient's recent weight loss and current weight, a nutritionist can evaluate his nutritional status and recommend a diet plan to promote healing and weight stabilization.
• Social services: Involvement of social services can aid in supporting the patient's psychosocial needs and connect them with community resources.
• Family: Encouraging the engagement and support of the patient's family can provide emotional comfort and practical assistance.

All of these professionals can work together in a collaborative manner to address the patient's needs, both immediately for the wounds and in terms of long-term health and support needs.