The older adult patient recently diagnosed with a spinal cord injury and limited mobility is referred to a physical therapist to discuss using a wheelchair for increased mobility. The patient asks the nurse, “Do I really have to see the physical therapist? I broke my leg as a kid and used one then.” Which response by the nurse is appropriate?

“The physical therapist will also help you with your core strength.”. The nurse’s best response is to emphasize the new skills the patient will need and that the therapist can teach. Stating things have changed is dismissive of the patient’s experience and does not answer the question. As part of an interdisciplinary team, the nurse knows the role of the physical therapist and should share it with the patient. Telling the patient that memories become less accurate over time is not in line with therapeutic communication.

The older adult patient recently diagnosed with a spinal cord inj...

Category: Basic Care and Comfort
Difficulty: 6

Topics: Communication & Documentation Musculoskeletal Disease Prevention Health Care Ethics, Law, and Policy Health Care Quality Health Promotion Mobility Patient Education

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