Author Question: You are caring for a patient in the hospital that has a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). You have just ... (Read 93 times)

Capo · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

You are caring for a patient in the hospital that has a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). You have just helped him to the bathroom when the patient reports having numbness on his right side. He stumbles as you get him back in the bed and his speech is starting to sound garbled. What are the implications?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

You are caring for a person in an assisted living residence. The nurse has reviewed with you the person's service plan and your responsibilities. You are to assist with bathing, laundry, light housekeeping, and medication reminders. When you remind the person it is time for his medication, he asks you to assist with taking the medication. How do you respond?

What will be an ideal response?

poopface · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The patient is likely having a stroke and needs immediate attention. Notify the nurse urgently. If your facility has a rapid response or stroke team and nursing assistants are allowed to activate it, do so. The patient with a DVT is likely on blood thinners to treat the clot. The stroke could be a result of the clot or a piece of the clot dislodging and migrating to the brain. It could also be a bleed in the brain due to the blood thinners. Rapid evaluation and treatment can greatly impact the outcome and long-term damage from a stroke.

Answer to Question 2

You explain to the person that you are sorry but medication administration is not something you are properly trained to do. It is not currently part of the service plan. If he feels he needs assistance taking his medication you can contact the nurse and she can adjust the plan to meet his needs.