Question

A nurse is participating in a health and wellness event at the local community center. A woman approaches and relates that she is worried that her widowed father is becoming more functionally impaired and may need to move in with her. The nurse asks about his ability to complete activities of daily living (ADLs). ADLs include independence with: (Select all that apply.) a. Driving. b. Toileting. c. Bathing. d. Daily exercise. e. Eating.

Short answer

Activities of daily living (ADLs) that the father should be independent with include toileting (b), bathing (c), and eating (e).

Step-by-step solution

Understand Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) refer to the basic tasks of everyday life that individuals typically do on their own, such as self-care tasks.

Identify the ADLs from the Options Provided

ADLs generally include activities like bathing, dressing, transferring (getting out of bed or a chair), using the toilet, eating, and walking. Review the list of activities provided in the exercise and select those that are considered ADLs.

Apply the Definition to the Exercise

Based on the definition of ADLs, we can determine that driving and daily exercise are not typically considered basic self-care tasks and therefore are not ADLs. Toileting, bathing, and eating are all activities that are necessary for personal care and are considered ADLs.

Key concepts

Nursing Fundamentals

Understanding the essential functions of daily life is a cornerstone of nursing fundamentals. When assessing a patient’s needs, it’s crucial to consider their ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). ADLs represent the basic tasks necessary for independent living, including toileting, bathing, and eating. As a nurse, recognizing these activities helps to create a plan of care that promotes patient well-being and safety.

Additionally, in a health and wellness context, nurses can provide education to family members about signs of functional impairment. By examining a patient's proficiency in ADLs, nurses can make informed recommendations about the level of care or assistance required. It's important to note that while driving and daily exercise are important for quality of life, they're not regarded as fundamental ADLs for basic daily survival and function. Understanding this distinction is vital for setting priorities in patient care and resource allocation.

Self-Care in Nursing

Self-care in nursing extends beyond the basics of ADLs. It involves understanding and promoting practices that individuals can perform to maintain their health, well-being, and independence. Nurses play an instrumental role in teaching and encouraging self-care routines. This includes proper hygiene, nutrition, medication management, and simple measures to prevent complications or deterioration of health.

Tailoring Self-Care Education

For each patient, nurses need to tailor self-care education to the individual's capabilities and health conditions. For example, a nurse might teach a diabetic patient about managing their insulin levels and diet. For a patient with mobility issues, the focus might be on preventing falls and maintaining muscle strength through safe exercises. The ultimate goal of self-care in nursing is to empower patients, ensuring they can look after themselves to the best of their abilities, thus maintaining independence and dignity.

Patient Independence

Patient independence is a vital component of healthcare, as it directly impacts a person's quality of life and dignity. In the context of nursing, fostering patient independence involves the right balance of support and autonomy. While addressing a patient's immediate needs, nurses also look to the future, planning and teaching skills that enhance independence.

Supporting Autonomy

Supporting autonomy can take many forms, from assistive devices for mobility to cognitive aids for those with memory impairments. Strategies may include setting up home safety measures, coordinating with physical therapists for functional mobility, and even utilizing technology for reminders about medication. Nurses act as advocates and educators, aiming to maintain and even improve their patients’ ability to manage ADLs. Building on patients' current abilities, nurses can devise care plans that adapt to changing conditions, always with the aim of maximizing independence.