Question

Which of the following indicates that additional assistance is needed to transfer a patient from the bed to the stretcher? (Select all that apply.) a. The patient is 5 feet, 6 inches and weighs \(120 \mathrm{lb}\). b. The patient speaks and understands English. c. The patient is returning to unit from recovery room after a procedure requiring conscious sedation. d. The patient has a history of being able to stand independently. e. The patient received analgesia for pain 30 minutes ago.

Short answer

Options c and e indicate a need for additional assistance. Option c involves a recent procedure with conscious sedation, potentially impairing the patient's ability to assist with the transfer. Option e involves recent pain medication that could affect the patient's alertness and motor coordination.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the Factors that Indicate a Need for Assistance

Identify the factors from the given options that suggest a patient may need additional help during the transfer from a bed to a stretcher. Factors that indicate a need for assistance often involve the patient's physical condition, level of consciousness, and ability to understand and follow instructions.

Evaluate the Patient's Physical Condition

Assess whether the patient's physical attributes and recent medical history require extra care. This includes patients who are especially heavy, have mobility issues, or are recovering from a procedure that affects their ability to assist with the transfer.

Consider the Patient's Level of Consciousness

Determine if the patient's level of consciousness is altered in any way due to medication or medical procedures, which would impact their ability to assist in the transfer and increase the risk of injury during the process.

Determine the Relevance of the Patient's Understanding and Independence

Consider the patient's ability to understand instructions and their history of independence. Patients who cannot follow directions due to language barriers or have lost their independence due to medical conditions might require extra assistance.

Identify the Choices Indicating a Need for Assistance

Based on the evaluation, identify the choices that directly suggest a need for additional assistance. For example, recent sedation or analgesia could impair the patient's ability to move safely on their own.

Key concepts

Patient Mobility Assessment

Assessing a patient's mobility is a critical step in ensuring safe and effective patient transfer within a healthcare setting. Patient mobility assessment involves evaluating the patient's physical capabilities and any limitations that may affect their ability to move independently.

During the assessment, nurses consider factors like muscle strength, balance, joint function, and the overall endurance of the patient. Mobility assessments also take into account recent medical interventions the patient may have undergone. For instance, if a patient has received conscious sedation, their motor coordination and alertness may be compromised, indicating the need for additional support during transfer.

In the context of the exercise, option c, where the patient is returning from the recovery room after a procedure requiring conscious sedation, suggests that a patient mobility assessment is essential before attempting any transfer. While the patient may have been independent in the past, the effects of sedation must be factored into the current assessment. By carefully evaluating the patient's current state, nurses can prevent falls and injuries, ensuring a smooth and safe transition from one location to another.

Conscious Sedation Recovery

Recovery from conscious sedation is an important aspect of post-procedure care that requires close monitoring and a careful approach. Conscious sedation, a technique used to reduce pain and anxiety during certain medical procedures, can temporarily hinder a patient's cognitive and physical abilities.

When recovering from conscious sedation, patients often experience drowsiness, impaired judgment, and delayed reflexes. Therefore, they may need assistance with activities like transferring to a bed or stretcher, as highlighted in option c of the exercise. During the recovery period, it is the responsibility of nursing staff to continuously evaluate the patient's vital signs, level of consciousness, and ability to respond to verbal cues. This observation helps in determining when it is safe for the patient to engage in activities requiring coordination and balance. Additionally, educating the patient about temporary restrictions and setting realistic expectations for recovery are essential to prevent self-injury.

Nursing Care for Post-Procedure Patients

Providing nursing care for post-procedure patients encompasses several responsibilities aimed at promoting healing and preventing complications. The care begins immediately after the procedure and continues until the patient is deemed stable.

Following a procedure, especially one that required conscious sedation or analgesia, as alluded to in option e of the exercise, the nursing staff must conduct thorough evaluations of the patient’s pain levels, sedation effects, and overall ability to perform basic functions. Managing pain effectively while ensuring that the medication does not impair mobility or consciousness further than necessary is critical. Nurses provide instructions on how to safely move to prevent injury, assist with transfers when required, and monitor for any adverse reactions or signs of distress.

Education plays a significant role, where patients and their families are instructed on signs that may indicate a need for immediate medical attention. Furthermore, planning for discharge and follow-up care is integral to avoid reintervention and promote a swift recovery.