Mrs. Loretta Rusk Mrs. Loretta Rusk, a 75-year-old client, is discharged from the hospital after suffering a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), often referred to as a stroke. Mrs. Rusk lives with her elderly husband who is in good health. The primary healthcare provider has prescribed home health skilled nursing visits and home health aide visits 3 times per week. The home health nurse makes the first home visit to assess Mrs. Rusk and establish the plan of care. Purchase the answer to view it
Introduction
Cerebral vascular accidents (CVAs), or strokes, are a common and devastating health event experienced by individuals worldwide. They can cause significant physical, cognitive, and emotional impairments, leading to decreased quality of life and an increased burden on the healthcare system. The management of stroke patients in the home setting is a critical component of their rehabilitation and recovery process. This assignment will explore the case of Mrs. Loretta Rusk, a 75-year-old client who has recently suffered a CVA and is now being discharged from the hospital. The focus will be on the initial home health nursing assessment and the development of a comprehensive plan of care for her specific needs.
Background
Strokes, which result from interrupted blood flow to the brain, can be caused by either an ischemic (blockage) or hemorrhagic (bleeding) event. The effects of a stroke depend on the area of the brain affected and the severity of the damage. Common consequences include weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or understanding language (aphasia), cognitive impairments, and emotional disturbances. Rehabilitation and ongoing care are essential to promote recovery and optimize functional abilities for stroke patients.
In Mrs. Rusk’s case, she has experienced a CVA and is now being discharged from the hospital. It is crucial for her to receive appropriate care and support in the home setting to prevent further complications, enhance her rehabilitation, and promote her overall well-being. The prescribed home health skilled nursing visits and home health aide visits provide a foundation for the management of her care during this critical period.
Initial Home Health Nursing Assessment
The first home visit by the home health nurse is a vital step in the care of Mrs. Rusk. During this assessment, the nurse will gather information about her current health status, functional abilities, support system, and specific care needs. The nurse will utilize a comprehensive approach to ensure that all aspects of Mrs. Rusk’s care are addressed and that appropriate interventions are implemented.
One essential element of the assessment will be to determine Mrs. Rusk’s physical and cognitive abilities. The nurse will assess her strength, range of motion, coordination, and balance. This information will provide a baseline for monitoring her progress in rehabilitation and guide the development of interventions to address any deficiencies. Additionally, the nurse will assess Mrs. Rusk’s cognitive function, including her ability to speak, understand instructions, and perform activities of daily living independently. Evaluating her cognitive abilities will help identify any cognitive impairments that may require intervention, such as speech therapy or cognitive retraining.
Another critical aspect of the assessment will be to evaluate Mrs. Rusk’s support system. Living with an elderly husband in good health can be both a benefit and a challenge. On the one hand, having her husband present may provide emotional support and assistance with certain tasks. On the other hand, her husband may also have limitations that impact his ability to provide care or may require additional support himself. The nurse will need to assess the husband’s ability to assist with Mrs. Rusk’s care and explore available resources, such as respite care or community support groups, if needed.
Furthermore, the nurse will assess Mrs. Rusk’s home environment to ensure that it is safe and conducive to her recovery and ongoing care. This assessment will include evaluating the physical accessibility of the living space, the presence of any hazards, and the availability of necessary equipment and supplies. Modifications may be needed to create a safe and supportive environment, such as installing grab bars or removing trip hazards. The nurse will work with Mrs. Rusk and her husband to identify any necessary changes and coordinate their implementation.