How would the LPN contribute to the plan of care for a surgical client? You may choose any surgical procedure, related to pregnant patient or a pediatric patient. Identify three need areas and identify a goal for each and four standard interventions from which you would select. Utilize APA formatting to cite your resources. Be sure to cover the following:
LPNs play a vital role in contributing to the plan of care for a surgical client, regardless of the specific surgical procedure or the patient population, whether it be pregnant patients or pediatric patients. The LPN’s involvement in the care plan encompasses various areas, such as preoperative preparation, intraoperative assistance, and postoperative care. In this response, we will focus on a surgical procedure related to a pediatric patient.
First, let us examine three key areas where LPNs can contribute to the plan of care for a pediatric surgical client: pain management, infection prevention, and patient education. In each of these areas, LPNs play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient.
Pain management is an essential aspect of caring for a surgical patient, as effective pain control is crucial for their recovery and overall comfort. For a pediatric surgical patient, LPNs can contribute to the plan of care by assessing the child’s pain levels, monitoring the effectiveness of pain medications, and implementing non-pharmacological pain management interventions. The goal for this need area may be to achieve adequate pain control, enabling the child to rest and participate in rehabilitation activities. Standard interventions for pain management may include administering prescribed pain medications, utilizing distraction techniques, implementing relaxation techniques, and providing warm/cold compresses (American Nurses Association, 2015).
Infection prevention is another critical need area that LPNs can address in the plan of care for a surgical client. Maintaining a sterile environment, proper surgical site care, and adhering to strict hand hygiene protocols are essential in minimizing the risk of postoperative infections. The goal for this need area may be to prevent surgical site infections and promote wound healing. Standard interventions in infection prevention may involve educating the patient and family on proper hand hygiene techniques, administering prophylactic antibiotics as ordered, monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection, and ensuring the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017).
Patient education is an integral part of the LPN’s role in the plan of care for a pediatric surgical client. Effective education helps promote understanding, compliance, and active participation in the child’s care. The goal for patient education may be to enhance the child’s and parent’s knowledge of postoperative care, including wound care and pain management. Standard interventions in patient education may include providing preoperative and postoperative instructions, demonstrating proper wound care techniques, discussing potential complications and their management, and ensuring the child and family have access to educational resources (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2011).
In conclusion, LPNs make significant contributions to the plan of care for surgical clients, irrespective of the specific surgical procedure or patient population. In the case of a pediatric surgical patient, LPNs can address various needs, including pain management, infection prevention, and patient education. Through careful assessment, implementation of standard interventions, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals, LPNs play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the pediatric surgical client. By effectively addressing these need areas, LPNs contribute to improving patient outcomes and enhancing the overall surgical experience.