Show Establish short-term goals with the patient. Helping the patient with setting realistic goals will reduce frustration. Guide the patient in accepting the needed amount of dependence. Patient may require help in determining the safe limits of trying to be independent versus asking for assistance when necessary. Present positive reinforcement for all activities attempted; note partial achievements. External resources of positive reinforcement may promote ongoing efforts. Patients often have difficulty seeing progress. Render supervision for each activity until the patient exhibits the skill effectively and is secured in independent care; reevaluate regularly to be certain that the patient is keeping the skill level and remains safe in the environment. The patient’s ability to perform self-care measures may change often over time and will need to be assessed regularly. Implement measures to promote independence, but intervene when the patient cannot function. An appropriate level of assistive care can prevent injury from activities without causing frustration. Nurses can be key in helping patients accept both temporary and permanent dependence. Boost maximum independence. The goal of rehabilitation is one of achieving the highest level of independence possible. Apply regular routines, and allow adequate time for the patient to complete task. An established routine becomes rote and requires less effort. This helps the patient organize and carry out self-care skills. Feeding Allow the patient to feed himself or herself as soon as possible (using the unaffected hand, if appropriate). Assist with setup as needed. It is possible that the dominant hand will also be the affected hand if there is upper extremity involvement. Ensure the patient wears dentures and eyeglasses if required. Deficits may be exaggerated if other senses or strengths are not functioning optimally. Place the patient in a comfortable position for feeding. Proper positioning can make the task easier while also reducing the risk for aspiration. Provide patient with proper utensils (e.g., wide-grip utensils, rocking knife, plate guard, drinking straw) to aid in self-feeding. These things expand possibilities of success. Assure that the consistency of diet is suitable for the patient’s ability to chew and swallow, as assessed by the speech therapist. Thickened semisolid foods such as pudding and hot cereal are most easily swallowed and less likely to be aspirated. If vision is affected, guide the patient about the placement of food on the plate. After a CVA, patients may have unilateral neglect and may ignore half of the plate. Provide an appropriate setting for feeding where the patient has supportive assistance yet is not embarrassed. Embarrassment or fear of spilling food on self may prevent the patient’s effort to feed self. Dressing/grooming Provide privacy during dressing. The need for privacy is fundamental for most patients. Patients may take longer to dress and may be fearful of breaches in privacy. Use appropriate assistive devices for dressing as assessed by the nurse and occupational therapist. The use of buttonhook or loop-and-pile closures on clothes may make it possible for a patient to continue independence in this self-care activity. Suggest elastic shoelaces or Velcro closures on shoes. The closures eliminate tying, which can add to frustration. Give frequent encouragement and aid with dressing as needed. Assistance can reduce energy expenditure and frustration. However, care needs to be taken so the care provider does not rush through tasks, negating the patient’s attempts. Utilize wheelchair or stationary chair. Dressing requires energy. A chair that provides more support for the body than sitting on the side of the bed saves energy when dressing. Establish regular activities so the patient is rested before activity. A plan that balances periods of activity with periods of rest can help the patient complete the desired activity without undue fatigue and frustration. Consider the use of clothing one size larger. A large size guarantees easier dressing and comfort. Recommend a front-opening brassiere and half-slips. Clothing that is easier to put on and remove enhances self-care with dressing. Transferring/Ambulation For moderate assistance, the caregiver places arms beneath both patient’s armpits with the caregiver’s hands on the patient’s back. This method forces the patient to maintain his or her weight forward. For patients needing maximal assistance, use a gait belt.
What is selfWhat Is Self-Care? Self-care is any deliberate activity that we do to provide for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is important for workers in every field, but especially for nurses, who spend their working hours caring for others.
What is an effective selfExercise is another effective practice of self-care for nurses. It keeps you physically healthy, extends your lifespan and boosts your energy. It also helps maintain mental health.
Why does a nurse need to care for themselves as they care for their patients?With self-care, nurses can decrease their stress, improve their health, and live happier and longer lives while also taking better care of their patients.
Which caring process would be included in Swanson's theory Select all that apply?Swanson's caring theory outlines five caring processes: knowing, being with, doing for, enabling, and maintaining belief (p. 163).
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