The nurse is caring for a patient with a progressive, degenerative muscle illness. The patient states that she would like to remain in her home with her daughter as long as possible. What action should the nurse take?
a. Teach the patient muscle strengthening and stretching exercises.
b. Tell the patient to make plans to move to an assisted-living facility.
c. Discuss resources to help the patient and make appropriate referrals.
d. Ask the patient to come in for daily physical therapy.
ANS: C
To honor the patient's request to stay at home the nurse should make appropriate referrals for needed evaluation and assistance. Most nurses will not have the expertise to teach appropriate exercises for degenerative illness. Asking the patient to move to an assisted-living facility does not account for the patient's request. The patient has not been assessed for the need of daily therapy, and it is not likely that a patient with a degenerative illness will be able to make daily appointments for treatment as the illness progresses.
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