The nurse is concerned about helping the patient find resources to obtain assistive equipment to be used in the home. Which team member should the nurse contact first?

Question

a. Occupational therapist
b. Physical therapist
c. Physician
d. Social worker

Answer 1

ANS: D
The nurse should collaborate with the social worker to identify community resources for obtaining assistive equipment. The social worker facilitates contact with insurance companies or other agencies to assist with the financing of recommended therapeutic assistive and specialty devices. Occupational therapists evaluate the patient for safe performance of activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, and they make recommendations to enhance safe performance of these activities, such as the use of specialty equipment (e.g., grippers for pants, oversized shoehorns). Physical therapists evaluate the patient's ability to perform and maintain balance during routine activities such as sitting, standing, and walking. They make recommendations for assistive devices such as canes and walkers to promote safe performance of these activities. Physicians order the equipment.