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The Rehabilitation Team

Unit 9 Lesson 2

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Describe the roles and responsibilities of each member of the rehabilitation team
Outline how various therapies help to promote ongoing rehabilitation of the client

Student Learning Outcomes

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The Rehabilitation Team

Team Members

Occupational Therapists
Physical Therapists
Speech Therapists
Respiratory Therapists

Environment

Short-term stay units in long-term care facilities often include a therapy gym for interventions

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Occupational Therapists

Facilitate independence in activities of daily living (ADLs)
Key Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Bathing
Grooming
Eating
Dressing

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Occupational Therapists continued…

Adaptive Devices

Long shoe horns for footwear
Sock pulls for easy sock application
Adaptive utensils for eating
Grabbers for picking up items
Button aids for dressing

Home Assessment

Evaluate safety and recommend modifications
Example: Ramps, grab rails

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A client is learning to use adaptive devices to promote independence with daily activities. Which device should the nurse’s aide provide to help the client put on socks independently?

A. Sock aid (sock pull)

B. Reacher/grabber

C. Adaptive fork

D. Wheelchair tray

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Physical Therapists

Enhance strength, mobility, balance, and coordination
Assessment Areas

Functional abilities
Gait
Joint range of motion

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Physical Therapists continued…

Interventions

Supervised exercise programs tailored to individual needs
Training on assistive devices like walkers and canes

Goal

Improve mobility and prevent falls, ensuring client safety

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A client in a rehabilitation unit is learning to walk again after surgery. The physical therapist has recommended exercises to improve balance and coordination. How can the nurse aide best support the client's rehabilitation plan during their shift?

A. Encourage the client to perform exercises independently without supervision.

B. Assist the client with exercises as instructed by the physical therapist.

C. Suggest the client rest and avoid exercises if they seem difficult.

D. Perform the exercises for the client to ensure they are done correctly.

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Speech Therapists

Treat communication and swallowing disorders
Communication Strategies

Teach use of word boards and electronic aids
Assist clients with expressive aphasia to enhance speech

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Speech Therapists continued…

Swallowing Management

Evaluate for dysphagia
Recommend thickened liquids or modified diets to prevent aspiration

Team Collaboration

Work with nurses, dieticians, and other healthcare providers

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A client with dysphagia is having difficulty swallowing. The speech therapist has recommended a modified diet with thickened liquids. How can the nurse aide best assist this client during mealtime?

A. Ensure all liquids are thickened.

B. Offer regular liquids to test their swallowing ability.

C. Encourage the client to drink quickly to prevent choking.

D. Avoid offering liquids to prevent aspiration.

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Respiratory Therapists

Manage respiratory conditions and support breathing
Therapies Offered

Oxygen therapy management
Use of

Mechanical ventilators
CPAP
Bi-PAP machines

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Respiratory Therapists continued…

Diagnostic and Emergency Support

Perform bronchoscopy
Maintain airway in cardiac and respiratory arrests
Administer respiratory medications and perform chest physiotherapy

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Promoting Ongoing Rehabilitation

Interprofessional Collaboration

Essential for comprehensive client care

Individualized Care Plans

Develop and adapt plans based on client progress

Focus on Independence

Use therapies to enhance self-sufficiency

Regular Evaluations

Conduct frequent assessments to modify interventions as needed

Sandquist-Reuter, 2023

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Critical Thinking Question

A client is on a ventilator. What is the appropriate action for a nurse’s aide when assisting with the client’s care?

A. Adjust the ventilator settings as needed.

B. Monitor respiratory status and report changes to the nurse.

C. Provide additional oxygen if the client appears short of breath.

D. Discontinue the ventilator if the client shows signs of improvement.

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References

Sandquist-Reuter, M. (2023). Nursing Assistant. WisTech Open. https://wtcs.pressbooks.pub/nurseassist/

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