Description
Assessment 1: (200-300 words)
You are a Home Health RN who is making an initial visit to the home of an elderly couple to assess and develop a plan of care. Mr. Juarez, an 88-year-old man, broke his right tibia due to a fall. He was recently discharged from a skilled rehabilitation center where he had developed a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) from his indwelling urinary catheter. The infection has resolved, and he has now been discharged home with an indwelling urinary catheter. He remains in a cast and has graduated to limited use of crutches but is still unable to perform routine activities of daily living (ADLs).You will be coming to the home once a week.
Based on this scenario, describe the infection control measures that need to be observed and the personal protective equipment (PPE) that would be used during these visits. Explain how some of the characteristics of the aging process may lead to vulnerabilities related to independent living, elder abuse, social connections, etc.
Assessment 2: (200-300 words)
End-of-life care becomes an issue at some point for elderly patients. Discuss the difference between palliative care and hospice care programs. Discuss what you can do as a nurse to support your patients regarding end-of-life care in accordance with their wishes. Explain the use of advance directives versus Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) and their legal implications when providing care for elderly patients.
