Reference no: EM132408431
Critical Thinking: Atrophy of the Left Leg Muscles Discussion Forum
Assignment Requirements
For this assignment, you are being asked to use critical thinking skills to ensure the patient is well cared for and all issues are discussed with the patient so that treatment will be successful. This assignment asks you to think about the patient's life and discover barriers to successful treatment.
After reading the scenario, you will write 2- 3 questions you would ask the patient prior to treatment. You need to think critically, using common sense, to ask questions of the patient prior to the treatment, in order to problem solve issues and enable the patient to comply with the treatment instructions given.
You will post the 2- 3 questions you will ask the patient prior to treatment on the Critical Thinking: Atrophy of the Left Leg Muscles Discussion Forum.
Scenario: Atrophy of the Left Leg Muscles
A 12-year old male is in the clinic to have a cast removed from his lower left leg. His history indicates crushing fractures of the tarsal and lower tibia bones requiring an open reduction. Healing had been slow and long. Upon removing the cast, the patient's mother noticed that the leg muscles on the left leg were significantly atrophied. She voiced concern and asked what to do to increase and equalize leg muscle strength. Social history indicates the patient lives with his mother, who is a single parent. They have just relocated to the area for the mother to take a new job, and have no other family living locally. The patient has just started classes at a local middle school.
Treatment Plan:
- The physician orders physical therapy three times a week.
- Diet is to include at least 60 - 70 grams of complete protein a day.
- The patient is to avoid sitting for long periods of time and is directed to complete range of motion exercises frequently throughout the day to build strength and flexibility.
What do you need to know from the patient prior to the treatment beginning so you can help him problem solve in order to comply with the treatment plan? Think common sense, not necessarily medical care.