A client with a long history of migraine headaches asks the nurse if there are non-pharmaceutical ways to help obtain pain relief.
Which intervention should the nurse offer?

Choice A rationale:

A Speech Therapist is crucial in this case. The patient presented with garbled speech, which indicates a possible speech impairment. A speech therapist can evaluate the patient’s speech and language skills and provide therapy to improve any deficits, which can significantly enhance the patient’s quality of life.

Choice B rationale:

A Case Manager is essential in coordinating the patient’s care. They ensure that the patient’s healthcare needs are met and that the patient is receiving appropriate treatments. They also coordinate with various healthcare professionals and may assist with insurance issues or discharge planning.

Choice C rationale:

A Physical Therapist can help the patient regain physical strength and mobility that might have been affected by the stroke. They can provide exercises and treatments to improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength, which can help the patient regain independence in their daily activities.

Choice D rationale:

A Pharmacy Technician is not typically involved in direct patient care or recovery. Their role is more focused on assisting pharmacists with dispensing medication and other administrative tasks in a pharmacy setting.

Choice E rationale:

The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) is a high-level executive role that oversees nursing staff across an entire healthcare organization. While they play a crucial role in ensuring quality nursing care, they would not be directly involved in individual patient recovery.

Choice F rationale:

A Respiratory Therapist could be helpful if the patient had respiratory issues or complications related to the stroke, but given the information provided, it does not appear that respiratory therapy is needed in this case.

Choice G rationale:

A Medical Assistant typically performs administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings but does not specialize in rehabilitation or recovery care for stroke patients.

Choice H rationale:

An Occupational Therapist is vital for stroke recovery. They can help the patient regain skills needed for daily living activities that might have been affected by the stroke, such as eating, dressing, and bathing. They can also provide strategies to compensate for any lasting deficits from the stroke. In summary, for a comprehensive recovery plan for this patient who has had a stroke, an interdisciplinary team involving a Speech Therapist (A), Case Manager (B), Physical Therapist ©, and Occupational Therapist (H) would be most beneficial.

Choice A rationale:

The educational materials should contain a list with definitions of unfamiliar terms because older clients may not be familiar with medical terminology. Providing definitions can enhance their understanding of the new antihypertensive medications and promote medication adherence.

Choice B rationale:

Writing materials at a twelfth-grade reading level may not be appropriate for older clients. Many older individuals may have lower literacy levels, and using complex language can lead to confusion and hinder comprehension. Simple and clear language is more effective in educating this population.

Choice C rationale:

Using common words with few syllables is important for ensuring that older clients can easily understand the educational materials. Complex language and lengthy words can make it difficult for them to grasp important information about their antihypertensive medications.

Choice D rationale:

Using pictures to help illustrate complex ideas is essential when educating older clients. Visual aids can enhance comprehension and retention of information, especially for individuals who may have cognitive impairments or difficulty with written text.

Choice E rationale:

Printing materials using a 12-point type font is important for ensuring that the text is easy to read for older clients. Smaller fonts can be challenging for individuals with visual impairments, and readability is crucial for effective education.