A nurse is consulting with a physical therapist for a client who has chronic low back pain. Which of the following statements by the physical therapist is an example of a collaborative intervention?

Choice A reason:

Review the client’s medications and dosage instructions with them. This step is crucial to prevent medication errors and ensure the client understands their regimen. It helps in maintaining proper glycemic control and avoiding complications.

Choice B reason:

Evaluate the client’s blood glucose levels and insulin administration technique. This ensures the client can manage their diabetes effectively at home. Proper technique and understanding of blood glucose monitoring are essential for maintaining target glucose levels.

Choice C reason:

Refer the client to a home health nurse or a diabetes educator as needed. Ongoing support and education from healthcare professionals are vital for managing diabetes. This referral provides the client with resources and guidance to manage their condition effectively.

Choice D reason:

All of the above. Combining all these actions ensures a holistic approach to discharge planning, addressing medication management, self-monitoring, and continuous support, which are all critical for effective diabetes management.

Choice A reason:

Teaching the client some exercises to strengthen the core muscles and improve posture is an example of an independent intervention, not a collaborative one. An independent intervention is one that the physical therapist can perform without consulting or coordinating with other members of the health care team.

Choice B reason:

Applying heat therapy to the client's back for 15 minutes before starting the exercises is also an example of an independent intervention, not a collaborative one. Heat therapy is a modality that the physical therapist can use to reduce pain and stiffness, and prepare the client for exercise.

Choice C reason:

Documenting the client's progress and response to the exercises in the medical record is an example of a professional responsibility, not a collaborative intervention. Documentation is essential for communication, quality improvement, and legal purposes, but it does not involve working with other health care providers.

Choice D reason:

Coordinating with the nurse to schedule the exercises after the client receives analgesics is an example of a collaborative intervention. A collaborative intervention is one that requires consultation or coordination with other members of the health care team to achieve a common goal. In this case, the physical therapist and the nurse work together to ensure that the client has adequate pain relief before engaging in exercise, which can improve the client's comfort and compliance.