A nurse on a quality improvement team is implementing a plan to decrease the rate of pressure injuries in a long-term care facility. Which of the following actions should the team take to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan?

Choice A rationale:

A podiatrist specializes in foot-related issues. Osteoarthritis primarily affects joints, so referring the client to a podiatrist would not directly address their difficulty in buttoning clothes.

Choice B rationale:

A social worker typically addresses psychosocial needs, including emotional and financial concerns. While important, this role wouldn't directly address the client's physical difficulty with buttoning clothes due to osteoarthritis.

Choice C rationale:

Paramedical technologists are skilled in various diagnostic tests and procedures. However, they are not directly involved in assisting clients with activities of daily living or improving physical function.

Choice D rationale:

An occupational therapist (OT) specializes in helping clients regain and enhance their ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing, grooming, and self-care. For the client with osteoarthritis struggling to button clothes, an OT would assess their physical limitations and provide strategies or adaptive tools to improve independence in these activities.

The correct answers are choices A, C, D, and E:

• Choice A rationale: The right to be treated with respect and dignity is a fundamental client right in any healthcare setting, including long-term care facilities. This right ensures that clients receive care in a compassionate and respectful manner.

• Choice B rationale: Full access to the facility is not a standard client right in long-term care facilities. Access to certain areas might be restricted for safety reasons or to maintain privacy.

• Choice C rationale: The right to refuse medications is an essential aspect of client autonomy, allowing clients to make informed decisions about their care. It is important to address this right during orientation.

• Choice D rationale: The right to leave regardless of provider recommendations is another aspect of client autonomy. Clients should be informed of their right to refuse care or leave the facility if they wish, even if it goes against the advice of healthcare providers.

• Choice E rationale: The right to be fully informed of their health conditions is a crucial aspect of client autonomy and transparency in healthcare. Clients should be aware of their health status and treatment options to make informed decisions about their care.

In conclusion, when conducting an orientation class for new clients and their families at a long-term care facility, the nurse should address the rights to be treated with respect and dignity, refuse medications, leave the facility (even if it is against the recommendations of healthcare providers), and be fully informed of their health conditions.