Question

Today you are caring for Mr. Green, who is having difficulty brushing his teeth. He is having a hard time gripping the toothbrush and therefore keeps dropping it. When you look at his plan of care, you see that in the past, Mr. Green could brush his teeth without difficulty or assistance. What is the best course of action? Don't be concerned, just help Mr. Green brush his teeth. Change the plan of care to have daily help with brushing Verbally report the change you observed to the nursing staff. Wait until next week's meeting on general care issues to report the observation

Answer 1

Prompt reporting of Mr. Green's new difficulty with brushing is vital, along with assisting him. This enables timely adjustments to care and supports his health and dignity.

The best course of action is to verbally report the change you observed to the nursing staff and assist Mr. Green with brushing his teeth.

Any significant change in a patient's abilities or behavior should be promptly reported to the nursing staff. This observation might indicate a new problem that requires assessment, a change in condition, or the need for different interventions. Assisting Mr. Green with his daily activities maintains his dignity and comfort while the underlying issue is being addressed. A timely report can lead to a swift evaluation and update in the plan of care to reflect the patient's current needs. Moreover, ensuring routine care and cleanliness, such as oral hygiene, is important for preventing further health complications, like infections. It is also crucial to approach the situation with empathy, allowing Mr. Green to feel supported rather than a burden for requiring help.

Immediate assistance combined with reporting the change ensures Mr. Green's wellbeing and allows healthcare providers to respond appropriately to his evolving care requirements.

Answer 2

Based on the information provided, the best course of action would be to change the plan of care to have daily help with brushing ​Mr. Green's teeth. Since he is currently experiencing difficulty gripping the toothbrush, it is essential to provide assistance to ensure proper oral hygiene.

By providing daily help with brushing, Mr. Green will receive the necessary support to maintain his oral health. This intervention is essential to prevent any further complications or deterioration of dental hygiene.

It is also crucial to communicate the observed change to the nursing staff immediately. Verbal reporting of the observation ensures that the care team is aware of the issue and can take appropriate action promptly. Waiting until the next general care meeting may delay addressing the concern, which could have negative consequences for Mr. Green's oral health.

Prioritizing Mr. Green's well-being should be the primary focus, and taking immediate action to provide assistance and report the observation will ensure his ongoing oral care needs are met effectively.

Please note that the course of action suggested is based on the information provided and assumes that providing assistance and reporting the observation are within the scope of your responsibilities as a caregiver. It is always important to follow the protocols and guidelines set by the facility and consult with the nursing staff or healthcare providers as needed.