A Multidisciplinary Approach to Patient Care Essay -- Nursing, Health

The goal for nurses as a profession is not only to be â€Å"patient advocates† but also assist the patient to learn and gain the necessary skills to achieve the best level of functioning for the patient based on their current illness. In order to help a patient achieve their optimal level of functioning the nurse must work with the patient and the interdisciplinary team to create a collaborative plan that is logical for the patient. Through examining a musculoskeletal disorder case study #35 from Preusser (2008), one can create a critical pathway for the patient, S.P. a 75 year old female, with severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and admitted to the orthopedic ward for a hip fracture status post fall (p. 183). Since the patient’s needs is unique and complex the nurse must tailor a plan with the patient which will include â€Å"†¦assessments, consultations, treatments, lifestyle changes, disease education†¦Ã¢â‚¬  in order for the patient have the most appropriat e evidence-based care and make informed decisions when it is necessary (Oliver, 2006, p. 28). The aim for the nurse caring for the S.P. is to help prepare the patient for an upcoming procedure and focus care to the patient by gathering necessary information about her while. Collaboration with the patient, family members, rehabilitation, medical and surgical team about the treatment plans can help us provide proper patient’s care by utilizing actions and interventions within the scope and standards of the nursing practice. This Preusser (2008) case study involves a 75 year old female, S.P., who fell at home and is admitted to the orthopedic ward for an intracapsular fracture of the hip at the femoral neck (p. 183). Assessment data includes her height is 5’3†, weight is 118 lbs, blood pressure... ...National Association of Orthopedic Nurses. (2009). Total hip replacement. Retrieved from http://www.orthonurse.org/ResearchandPractice/PatientEducation/tabid/490/Default.aspx    Oliver, S. (2006). Benefits of patient pathways in rheumatoid arthritis care. Nursing Times. 102 (16), 28-33. Retrieved from http://www.nursingtimes.net/nursing-practice-clinical-research/benefits-of-patient-pathways-in-rheumatoid-arthritis-care/203268.article Oliver, S. (2009). Understanding the needs of older people with rheumatoid arthritis: the role of the community nurse. Nursing Older People, 21(9), 30-38. Preusser, B. (2008). 4th Ed. Winningham and Preusser’s critical thinking in nursing: Medical-surgical, pediatric, maternity, and psychiatric case studies. New York: Elsevier/Mosby Inc. Wilkinson, J. M. (2011). 5th Ed.   The Nursing process and critical thinking. Prentice Hall.