Question

Mr. Edwards is 20-year-old male patient who is admitted for treatment of recurring pyelonephritis (kidney infection) and surgical treatment of a urinary stricture, which has decreased the urinary stream. Mr. Edwards has paraplegia; he is paralyzed from the waist down secondary to an automobile accident when he was 16. He came by ambulance to the hospital, leaving his wheelchair and wheelchair pressure-relieving cushion at home. According to the nursing history, the patient is a nonsmoker and he does not drink alcohol or take any illegal drugs. What nursing considerations should be made for Mr. Edwards related to his disability?

Answer 1

Nursing considerations: patient paraplegia condition leads to urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis.
-assess the patient elimination pattern
-encourage the patient o increase his fluid intake
-start the course of antimicrobial therapy as per the doctor's advice.
-As per doctor advice bladder drainage technique using hydrophilic coated catheters can be used to avoid permanent catheters that increase kidney infection.
-send the urine sample for urine culture
-maintain hygienic technique while preparing the patient for surgical treatment
-start the IV fluids as appropriate
-check the patient vitals every 4 hourly.
-assess the patient intake and urinary output, color, and flow of urine
-provide back care for the patient to avoid sores
-change the patient position frequently.
-assess the patient basic needs and fulfil the needs.
-support the patient and family psychologically.
-make the sure patient's bed is a pressure-relieving one to avoid pressure over the back.