Elimination.

Some persons need bladder training (Chapter 18). The method depends on the person’s problems, abilities, and needs. Some need bowel training (Chapter 19). Control of bowel movements and regular elimination are goals. Fecal impaction, constipation, and fecal incontinence are prevented.

Self-Care.

Self-care is a major goal. Activities of daily living (ADL) are the activities usually done during a normal day in a person’s life. ADL include bathing, oral hygiene, dressing, eating, elimination, and moving about. The health team evaluates the person’s ability to perform ADL. The need for self-help devices is considered.

Sometimes the hands, wrists, and arms are affected. Self-help devices are often needed. Equipment is changed, made, or bought to meet the person’s needs.

• Eating devices include glass holders, plate guards, and silverware with curved handles or cuffs (Chapter 20). Some devices attach to splints (Fig. 27-1).

• Electric toothbrushes have back-and-forth brushing motions for oral hygiene.

• Adaptive devices for hygiene promote independence. Some are shown in Figure 27-2.

• Self-help devices are useful for cooking, dressing, writing, phone calls, and other tasks. Some are shown in Figure 27-3.

See Focus on Surveys: Self-Care.

Mobility.

The person may need crutches or a walker, cane, or brace (Chapter 23). Physical and occupational therapies are common for musculo-skeletal and nervous system problems. Some people need wheelchairs. If possible, they learn wheelchair transfers to and from the bed, toilet, bathtub, sofa, and chair and in and out of vehicles (Fig. 27-4).

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Join