Interprofessional Collaboration

Summary

The transcript depicts a collaborative healthcare team managing the care of a patient, Mrs. Smith, dealing with lower back pain. The nurse practitioner discusses pain management using epidurals, oxycodone, and a PCA pump, while the physiotherapist helps with mobility. The team ensures effective communication, monitoring pain levels, and coordinating with other services for the patient's recovery and discharge. Mrs. Smith's progress is steady, with no immediate concerns, and future plans for her home care and rehabilitation are in place.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jane's pain is being effectively managed with an epidural and oxycodone.
• 😀 The patient's vital signs are within normal ranges, and she is feeling well.
• 😀 The nurse practitioner, Andre, specializes in pain management and checks the patient's pain regularly.
• 😀 Jane occasionally experiences breakthrough pain, but it is managed effectively with additional medication.
• 😀 The epidural is set at a good rate, and its placement in the back is confirmed to be effective.
• 😀 Jane is offered a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) as an option for additional pain management if needed.
• 😀 The PCA allows Jane to control the amount of pain medication she receives when she experiences pain.
• 😀 The nurse reassures Jane that if her pain worsens, Laura can start the PCA for her.
• 😀 The medical team plans to reassess Jane’s condition in a few days, hoping her pain management stays stable.
• 😀 The physiotherapist, Whitney, helps Jane get up and move around, ensuring she has no pain or dizziness while doing so.
• 😀 Laura and Whitney coordinate to manage Jane's care and ensure she is comfortable while moving around, with a call bell provided for assistance.
• 😀 The medical team discusses Jane’s progress, with CCAC (Community Care Access Centre) being contacted for discharge planning and potential physiotherapy after discharge.

Q & A

What is the patient's current pain management strategy?

The patient's pain is being managed with an epidural and oxycodone. Vital signs are stable, and the patient is feeling well overall.

What additional pain management option is mentioned for the patient?

An additional option mentioned is the PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia), which is a pump attached to the IV line that allows the patient to control the amount of pain medication administered by pressing a button.

How is the patient's pain currently being controlled?

The patient's pain is being well controlled with the epidural and oxycodone, with occasional breakthrough pain managed by the oxycodone as needed.

What is the purpose of the PCA in the pain management plan?

The PCA provides the patient with the ability to administer additional doses of pain medication whenever needed, especially in case of breakthrough pain.

What will happen if the patient's pain increases?

If the patient's pain increases, the PCA option can be activated, and additional pain medication can be administered to manage the pain.

What does the nurse suggest the patient might experience when moving around?

The nurse suggests that the patient might experience more pain when moving around and that additional pain medication will be provided before the patient gets up.

How is the patient progressing with physical activity?

The patient is progressing well. There is no pain or shortness of breath, and she is able to move around with assistance.

What steps are being taken to prepare for the patient's discharge?

The care team is planning for discharge by arranging for CCAC (Community Care Access Centre) services and making a referral for home physio care.

How does the patient feel during the physical therapy session?

The patient feels good during the physical therapy session, with no pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. She is able to follow instructions and move around as needed.

What are the team members discussing after the patient is moved?

After the patient is moved, the care team discusses her progress, ensuring that her pain is well-managed and that she is progressing as expected. They also confirm that RT (Respiratory Therapy) and dietary services have been provided.