An OTR is teaching transfer techniques to an inpatient who has a grade III brain tumor. After moving the patient from supine in bed to sitting at the edge of the bed, the patient begins to shake uncontrollably, has a change in consciousness, and becomes incontinent. After moving the patient back to lying in bed, what should the OTR do NEXT?
A. Elevate the patient's legs on pillows.
B. Position the patient in side-lying.
C. Lower the head of the patient’s bed.
Answer (2)
In this scenario, the patient is showing symptoms that may indicate a seizure after being moved from a supine position to sitting at the edge of the bed. Such symptoms include shaking uncontrollably, a change in consciousness, and incontinence. Here's a step-by-step explanation of what the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) should do next:
Position the patient in side-lying: This is the correct action to take next. When a patient is having seizure-like symptoms, positioning them in side-lying is crucial. This position helps ensure that the airway remains open and reduces the risk of aspiration if the patient vomits.
Ensure the patient's safety: Clear the area around the patient to prevent injury from sharp or hard objects. Do not restrain their movements or try to put anything in their mouth.
Stay with the patient : Remain with the patient and monitor their condition carefully. Encourage others to remain calm and provide reassurance to the patient if they regain consciousness.
Seek immediate medical attention: After ensuring the patient's immediate safety, notify medical staff for urgent help. It's important for healthcare professionals to evaluate the patient's condition.
Document the incident: Once the patient is stable, document the occurrence in the patient's medical records, noting the time, duration, and any other pertinent details of the incident.
Through these measures, the OTR can ensure the patient's safety and collaborate with medical professionals for further management.
The correct action for the OTR to take next is to position the patient in side-lying. This helps keep the airway open and reduces the risk of aspiration. Following this, ensure safety, monitor the patient, seek medical attention, and document the incident appropriately.
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