HLSC 102

Case Scenario: Subacute Care

Unfortunately, Mrs. Fox’s right leg could not be saved, and a surgical amputation was performed below the level of the knee.  At that time, the patient also displayed impairments to the following: swallowing solid foods, speaking words and full sentences, anterograde memory, fine and gross motor function of the right upper and lower extremity.

Mrs. Fox spent 2-3 weeks in inpatient care receiving all necessary rehabilitation services with good improvement in objective measurements.  However, it was determined that the patient was not yet prepared to return home safely with her family.  The necessary paperwork was processed so that the patient could be transferred to Helen Hayes Hospital, a skilled nursing facility, where she could continue to receive rehabilitative and nursing services.

Prior to her accident, Mrs. Fox had a 15 year history of cigarette smoking.  Her physician strongly advised her to cease smoking due to its negative effect upon tissue healing and overall negative effects upon her health.  During a rehabilitation session, the patient reported that her situation had left her feeling depressed, particularly because of her difficulty communicating with her husband and 2 children.  She also expressed fear that she would never walk “normally” again or be able to do things such as brush her hair or feed herself like she did before.  She stated that the only time she felt “happy” lately was when she was painting in the common room.  

Based on the case scenario above, answer the following questions:

1.  Of the health professionals discussed after the midterm exam, which may be involved in Mrs. Fox’s care?

2.  What would be the role of each provider?

3.  Why might providers need to communicate with one and other specific to this case?

4.  How might they communicate?

5.  What other healthcare team members, previously or not yet discussed, might be involved and what would be their roles?