Published Sep 21, 2020
9lives
16 Posts
Hello home health nurses, I have a pt with a stage IV that is not healing and getting worse. The family refuses to turn. What do you do in situations where a wound is getting worse?
she_altz
3 Posts
I would refer them to MSW for community resource or placement like SNF or rehab to get proper care/treatment. Notify the MD of family's non compliance.
NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN
10 Articles; 18,927 Posts
Does the patient have a low air loss mattress on the bed? Re refer to a wound care WOCN/WEN RN to reeval the wound tx. Often a thicker foam type topper dressing gives more pressure relief. Does client have a home health aide 3x wk to give family a break with bathing turning/hygiene, meal prep.
Agree that MD notification and MSW eval ASAP indicated.
Family meeting with MSW and yourself might be helpful to reinforce seriousness issue and explore options, eligibility for SNF.
Are caregivers just overwhelmed or non-caring---difference in your approach.
What is their nutrition like - --need for more protein in diet for wound healing. Have they had recent labs albumin level, hgb, hct, protein levels checked?
Since the family refuses to turn the client, what else are they not doing for patient---is a referral to Protective services indicated?
Thanks for being a concerned nurse. Hope these suggestions helpful.