Can anyone help me with this issue. I have been given a scenario of a client that is a referral for assessment and ongoing assistance with application of right leg prosthesis following an amputation.
I agree that, as a nurse, we assess the patient and educate them on the issues of how to look after the limb and body thro' nutritional needs and skin care. Also help with multidisciplinary services to assist the client in the changes.
Therefore, is it the nurses responsibility to educate the client in assistance with the APPLICATION of the prosthetic. The device is professionaly fitted, by the manufacturer or company, to the specific client needs and the client keeps goes to the manufacturer / company until the device is comfortable for the client and fits properly. Surely then, the said company is also responsible in educating the client on how to apply the device along with the appropriate educational material.
If the client is needing assistance with the application of the prosthetic, is it not the companies responsibility to show them how? Is the nurse expected to show the client how to apply the device even though the nurse is not qualified in this area? Surely it is not within their scope of practise. Being a specialist area, one would need to be qualified in this field first, before you can educate anyone in this area.
Any help with this would be most gratefull
