Case Study: Nursing Intervention for Proficiency in Basic Nursing Skills

Patient: Mrs. Smith is a 75-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. She has a history of hypertension and heart failure.

Nursing Intervention: The student nurse assigned to Mrs. Smith’s care focused on helping her to achieve proficiency in basic nursing skills, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting. The student nurse also worked to achieve self-management in clinical practice by being organized, efficient, and adaptable.

Evidence-Based Care:

• Bathing: A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that bathing patients with soap and water is an effective way to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). The CDC recommends that patients be bathed at least once a day, with more frequent bathing for patients who are incontinent or who have soiled dressings.
• Dressing: A study published in the journal Nursing in Critical Care found that patients who were dressed in their own clothes were more likely to be mobile and independent than patients who were dressed in hospital gowns. The study also found that patients who dressed in their own clothes had a lower risk of developing pressure ulcers.
• Toileting: A study published in the journal Geriatrics found that patients who were assisted with toileting were less likely to experience incontinence and had a higher quality of life. The study also found that patients who were assisted with toileting were less likely to develop falls and injuries.

Student Nurse’s Role:

The student nurse played a vital role in helping Mrs. Smith to achieve proficiency in basic nursing skills. The student nurse:

• Assessed Mrs. Smith’s needs and abilities. The student nurse asked Mrs. Smith how she was feeling and what she was able to do for herself. The student nurse also observed Mrs. Smith’s movements and range of motion.
• Developed a care plan. The student nurse developed a care plan that outlined the specific nursing interventions that would be needed to help Mrs. Smith achieve her goals. The care plan included interventions for bathing, dressing, and toileting.
• Implemented the care plan. The student nurse implemented the care plan by providing Mrs. Smith with assistance with bathing, dressing, and toileting. The student nurse also educated Mrs. Smith about the importance of self-care and how to perform these activities independently.
• Evaluated the care plan. The student nurse evaluated the care plan by observing Mrs. Smith’s progress and making adjustments as needed. The student nurse also asked Mrs. Smith for feedback on the care she was receiving.

Self-Management in Clinical Practice:

The student nurse achieved self-management in clinical practice by being organized, efficient, and adaptable. The student nurse:

• Prioritized her tasks. The student nurse prioritized her tasks by developing a daily to-do list. The student nurse also made sure to schedule time for breaks and meals.
• Delegated tasks as appropriate. The student nurse delegated tasks to other nurses and nursing assistants as appropriate. This allowed the student nurse to focus on the most important tasks and to provide more individualized care to her patients.
• Was adaptable to change. The student nurse was adaptable to change by being willing to adjust her schedule and priorities as needed. The student nurse was also able to think critically and solve problems.

Outcomes:

Mrs. Smith was able to achieve proficiency in basic nursing skills with the assistance of the student nurse. Mrs. Smith was able to bathe, dress, and toilet herself independently by the time she was discharged from the hospital.

Conclusion:

This case study demonstrates the importance of nursing interventions for proficiency in basic nursing skills. The student nurse played a vital role in helping Mrs. Smith to achieve her goals and to improve her quality of life. The student nurse also demonstrated the importance of self-management in clinical practice.

Why do we do what we do?

We provide nursing interventions for proficiency in basic nursing skills because they are essential for the well-being of our patients. Patients who are able to perform basic nursing skills independently are more likely to be mobile, independent, and have a higher quality of life. They are also less likely to develop complications and injuries.

Are we effective?

Yes, nursing interventions for proficiency in basic nursing skills are effective. Studies have shown that patients who receive these interventions are more likely to be mobile, independent, and have a higher quality of life. They are also less likely to develop complications and injuries.

How, and why we might improve

We can improve nursing interventions for proficiency in basic nursing skills by:

• Assessing patients’ needs and abilities carefully. This will help us to develop individualized care plans.
• Using evidence-based practices. This will ensure that we are providing the most effective care possible.
• **Educating patients and their families about the importance of