Nurse-Sensitive Indicators Analysis
This is an analysis of the nurse-sensitive indicators in a case study regarding an elderly, Jewish male patient with dementia in a hospital setting. Nurse-sensitive indicators presented in the scenario such as patient falls, using restraints, development of pressure ulcers, and patient satisfaction will be discussed. When nurses are aware of these nurse-sensitive issues they can provide better care for their patients. There are multiple resources available to nursing staff to help resolve ethical issues.
Nursing-Sensitive Indicators
The American Nurses Association has identified several areas of patient care as indicators to improve the care patients receive from nursing staff. These nurse-sensitive indicators can change the outcomes of the care nurses provide. Nurses need to be aware of these indicators so they understand the relationship between the care they provide and the results their patient’s experience.
The patient presented in the case study is a male dementia patient that fell at home and fractured his hip. He is restrained in his bed and sleepy from pain medication use. He has specific cultural and religious preferences that affect his diet. Nurse-sensitive indicators included in this scenario are a fall at home, the use of restraints, a possible pressure ulcer, and overall patient satisfaction.
The use of restraints in the scenario presented seems unnecessary. The patient is a falls risk due to his previous fall at home but does not present as a candidate for restraint use. He is sleepy and compliant. The care of this patient is compromised by the use of restraints which are leading to the development of a pressure ulcer on the patient’s back. A bed alarm would be more appropriate and would provide a better outcome for this patient. The issue is brought to the attention of the nurse’s aid but whether through negligence or