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The nurse can assist the family in improving emotional support for all members. This can be achieved by teaching about the disorder and any current findings and/or treatments for it. The nurse can also make referrals to social services if the family requests or if the nurse feels this intervention is warranted. The nurse will monitor general health and seizure activity of the patient and make calls to the physician when changes are noted. The nurse will administer ordered medications in the school or hospital settings. My patient’s medications included, phenobarbitol 75mg for seizure control, propulsid 1tsp tid to control gastroesophageal reflux, and mineral oil 1tsp hs, to promote bowel regularity. Patient teaching about these medications and their use and side affects is very important. The nurse should also teach non-pharmocologic management for constipation including increased mobility by PROM and increased fluid intake.
PT and OT are involved in decreasing the risk of contractures by doing PROM and other exercises by the patient. The occupational therapist can also assist the patient in doing ADL’s to the best of his or her ability. Social workers are important in assisting the family in effective coping mechanisms and ways to deal with negative feelings towards the impaired sibling. Social workers can also make referrals to support groups that are available for Rett syndrome.
The goals of the multidisciplinary team at Wing Lake were achieved with my student. She was functioning to her highest ability as a patient with Rett syndrome. Her
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Constipation was kept to a minimal with the use of medications and increased fluid intake. Her seizures were kept under control with the phenobarbitol. The teachers, nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists maintained good communication with one another when a behavioral or physical change took place. I see no way that they could have advanced the plan of care, it was a very good program that provided for the emotional, physical, and psychological support for the student and all family members.
This experience has helped me realize that children with mental retardation all have their own unique personalities and feelings in spite of their cognitive impairments. It has also opened my eyes to see how special children are and how very individualistic personalities differ in all age groups.