Nursing Implications - Musculoskeletal Function

Nursing Implications

Determining the patient’s functional status and health care needs is an integral part of the nursing assessment. Nursing diagnoses and the care plan are developed and modified according to the patient’s needs.

During the period of assessment, the patient requires support and nursing care, including physical and psychological prepara-tion for examinations and tests. Patient education before the tests (what is to be done; why it is being done; what the patient can ex-pect to experience, including tactile, visual, and auditory sensa-tions; and what patient participation is expected) reduces anxiety and enables the patient to be an active participant in care.

The resulting medical diagnosis and prescribed treatment reg-imen affect the nursing management of the patient. The nursing plan of care includes nursing measures to facilitate the resolution of the patient’s health problems and promotion of health. The nursing assessment enables the nurse to identify the health prob-lems that can be improved by nursing interventions. In collabo-ration with the patient, health goals and nursing strategies are formulated to resolve the identified nursing diagnoses.