PARALYSIS NURSING CARE SERVICES

Care of a paralyzed patient is determined by the extent of his disability which could range from hemiplegia, paraplegia to quadriplegia.

Regardless to the type of paralysis, patient’s hope for rehabilitation begins at the onset of his injury. It is no longer enough to save a patient’s life; the patient must be saved and returned to his family to live and work as he was before injury, personnel concerned with his care are responsible for working towards achieving this. Therefore, it is important that he does not suffer further complications from inefficient care.

The plan of his nursing care is concerned with a long time view and is tailored to meet each individual’s emotional and spiritual needs. The paraplegic patient often develops depression and is concerned about his changed image. “He no longer considers himself a human”. He is fearful of his future independence and social acceptance. His sexual ability is lost or greatly impaired. The patient goes through a period of grief over his changed body image and is not able to accept his injury.

The nurse can be great help to the patient and his family during this time. By listening to patient, nursing care giver often can get a clue to what is troubling him and can alert the doctor to the situation and psychiatric counselling may be started if necessary.