Assessment

S- This week I was asked to do an initial Ortho-geriatric Assessment for a new patient to see exactly what we needed to address in her intervention. The patient came across from Fremantle hospital after an ORIF to #NOF for further rehabilitation to get to a level to be safe at home.
T- I was given a double sided assessment form that is used for all patients that required as much as possible to be done in a session without fatiguing the patient and getting information to help with safe transfers and mobility.
A- I began with a through Subjective Ax including PMHx, SHx and pt goals. Followed by a quick time, place, person and sensation test. Then muscle strength and joint ROM. I then began CTSIB and MEMS. Berg Balance, TUG and dynamic standing balance were completed on next session. I also introduced elbow crutches to her and did a small walk with them to see how she would go.
R- At the end of Ax i was able to fill in mobility chart for transfers and ambulation in room for nurses to refer back to and i was able to find out limitations in hip and knee flex/ext ROM and strength on affected leg.
E- i think that i did the Ax well but as i do more i will be able to improve. i think i managed time well and got as much information i could that can now be used for her Rx. I just think that i can improve on how smooth the Ax flows and choosing the most important aspects to complete first, ie learning to prioritse Ax.
S- I just need to practice practice practice the Ax and work out the smoothest way so im not getting the patient to sit and lie down a few times. i just need to take the time to work out what each individual patient Ax needs and what is important to do day one.