Using the “7-steps” framework for decision making by the HCA, describe the
step by step approach you would take to handle the following clinical scenario:
1. Confirm Instructions
2. Gather information
3. Perform Activity
4. Observe responses
5. Report
6. Record
7. Evaluate
Demer’q
Eleanor is an 87 year old resident with mild cognitive impairment. She weighs
about 90 lbs and is 5’3″. Eleanor has severe osteoporosis, is incontinent of urine
but wears Depends and her right knee is very sore and she is having trouble
walking. You are assigned to provide Eleanor with a bath and get her ready for
the day. You enter Eleanor’s room to say good morning and she is huddled under
the covers in her bed which is wet. You advise her that you are there to help her
with her bath but she says “No, it is too cold and my knee hurts too much, I don’t
want to have a bath!”
Using the problem solving approach above, what are you going to do? How will
you convince Eleanor to take a bath when she is too cold? What can you do
regarding the fact that her knee is sore and she is having trouble walking? How
will you deal with her wet bed? What will you report at the end of your shift?
Write what your specific report would look like?