Nursing Experience of Caring for a Foreign Worker Undergoing Amputation after the Failed Severed Finger Replantation

 

Objectives

This paper described the nursing experience for a foreign worker who underwent amputation after the failed replantation of a severed finger that had been the result of carelessness in the work.

 

Methods

The period of care extended from November 24 to December 11, 2012. Gordon’s 11 functional health patterns were used to collect data through practical care, observations, interviews, physical assessments, and medical record review. It was confirmed that the main nursing problems were acute pain, impaired tissue integrity, and hopelessness.

 

Results

In order to relieve postoperative pain, the author provided individualized holistic care, understood the degree of pain through pain assessment, helped the patient lie comfortably, and provided deep breathing and attention shifting techniques. The wound was observed during each shift to check for infection and wound care was performed using aseptic techniques. The friends of the patient were instructed to wash their hands before and after contact with the patient. Health education instructed the patient to maintain a high protein diet to promote wound healing. A prayer room was also provided to relax the patient. The author’s empathetic attitude helped establish a good nurse-patient relationship; this included listening to the patient’s feelings, introducing similar patients who adjusted well, and sharing experience to help guide the patient in facing the disability and making future plans. The author used social service resources to discuss post-discharge coping strategies with the employer, intermediary, and the patient to teach the patient self care techniques in order to adapt to life as early as possible.

 

Implications for practice

This nursing experience can help other foreign workers undergoing amputation as a result of an accident. Relevant personnel are suggested to integrate social resources and pay particular attention to their psychological reactions after such traumas so as to help them return to their original life as early as possible.