Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Unit 36 Subacute Care

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved.

Unit 36

Subacute Care


Objectives

• Spell and define terms.• Describe the purpose of subacute care.• List the differences between acute care,

subacute care, and long-term care.


Objectives

• Describe the responsibilities of the nursing assistant when caring for patients receiving the special treatments in subacute care.


Description of Subacute Care

• Subacute care – Comprehensive, goal-oriented care for

individuals with acute illnesses, injuries, or exacerbations of chronic medical conditions.


Special Procedures Provided in the Subacute Care Unit

• You will be assigned to care for patients who are receiving special treatments because of their health problems.

• These treatments may require the use of equipment that is unfamiliar to you.


Special Procedures Provided in the Subacute Care Unit

• As a nursing assistant:– You will not be expected to be responsible

for these procedures

• However, you will be expected to provide the same personal care and procedures that you would provide for any other patients.


Pain Management Procedures

• Pain management may be the major reason why some patients are in subacute care units.

• Other patients may be undergoing pain management related to conditions such as recent surgery or cancer.


Pain Management Procedures

• Both drug and nondrug treatments can be successful in helping prevent and control pain.

• Various types of relaxation techniques are also used for pain management.


Caring for Subacute Patients with Respiratory Conditions

• Many patients are admitted to the subacute care unit with problems related to the respiratory system.

• Some conditions are caused by diseases within the lungs.


Caring for Subacute Patients with Respiratory Conditions

• Some patients experience respiratory problems as a result of complications of other conditions.

• Paying attention to each patient’s oxygenation is a very important responsibility.


Caring for the Patient Receiving Dialysis Treatments • Dialysis

– Process by which the blood is artificially cleansed of liquid wastes when the kidneys are unable to remove wastes.

– Procedure is needed when a person has kidney failure.


Caring for the Patient Receiving Dialysis Treatments • Dialysis

– Without dialysis, the person would die as the waste products accumulate in the bloodstream.


Caring for the Patient Receiving Dialysis Treatments • Dialysis is usually considered a

temporary treatment – Used until a suitable organ is found for

kidney transplant

• Two types of dialysis – Hemodialysis– Peritoneal dialysis


Oncology Treatments

• Oncology – Care and treatment of persons with cancer– Cancer may be treated with surgery,

radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of any of these


Wound Management

• Some patients require wound management– For severe pressure sores, burns, or

surgical wounds

• Nurse or physical therapist– Will perform frequent dressing changes on

these areas using sterile technique


Wound Management

• You may be required to assist with dressing changes– Basic knowledge of sterile technique is

necessary


Documentation of Care in the Subacute Unit

• Reimbursement for care in subacute units– Often provided by insurance companies

and managed care organizations


Documentation of Care in the Subacute Unit

• In some situations or facilities:– Reimbursement is based on

documentation– Main purpose of documentation is to

provide a record of patient care

Documents

Copyright © 2008 Delmar Learning. All rights reserved. Unit 36 Subacute Care