In the case of Mrs. Scales, a long-term care resident with advanced dementia and hand contractures, a family asks how often splints are applied to her hands. Which is the most appropriate response?

In the case of Mrs. Scales, a long-term care resident with advanced dementia and hand contractures, a family asks how often splints are applied to her hands. Which is the most appropriate response?

• A. The splints are ordered to be applied for 4 hours a day.
• B. I have just assessed Mrs. Scales, and she has the splints on.
• C. The physiotherapist has recommended the splints be applied 4 hours a day.
• D. The practical nurse's documentation shows the splints are applied 4 hours a day from 8 in the morning to noon.

Answer: (D)

Rely on the documented plan of care. When family members ask about how often splints are applied, the safest and most accurate answer is to reference the PN’s charted plan, not personal assessment or secondhand statements. Saying that the splints are applied for a specific amount of time according to the chart provides a precise schedule (for example, four hours a day from 8 a.m. to noon) and shows the information is current and verifiable. This approach protects accuracy and professional boundaries—you’re sharing information that has been formally recorded, and you can offer to review the plan together or involve the care team if changes are needed. If you mention other sources (like a recent assessment, a therapist’s recommendation, or an order) without confirming the exact plan in the chart, it can mislead or confuse the family.

Rely on the documented plan of care. When family members ask about how often splints are applied, the safest and most accurate answer is to reference the PN’s charted plan, not personal assessment or secondhand statements. Saying that the splints are applied for a specific amount of time according to the chart provides a precise schedule (for example, four hours a day from 8 a.m. to noon) and shows the information is current and verifiable.

This approach protects accuracy and professional boundaries—you’re sharing information that has been formally recorded, and you can offer to review the plan together or involve the care team if changes are needed. If you mention other sources (like a recent assessment, a therapist’s recommendation, or an order) without confirming the exact plan in the chart, it can mislead or confuse the family.