Give an example of a problem-solving situation you encountered while caring for an elderly patient.

One problem-solving situation I encountered while caring for an elderly patient was when they had difficulty swallowing their medication. I noticed that the patient would often choke while trying to swallow their pills, which caused them discomfort and anxiety. To solve this problem, I first reassured the patient and let them know that I would find a solution. I then consulted with the patient's physician and pharmacist to explore alternative forms of medication, such as liquid or dissolvable tablets. With their guidance, I was able to switch the patient to a medication that was easier for them to swallow, alleviating their discomfort and ensuring they received the proper dosage.

One problem-solving situation I encountered while caring for an elderly patient was when they developed a pressure sore. I noticed the redness and skin breakdown in the patient's lower back area, indicating a potential pressure sore. To address this problem, I immediately informed the healthcare team and documented the findings. I discussed the situation with the patient's primary physician and recommended implementing a pressure relief schedule, including regular repositioning, providing pressure-reducing cushions, and ensuring proper nutrition and hydration to promote healing. I also educated the patient and their family on the importance of maintaining good skin hygiene and checking for any signs of infection. By implementing these measures promptly, the pressure sore was able to heal, and the patient's overall well-being improved.

The solid answer provides more specific details and demonstrates the candidate's skills and abilities in a problem-solving situation. However, it could still be further improved by incorporating the use of effective communication and interpersonal skills.

One problem-solving situation I encountered while caring for an elderly patient was when they experienced a sudden change in mental status. The patient, who had previously been alert and oriented, became confused and disoriented. I immediately recognized the importance of assessing the patient for any underlying medical conditions that could be causing this change. I performed a thorough physical examination and gathered information from the patient's family and medical records. Based on my observations and findings, I suspected that the patient may be experiencing a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is common in elderly individuals and can cause cognitive changes. I communicated my concerns to the healthcare team and recommended initiating a urine culture and starting antibiotic treatment. Additionally, I closely monitored the patient's vital signs, mental status, and hydration status. Within a few days of starting antibiotics, the patient's mental status improved significantly, confirming the diagnosis of a UTI. This experience highlighted the importance of strong observational skills, effective communication, and collaboration with the healthcare team to provide optimal and timely care to elderly patients.

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond by providing a detailed example and showcasing the candidate's skills in compassion, patience, strong observational skills, effective communication and interpersonal skills, basic technical nursing skills, and adaptability and problem-solving skills.