Nursing care after hand replantation based on Roy's adaptation model: A case report

Background

Hand injuries are very complex and worrying in terms of hindering activities of daily living, functionality and self-care skills. Hand injuries are caused by traumatic events, resulting in a partial or complete loss. The focus of acute treatment is surgical replantation.

Aim

In this study, nursing care and nursing experiences of a patient who was replanted as a result of hand trauma were discussed in the light of the Roy Adaptation Model.

Case

The male patient admitted to the emergency room due to traumatic amputation was a 49-year-old farmer. He lost his hand to an agricultural tool while working the land and was taken to the hospital within 4 h. He was taken up for emergency surgery for replantation. He has a history of diabetes mellitus. Nursing follow-up and interventions were applied by evaluating the data according to four adaptation modes (physiological needs, self-concept, role function and interdependence) within the scope of the Roy Adaptation Model.

Conclusion

and Suggestions: Patients experience difficulties (loss of function, financial problems, loss of role, psychological traumas) due to disability after injury. Therefore, nurses should know the underlying physiological risks, complications, and interventions to recognize and respond to situations that cause the loss of the reattached limb. Nursing models can identify patients' needs and problems, prevent complications, provide quality care, and manage the process. This study discussed the postoperative nursing care of a patient based on Roy's Adaptation Model.