Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 68%
Simulated
A nurse is planning care for a client who has sciatica and a prescription for a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit. Which of the following referrals should the nurse anticipate for this client?
Correct answer
Physical therapists can integrate TENS into a sciatica treatment plan with exercises. Other referrals are less directly related to TENS use.
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Physical therapist. A physical therapist is the most appropriate referral for a client with sciatica and a TENS unit prescription because they can integrate TENS into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes targeted exercises to relieve sciatic pain and improve mobility. Physical therapists are trained to design individualized exercise programs that can complement the pain-relieving effects of TENS therapy. In contrast, the other options (A: Occupational therapist, B: Chiropractor, C: Acupuncturist) are less directly related to the use of TENS for sciatica. Occupational therapists focus on activities of daily living, chiropractors primarily manipulate the spine, and acupuncturists use acupuncture needles for pain relief. Therefore, a physical therapist is the most suitable referral for this client's TENS therapy and sciatica management.