Case Study: Cardiac Status
Case Study: Cardiac Status
Case Study: Cardiac Status
This weeks graded discussion topic relates to the following Course Outcomes (COs)
CO1 Utilize prior knowledge of theories and principles of nursing and related disciplines to explain expected client behaviors, while differentiating between normal findings, variations, and abnormalities. (PO 1)
CO3 Utilize effective communication when performing a health assessment. (PO 3)
Esther Jackson is a 56-year-old black female who is 1-day post-op following a left radical mastectomy. During morning rounds, the off-going nurse shares with you during bedside report that the patient has been experiencing increased discomfort in her back throughout the night and has required frequent help with repositioning. She states that the patient was medicated for pain approximately 2 hours ago but is voicing little relief and states that you might want to mention that to the doctor when he rounds later this morning. With the patient appearing to be in no visible distress, you proceed on to the next patients room for report.
Approximately 1 hour later, you return to Ms. Jacksons room with her morning pills and find her slumped over the bedside stand in tears. The patient states, I dont know what is wrong, I dont feel right. My back hurts and Im just so tired. What is wrong with me? The patient refuses to take her medications at this time stating that she is starting to feel sick to her stomach.
Just then the nursing assistant comes into the patients room to record Ms. Jacksons vital signs, you take this opportunity to quickly research the patients medication record to determine if she has a medication ordered for nausea. Upon return, the nursing assistant hands you the following vital signs: T 37, R 18, and BP 132/54, but states she couldnt get the patients pulse because it is all over the place.
Please address the following questions related to the scenario.
What do you suspect is the cause of the patients symptoms?
Describe the course of action that you will take to confirm this suspicion and prevent further decline.
What further assessments, lab values, and tests will likely be ordered for this patient and how often? If testing is to be completed more than once, please explain the rationale for doing so.
While you are caring for this patient, how will you ensure that the needs of your other patients are being met?
