NR 341 Complex Adult Health Interdisciplinary Care

NR 341 Complex Adult Health Interdisciplinary Care

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-341 Complex Adult Health

Prof. Name:

Date

Background Information

Mrs. Watson, a 62-year-old African American female, was admitted to the emergency room on March 10, 2018, as a complete code. She presented with shortness of breath and an opiate overdose, which is believed to have been caused by her chronic lifestyle. Her habits include smoking a pack of cigarettes daily, consuming four to five glasses of wine per day, and using heroin alongside painkillers. Her medical history is significant for asthma, hypertension, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and type II diabetes mellitus. She has also undergone a right knee replacement and benign cyst removal from her right breast. At the time of admission, Mrs. Watson was diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, with an opiate overdose likely contributing to her current condition.

Upon arrival, her vital signs were concerning: blood pressure was 98/58 mm Hg, oral temperature 98.9°F, respiratory rate was 8 breaths per minute, weight was 146 pounds, radial pulse was 40 beats per minute, and oxygen saturation was 88% on room air. Additional assessments revealed alcohol and smoke odors, intoxicated behavior, inflamed nasal mucosa, gingival ulceration, warm skin, and bruises and lacerations on her abdomen, legs, and arms. Despite her critical condition, she remained alert and oriented. However, she exhibited signs of respiratory distress, such as shallow and labored breathing, dyspnea, wheezing, and respiratory depression.

NR 341 Complex Adult Health Interdisciplinary Care

The nursing diagnosis for Mrs. Watson focused on ineffective airway clearance due to drug effects, inadequate health maintenance, and a risk of suicide associated with substance abuse. The primary nursing goals were to improve airway patency, encourage health-seeking behaviors, and ensure the patient’s safety. To achieve these goals, nursing interventions included monitoring blood gas levels and pulse oximetry readings, providing emotional support, and continuously assessing her respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular functions.

Routine nursing management included keeping her airway patent by positioning her in a high Fowler’s position and administering mechanical ventilation as needed. Naloxone, an antidote for opioid overdose, was administered, and continuous ECG monitoring was initiated. Mrs. Watson’s care was provided by an interdisciplinary team, which included respiratory therapists, nurses, emergency physicians, ECG technicians, laboratory personnel, and support staff.

NR 341 Complex Adult Health Interdisciplinary Care

Respiratory therapists managed mechanical ventilation and administered treatments, while nurses offered direct care, administered medications, and coordinated with the physicians. Emergency physicians evaluated her condition, ordered necessary tests, and began appropriate treatment. ECG technicians monitored her heart, while lab personnel conducted tests. Assistive personnel provided additional support under the supervision of nurses. Non-surgical and medication-free therapeutic interventions focused on psychosocial support and ongoing assessments.

Effective communication played an essential role in Mrs. Watson’s care. Nurses provided active listening and a comforting presence, fostering trust and promoting independence. Reflecting on my experience as a nursing student during this case, I recall the intense environment in the emergency room as Mrs. Watson arrived. I assisted in measuring vital signs and placing ECG electrodes, observing how the healthcare team collaborated to deliver timely care. The nurse I worked alongside was calm and efficient, ensuring that all tasks were performed correctly. This experience reinforced my passion for nursing and highlighted the importance of teamwork in delivering quality patient care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the interdisciplinary care provided to Mrs. Watson addressed her immediate health needs, promoted health-seeking behaviors, and ensured her safety. The nursing team was crucial in managing her condition and delivering high-quality care in a coordinated and timely manner.

References

Carpenito, L. J. (2017). Nursing diagnosis: Application to clinical practice. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.

For All Your Nursing Needs. (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2018, from https://nurseslabs.com/

NR 341 Complex Adult Health Interdisciplinary Care

Lewis, S. L., Dirksen, S., Heitkemper, M., & Bucher, L. (2014). Medical-surgical nursing: Assessment and management of clinical problems (9th ed.). Elsevier Mosby.

Lilley, L. L., Collins, S. R., & Snyder, J. S. (2017). Pharmacology and the nursing process. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

Vallerand, A. H. (2015). Davis’s drug guide for nurses (14th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company.