*Prior to completing the on-line vSim: review respiratory disorders PPT and chest tube care PPT and
corresponding reading assignments.
1. When a patient develops a rapid onset of shortness of breath, what are the nurse’s
immediate priorities?
• The nurses priotities include abc (airway, breathing, circulation), ensure
patency of airway, supply supplemental oxygen, and administer medication
as ordered.
2. What assessment findings would indicate the patient’s condition is worsening?
• Pallor, cyanosis, decreased 02saturation, wheezing, and tachypnea show that
the patient’s condition is getting worse.
3. Review Vincent Brody’s laboratory results. Which results are abnormal? Discuss how
these results relate to his clinical presentation and chronic disease process.
• He had high Hematocrit levels which is common in patients with copd. The
patient also had elevated HC03 and PC02 which infers respitory alkalosis.
This results in heart palpitations, , shortness of breath and chest pain.
4. What are safety considerations when caring for a patient with a chest tube?
• Some safety considerations when caring for a patient with a chest tube
include monitoring for drainaige, check the tubings and ensure there’s no
kinking etc.
5. What key elements would you include in the handoff report for this patient? Consider
the SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation) format.
• Vincent Brody is a 67 year old male admitted for the excaberation of his Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). He is maintaining O2 saturations of 94%
with 14min/L of nasal canula. He’s currently taking IV of potassium chloride in 5%
dextrose and normal saline is infusing at 100mL/hr in his right hand. He has also
taken morphine 2.5 mg. He’s currently in pain. He has sinus tachycardia with s heart
rate of 109. His blood pressure is 127/76mm Hg. His respiration is 27 and spO2 is 94.
Contine to monitor vital signs every 5 mins.
6. What patient teaching priorities would be important in the patient experiencing an
acute exacerbation of COPD?
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