Assignment: Asthma Diagnosis and Oxygenation Problem

Assignment
Name
Institution
Date
Scenario: Jaime
Case 1 Question 1- The Relevant information in the case scenario related to acute asthma diagnosis and oxygenation problem, are the severity of the condition for failure to use the preventer, while there was evidence of an inspiratory wheeze and the pale skin. Since Jaime stayed for long without the preventer this worsened his situation, while this keeps the condition under control. Considering the earliest treatment undertaken, informs the health practitioners to the next course of action, when they also use patient information (Namazy et al., 2013). The wheeze had worsened as Jaime did not have the preventer, while the pale skin indicated there was a low blood flow, and there was a need to relax the airway muscles.
Case 1 Question 2- Signs of breathlessness, pale skin and being conscious indicate that the patient has an oxygenation problem. The risk of breathlessness is high when there are low oxygen levels in the lungs and blood. Similarly, the pale skin indicates deteriorating health conditions (Schmidt et al., 2014). Unconsciousness indicates the severity of breathing problems resulting from low oxygenation. Facilitating the gaseous exchange is a top priority to minimize the risk of complications from hypoxemia, and this is indicated by the pink lips as well as the pale skin. Additionally, stabilizing the vital signs, especially the blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen saturations are considered in nursing interventions.
Case 1 Question 3- Sometimes the face masks are preferred over the nasal prongs as they allow faster flow of oxygen, while they also deliver oxygen that is more concentrated and particularly beneficial for patients who require urgent care after suffering asthmatic attacks and suffering oxygenation problems (Ward, 2013). The nasal prongs are also easy to replace compared to the face masks, while patients can move more comfortably with minimal hindrance compared to the face masks.
Case 1 Question 4- In evaluating whether to use the non-rebreather oxygen mask or nasal prongs, the gas flow and oxygen concentration are evaluated before intervention. The nasal prongs are the first line of intervention, but when the condition does not improve, where breathing problems still persist the non-breather masks are used. The supplemental oxygen therapy is meant to improve the patient’s condition, and when there are better gas flow and oxygen concentration, this indicates improved health conditions (Niimi, Lewis, & Fanning, 2015).
Case 1 Question 5- Monitoring the patient condition is necessary to improve his medical condition and manage asthma. Low oxygen levels may cause irritability and confusion, highlighting the need for appropriate oxygen supplementation. The changes in vital signs that show deteriorations on the patient’s condition include; difficulty in breathing, low oxygen saturation, increased heart rate, respiration and blood pressure. As the oxygen level goes down, the body compensates trying to circulate the gas faster (Hodder et al., 2010).
Case 1 Question 6- To better diagnosis Jaime’s condition questions about his history before and after staring working it the coal mines and experience will be considered;
Have you experienced raid breathing before even after the medication?
How often do you go for medical checkups and if so do you follow the medications prescribed?
Can you identify any triggers that worsen your condition? (Wenzel, et al., 2013)
Case 1 Question 7- The symptoms associated with asthma attacks are considered when evaluating Jaime’s deteriorating condition. For instance, reports of chest pain, continued difficulty in breathing, convulsions, losing consciousness, while visual problems may be the result of low oxygen levels (Porsbjerg, Lange& Ulrik, 2015).
Scenario: Mrs Adams
Case 2 questions 8- In the case of Mrs. Adams, there are various factors that increase the risk of falls. Mrs. Adams has osteoporosis and osteoarthritis and this increases the risk of falls, because of deceased function and muscle weakness. The other risk factor is mobility problems because of her advanced age, and injuries may worsen her condition (Kalisch, Tschannen, & Lee, 2012).
Case 2 questions 9- Mrs. Adams is 84 years old, and in her advanced age her skin is thinner and drier because of less subcutaneous fat, while healing takes longer because of low blood supply to the skin (Partridge, Harari, & Dhesi, 2012). Impaired mobility is another factor likely to affect the skin integrity, especially when there is pressure to the skin.
Case 2 question 10- The nurse documents should have information on patient history, assessment of vital signs, psychological functioning as well as the nutritional status as this affects her well being and recovery from the injuries (Michaud, et al., 2013).
Case 2 question 11- To prevent Mrs. Adams’s heel injury from worsening the following should be undertaken:
Monitoring the site of skin impairment to identify whether there is swelling or signs of infection
Improving the nutrition status to decrease the risk of muscle atrophy, while also improving patient hydration
Regular positioning and repositioning to prevent the risk of aggravating the injury, pressure to the skin and deteriorating skin integrity (Grundstrom, Guse, & Layde, 2012).
Case 2 question 12- Mobilizing the patient safely to the bathrooms prevents falls and injuries, the safety standards adopted should be understood by all staff especially the caregivers, and measures include;
Familiarizing the patient with the bathroom and the surrounding environment (Ambrose, Paul, & Hausdorff, 2012).
Ensuring that all areas are uncluttered to minimize the risk of fall
Giving advice to staff on fall prevention interventions, with s...