NRS-460 Benchmark – Case Study: Timothy Smith – Medical Surgical Unit
Directions: Read the case study below. Evaluate the information and formulate a conclusion based on your evaluation. Complete the critical thinking table and submit the completed template to the assignment dropbox.
It is necessary for an RN-BSN-prepared nurse to demonstrate an enhanced understanding of the complex management of disease, the clinical manifestations and associated treatment protocols, and how they impact patients across the life span.
PART I: Health History and Medical Information
Evaluate the health history and medical information for Timothy Smith, presented below.
Upon arrival to the medical-surgical unit, you are assigned as Mr. Smith’s primary care nurse. It has been reported that the patient started confusing his days and nights and becoming restless. Once his family was identified in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), his mother was an active visitor and helped with care decisions. She notified his care team that Timothy was an active military service member with a history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, which have led to smoking and recreational drug use. Two days prior to arrival to the med-surg unit, Mr. Smith was extubated from the ventilator and has been weaned down to a 2L nasal cannula. Three days prior his EVD was removed. The focus has been shifted to strengthening him to walk and healing abrasions from the accident. Tube feeding was continued from the ICU while awaiting clearance to begin swallowing on his own. Dressing changes are ordered from the open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and for any third-degree abrasions from the accident.
1. Oxygen – 2L Nasal Cannula, FaO2: 21-24%; Hypoventilation (splinting, coughing, deep breathing)
2. Physical therapy
3. Respiratory therapy
4. Hairline fracture of 3 left ribs
5. Wound care for ORIF and abrasions
6. Psychosocial needs (PTSD, depression, ICU psychosis)
7. Pain control
Laboratory Tests, Results, and Vitals:
1. Skin assessments
2. Protein level
3. Follow-up x-rays of ribs show healing and no punctures, tube feeding catheter tip located in the upper stomach
4. GCS: 14 (deficit for confusion at times)
5. Respiratory rate – 16
6. SpO2 94%
7. Blood pressure – 118/68
8. A psychiatric nurse practitioner has begun visiting and noticed he is showing signs of depression and is struggling to cope with the accident.
9. CT scan of the head
10. Pain assessment score of 6 out of 10, with the patient reporting his leg is the worst source of pain, also experiencing pain with deep breaths, and mild headache
PART II: Critical Thinking Activity
Use the findings from your evaluation to complete the following:
Plan of When |
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Part 1: Evaluate 1. Evaluate |
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2. Based |
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Part 2: Protocol What |
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Recovery Consider |
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Discuss |
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Complications Consider |
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Discuss |
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Put |
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Smoking Consider |
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History of How might |
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Cessation of 1. Discuss |
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2. How |
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Balancing Discuss |
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Psychosocial and Spiritual Considerations Providing |
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Given the |
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Care Nurses have |
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Who would |
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How would |
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References |
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