Cumberland University Symptoms of Respiratory Distress Nursing Case Study
Description
Review the case study and complete the questions to increase your knowledge of MedicalSurgical content. Copy and paste the questions into a document to type your answers.Copy and paste the questions and answers back into messaging to your coach. You coachwill provide you with feedback on your answers.A 72-year old woman is admitted with shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. The client’svital signs are as follows: Temp: 37 C (98.6 F), BP 162/94, pulse 92, and respiratory rate 26 andshallow. Oxygen saturation is 90% on room air. Client states she has been sleeping in a reclinerchair for the past three nights because of difficulty breathing. She also states she has lower backpain with a pain level of “5” on a 0-10 pain scale.Upon assessment, the client states, “I am having difficulty breathing. I can’t catch my breathwhen I walk a few feet.” Client is oriented to person, place and time. She has a productive cough.
Crackles and wheezing heard upon auscultation, diminished breath sounds at bases; capillaryrefill is four seconds, and slight clubbing of fingers is noted. Ankles and feet are swollen, 2+pitting edema noted. The client has no known drug allergies. Medical history revealshypertension, hyperlipidemia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema). Theclient takes the following medications: Furosemide 20 mg po daily Metoprolol 50 mg po daily Amlodipine besylate 5 mg po daily Atorvastatin calcium 10 mg po daily Albuterol 2 inhalations every 4-6 hours prnThe client is placed on 2 liters of oxygen via nasal cannula. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) aredrawn. The client is started on intravenous (IV) fluids and is given acetaminophen 650 mg bymouth for her pain level of “5”.
Questions:1. How should the nurse position this client and why?
2. List four signs and symptoms of respiratory distress the nurse may observe in aclient with COPD.
3. The client wants her nasal oxygen turned up because she is experiencing increaseddifficulty breathing. What should the nurse say to the client?
4. Why is it important to address the client’s pain level?