Page 94 - Critical Care Nursing Demystified

Chapter 2 CARE OF THE PATIENT WITH CRITICAL RESPIRATORY NEEDS 79

A chest x-ray shows lung infiltrates, and a sputum specimen contained numerous
gram-positive diplococci. Baseline vital signs are T = 101°, pulse rate = 114, respira-
tory rate = 28, BP = 120/70. O saturation is 88%. Baseline arterial blood gas values
2
on a 50% nonrebreather mask are pH = 7.30, PCO = 60 mm Hg, PaO = 50 mm Hg,
2 2
HCO = 18 mEq/L.
3
QUESTIONS
1. Identify the most important things to include in your assessment.
2. Which assessment findings are of particular concern to the nurse?

3. Is the current oxygen delivery system appropriate for Mrs. FM?
4. What is a sputum culture and sensitivity test and what do Mrs. FM’s results
show?
5. What general information can be obtained from a chest x-ray and what do her
results indicate?

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8 Your patient is recovering from a pneumonectomy. During your second post-
op check, you note that the patient’s heart rate respirations and blood pressure
are trending upward. His temperature is normal. He is starting to sweat slightly
and his urinary output was only 15 mL/hr the last check. What might be happen-
ing? What would be your next action?
Give psychological support for a potentially lethal disease process.