Scenario 1 | Nursing homework help
Based on the presenting signs, some questions that should be elicited include:
- How long have you been experiencing difficulty breathing?
- Have you had any similar episodes in the past?
- Are you experiencing any chest pain or discomfort?
- Do you have a history of asthma or other respiratory conditions?
- Have you used any inhalers or medications to relieve your symptoms?
To demonstrate cultural sensitivity/humility in approaching this patient, the healthcare provider should:
- Respect the patient’s cultural beliefs and values
- Ask open-ended questions to gather information
- Avoid making assumptions based on stereotypes
- Use language that the patient can understand
- Recognize and address any implicit biases that may affect care delivery
The assessment should include:
- Airway: Assess the patient’s airway patency and note any signs of respiratory distress.
- Breathing: Assess the patient’s respiratory rate, rhythm, depth, and pattern.
- Circulation: Assess the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and capillary refill.
- Oxygenation: Assess the patient’s oxygen saturation level.
- Pain: Assess the patient’s pain level and location.
- Allergies: Ask about any allergies the patient may have.
- Medications: Ask about any medications the patient is taking.
The patient may be experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation, which could be triggered by the breakfast meal he consumed from McDonald’s. However, other potential causes of wheezing and difficulty breathing should also be considered, such as a severe allergic reaction, pneumonia, or pulmonary embolism. Further assessment, including a chest x-ray and blood tests, may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of the patient’s symptoms.