Question

76, Full Code, NKDA PMH Osteoporosis Pneumonia Atrial fibrillation Aortic regurgitatiorn Osteoarthritis Smoker, 1ppd, quit 10 years ago HPI Fall with injury. S/P left hip arthroplasty for femoral head fracture.

As a nurse what are your concerns (plan of care, diagnostic test to be ordered, etc.) for this patient?

Answer 1

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS:

• Chest X ray : As patient is a known case of Pnuemonia and as post operative patient its important to do chest X ray to find any complications of the lung.
• Bone Density Tests: can be done throuh X ray to detect segments of the bone for further damage to the bones, this test helps in diagnosis of Osteoporosis.So through this further damage can be detected.
• ElectroCardioGram(ECG): As known case of Atrial Fibrillation and Aortic Regurgitation its important to check with the ECG changes.

PLAN OF CARE :

• Assess the general condition of the patient.
• Provide Psychological support to the patient.
• Check vital signs of the patients" temperature, pulse, respration and blood pressure of the patient.
• Restrict the movements of the patient.As patient has underwent arthroplasty provide bed rest.Plan patients daily activity.Include passive exercises for the patient to prevent contractures(shortening of bones) and further complications.
• Provide steam inhalation and nebulisation for the patient to loosen the secretion as patient is the known case of Pneumonia.
• Do Arterial Blood Gas Analysis for the patient.To check the PO2,PCO2,Ph of blood to assess for any complications for respiratory or metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.
• Provide Health Education regarding Complications of Pneumonia and regarding follow up care to the patient.And clarify all the doubts related to patients disease condition.