Question

Philip, age 60, has been having difficulty catching his breath for about 2 months. He finds he gets short of breath even when resting. He has also been spitting up blood, has a wet cough, and is hoarse. He states that he has had chest pain off and on but now it has become worse. He describes it as central chest pain. Philip was treated for a basal cell carcinoma of his upper lip 12 months ago, and he has been a heavy smoker for 40 years. A. As the nurse caring for Philip, what things would you consider in this case?

Answer 1

As a nurse caring for this patient i would like to consider some crucial elements of the case to plan my strategy of care to support the patient. Firstly the patient has severe cough that is wet with mucus and hoarse and also spits blood. Secondly he is having chest pain that is associated with cough and declining health.

I would firstly position the patient in an appropriate manner that will ease his chest pain and cough, with guidance from referred clinician and doctor the medicines for cough and chest pain will be administered to his as prescribed. Moreover, these symptoms have had a great impact on the mental state of the patient so as a nurse i would consider counselling him and supporting him through effective communication skills, rapport building and making therapeutic relationship.

These measures will help build a rapport with him and allow better and comfortable recovery of the patient.