During the course, you have done a thorough analysis of a company and the health care subsector in which the company operates now is the time to look at all your findings and insights and be bold and make at least three predictions of what will happen to this organization or industry. Think in terms of the forces that affect your organization, its infrastructure and workforce challenges, if there are any reforms that may have a major impact? Be bold but NOT too bold. Think of a future that is plausible. 

 

Answer the questions in both scenarios in your own words. Answer these questions as if you were talking to a peer, unless otherwise indicated.

Shock Case Studies

Scenario #1

K.L., a 25-yr-old Korean American, was not wearing his seat belt when he was the driver involved in a motor vehicle crash. The windshield was broken and K.L. was found 10 ft from his car. He was face down, conscious, and moaning. His wife and daughter were found in the car with their seat belts on. They sustained minor injuries and were very frightened and upset. All passengers were taken to the emergency department (ED). The following information pertains to K.L.

Subjective Data

• States, “I can’t breathe”
• Cries out when abdomen is palpated

Objective Data

Physical Examination:

• Cardiovascular: BP 80/56 mm Hg; apical pulse 138 but no palpable radial or pedal pulses; carotid pulse present but weak
• Respiratory: respiratory rate 35 breaths/minute; labored breathing with shallow respirations; asymmetric chestwall movement; absence of breath sounds on left side
• Trachea deviated slightly to the right
• Abdomen: slightly distended and left upper quadrant painful on palpation
• Musculoskeletal: open compound fracture of the lower left leg

Diagnostic Studies

• Chest x-ray: Hemothorax and six rib fractures on left side
• Hematocrit: 28%

Interprofessional Care in the ED

• Intraosseous access in right proximal tibia placed prehospital
• Left chest tube placed, draining bright red blood
• Fluid resuscitation started with crystalloids
• High-flow O2via non-rebreather mask

Emergency Surgical Procedures

• Splenectomy
• Repair of torn intercostal artery
• Repair of compound fracture

Discussion Questions

1. What types of shock is K.L. experiencing? What clinical manifestations did he display that support your answer?
2. What were the causes of K.L.’s shock states? What are other causes of these types of shock?
3. Priority Decision: What are the priority nursing responsibilities for K.L.?
4. Priority Decision: What ongoing nursing assessment parameters are essential for this patient?
5. What are his potential complications?
6. Patient-Centered Care: K.L.’s parents arrive. English is their second language. They are very anxious and asking about their son. What can you do to provide culturally competent family-centered care?
7. Priority Decision: Based on the assessment data presented, what are the priority nursing diagnoses?
8. Teamwork and Collaboration: Identify the tasks that could be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
9. Evidence-Based Practice: You are orienting a new graduate RN. He asks you why crystalloids are used instead of colloids for fluid resuscitation. What is your response?
10. Examine therapeutic nursing interventions associated end-of-life decision-making.

 The following is information that will assist you in answering the question associated with scenario #2

Septic shock is

“A life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection” (McCance & Huether, 2019, p. 1550).

The infectious process starts with an infectious agent entering the bloodstream and causing bacteremia either directly from the site of infection or indirectly by releasing toxic substances into the bloodstream. Some of the most common causes of septic shock are gram-negative or gram-positive bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The most common sites of infection are the lungs, bloodstream, intravascular catheters, intra-abdominal, urinary tract, and surgical wounds (McCance & Huether, 2019).

Normal Physiology

In normal physiology, when a pathogen invades the body, the body will react with local and systemic responses.

• Our first line of defense is the body’s natural physical, mechanical, and biochemical barriers such as the epithelial cells and surfaces of the skin. These defenses prevent microorganisms from getting into tissues and also have the ability to remove infectious microorganisms. The surfaces of the skin and mucous membranes of the body also contain normal microbiomes (“normal flora”) that also protects the body by releasing chemicals to prevent pathogens from being colonized (McCance & Huether, 2019).
• The body’s second line of defense is the inflammatory response. Inflammation causes a vascular response that makes vessel walls become leaky and more permeable and makes white blood cells adhere to vessel walls and migrate out into the tissues. Symptoms usually produced by inflammation are the heat, redness, edema and pain. The goal of inflammation is to prevent and limit infection and interact with components of the adaptive immune system as well as prepare the body for healing (McCance & Huether, 2019). 

There are three important plasma protein systems involved to provide an active barrier against invading pathogens in the inflammatory response.

• One is a complement system which destroys pathogens directly and work with other components of the immune responses by three pathways: (1) classic, (2) lectin and (3) alternative. The main functions of these are to induce rapid mast cell degranulation, attract white blood cells to pathogens, and “tag” pathogens for destruction (McCance & Huether, 2019).
• Second is the clotting or coagulation system which forms blood clots that include a meshwork of protein strands at the injured or inflamed site to stop bleeding, trap pathogens to prevent the spread of infection, and provide a framework for repair and healing (McCance & Huether, 2019).
• The last important inflammatory response is from the kinin system which activates and assists inflammatory cells by the release of mainly bradykinin which causes dilation of blood vessels, pain, smooth muscle contraction, increase vascular permeability and leukocyte chemotaxis (McCance & Huether, 2019). 

There are also many biochemical mediators of the innate immune system that secrete cytokines responsible for activating other cells such as interleukins, chemokines, interferons, and other molecules. These chemicals are important to the vascular changes that occur during the inflammatory process (McCance & Huether, 2019).

Along with the cellular mediators are the cellular components such as platelets, phagocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells), natural killer cells, and lymphocytes. The components respond to the site of the injury together to limit the tissue injury, kill pathogens, remove the debris, and prepare for healing and tissue repair (McCance & Huether, 2019). 

Septic shock begins when the pathogen enters the bloodstream. This stimulates the release toxic substances called the triggering molecules, which triggers the body to activate the proinflammatory responses and release proinflammatory cells such as leukocytes, macrophages, monocytes and platelets as well as proinflammatory mediators such as cytokines (interleukins, tumor necrosis factor alpha and other mediators). Cytokines along with the vasoactive peptides cause vasodilation causing hypotension, relative hypovolemia, and decreased in oxygen delivery to the tissues. The release of proinflammatory cytokines also activate plasma protein systems of the complement, coagulation and kinin systems (McCance & Huether, 2019).

Dysfunction of epithelial cells cause further capillary leaking and microvascular thrombus, tissue hypoxia and apoptosis. Due to tissue hypoxia, the body will start breaking down carbohydrates to make ATP or energy for the body. As more anaerobic cells are being used for energy, the more lactic acid is produced. Without correction, the accumulation will lead to metabolic acidosis causing further damage to the tissues (McCance & Huether, 2019).  

As the responses of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators intensify the body experiences persistent low arterial pressure, low tissue perfusion, low systemic vascular resistance which will profoundly affect the circulatory, cellular, and metabolic systems. These responses will lead to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) due to dysfunction of the kidneys, liver, intestines, lungs, and brain as a result of tissue hypoxia and lack of tissue perfusion (McCance & Huether, 2019). 

Tools

Septic shock is measured by the SOFA score and assessing different systems in relation to the severity of the organ failure. The quick SOFA criteria include a respiratory rate equal or greater than 22 per minutes, altered mentation and systolic blood pressure less than 100 mmHg. The standard SOFA scoring includes respiration, coagulation of platelets, bilirubin level of the liver, mean arterial pressure, Glasgow coma scale score, creatinine level, and urine output.

Clinical manifestations

Clinical manifestations of septic shock usually include fever, chills, sweating, warm progressing to cool skin, respiratory distress, altered mentation, decreased urine output, hypotension, elevated liver enzymes, and decreased platelet counts (McCance & Huether, 2019). 

Scenario #2

Mr. S. S. is a 56-year-old, white male with a right diabetic foot ulcer. He was at his podiatrist’s office for a wound check and was referred to the emergency department (ED) due to increasing purulent drainage and necrotic tissue in the wound. Mr. S.S. noticed the drainage getting worse over the last week and has experienced fevers up to 102 degrees F for two days. He also complains of diaphoresis, fatigue, abdominal pain, and general malaise. He states he just does not feel like himself.  

Past Medical History:

Allergic to Penicillin and shellfish

Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus 

Hyperlipidemia

Hypertension [baseline 140/90]

Obesity [BMI=32]

Cholecystectomy, age 32 years

Left Above the Knee Amputation (AKA), age 54 years

Pertinent Family History:

Mother- Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, CABG x2 vessels

Father- Prostate Cancer, age 63 years

Pertinent Social History:

Active Smoker (2 packs/day)

History of Alcoholism

Previous history of homelessness

Emergency Department

In the ED, assessment reveals moderate foul odor, purulent drainage from right foot ulcer, and capillary refill of four seconds on upper and lower extremities. Patient is alert and oriented but short-term memory appears to be impaired and the patient is asking abnormal questions. Two peripheral IVs and an indwelling foley catheter are placed, a 1000mL bolus of IVF is initiated, wound and blood cultures are obtained, and the patient is started on broad spectrum antibiotics. An x-ray of his right foot demonstrates soft tissue inflammation and concern for osteomyelitis, so an MRI was completed of his foot. The patient is transferred to MICU for further management. 

ED Vitals:

Temperature: 101.6 degrees F

Heart Rate: 117 bpm

Respiration Rate: 24 breaths/min

Blood Pressure: 92/45 mm Hg (MAP 61)

Blood glucose: 315 mg/dL

SpO2: 91% on 2L NC

ED Labs:

WBC: 26,000

Lactate: 6.0 mmol/L

C-reactive Protein: 11mg/L

Creatinine: 1.4 mg/dL

pH: 7.32

Medical Intensive Care Unit

Upon admission to MICU, Mr. S.S. is lethargic and flushed. Further assessment demonstrates bounding pulses and right lower extremity edema. His heart rate increased and blood pressure dropped despite the liter bolus. The patient is started on vasopressors to maintain his blood pressure and intubated to protect his airway.

Pertinent Vitals:

Temperature: 101.4 degrees

Heart Rate: 154 bpm

Respiration Rate: 30 breaths/min

Blood Pressure: 72/34 (MAP 47)

SpO2: 86% on 2L NC

1. All of the options below are the most common causes of septic shock except for: 
   1. Gram-negative bacteria
   2. Gram-positive bacteria
   3. Viruses
   4. Cancer
2. Which of the following criteria would you expect to see from a patient with septic shock?
   1. Elevated lactate level
   2. 30 ml/hr of urine output
   3. Respiration of 18 rate per minute
   4. Patient is alert and oriented 
3. Which of the following are measurable components of the quick SOFA? Select all that apply.
   1. Respiration rate
   2. Temperature
   3. Heart rate
   4. Systolic blood pressure 
   5. Mentation
4. The patient wants to know more about sepsis asking if he or any of his family members would be at higher risk for sepsis. You tell the patient that most vulnerable patients for this problem would be: (Select all that apply)
   1. Children younger than one
   2. Patients who have received recommended vaccinations
   3. Adults 65 years old and older
   4. People with weakened immune systems
   5. People with chronic diseases
   6. People have been traveled outside of the United States
5. Discuss why septic shock is one of the leading causes of death in the intensive care units.
6. Examine therapeutic nursing interventions associated end-of-life decision-making.

Module 01 Content

1.

Top of Form

Many people in the US, particularly the elderly, take more than one prescribed medication. CDC (2014) reported that between 2009 and 2012 nearly 48% of persons asked used at least one prescription drug, 22% used three or more prescription drugs, and nearly 11% used five or more.

In a recent study published by the Mayo Clinic, seven out of 10 Americans take at least one prescription drug. The most commonly prescribed drug is antibiotics — taken by 17 percent of Americans — followed by antidepressants and opioids — each taken by 13 percent of Americans. In addition, findings showed that:

· Even more staggering than the CDC findings, currently more than half of Americans take two prescription medications, and 20 percent of Americans are on at least five prescription medications.

· More women than men receive prescription medications.

· Antidepressant prescriptions are more common among women than men and are most common among women ages 50 to 64.

When people take multiple medications, there is a greater risk of confusion about which medications are taken when they are taken, and what they are being taken for. There is also a higher risk for drug interactions and increased side effects and adverse reactions.

Sometimes because of the sheer number of medications being prescribed, they may be forgotten, become too much of a bother, or a financial burden which can significantly impact client compliance and lead to poor health outcomes.

In this written assignment, you will be interviewing a client who is taking multiple prescribed medications (three or more) and submitting a written paper describing the findings from the interview. You will then develop a Client Teaching Plan. Your instructor will assist you in the selection of the client. You must achieve a “pass” in this assignment to satisfactorily fulfill the requirements for the Pharmacology course.

The three parts of this assignment are:

Interview with a client who is taking multiple medications (polypharmacy). You must prepare the client before the interview by explaining why you are conducting the interview. You can say “My assignment is to find out about the medications you are taking so I can determine if you need more information about what you are taking”. You must always get permission from the client to conduct the interview and you must tell the client how the information will be used. You can say, “I will not be using your name in the information I share and I will be submitting it to my instructor only for this student assignment”. If there is important information that needs to be communicated to you, your doctor, family, or nurse, my instructor will assist me in following up on this”. Tell the client you will take no more than 30-45 minutes for the interview.

There may be a family member or significant other present during the interview. That is fine. Be sure to identify who answered a question and if possible always have the client answer first. Always thank the client (and others) when you complete the interview.

Do not use recording equipment for this interview. Have a notepad and pencil or pen and explain that you will be taking notes. When the interview is over, go to a quiet place and take some time to fill in any information you did not jot down. If you wait, you will not remember.

When setting the environment for the interview, make sure the client (and others) are comfortable and you are comfortably seated facing the client. If possible, interview in a quiet place. Ask questions slowly giving the client time to answer. Pay attention to the client's hearing and ability to respond to the questions. Be sure your non-verbal communication demonstrates you are calm and relaxed.

Use the following interview question guidelines when conducting the interview. Be aware that the client may not be able to answer each of the questions with detailed information. Collect as much information as the client is able and willing to give you. Remember you are the interviewer so you will be collecting information and not making any comments about the information shared by the client except to ask for further clarification if you are not sure what was said or need more detail if it is available.

1. What medications are you taking?

1. Before the interview research each of the medications. In your paper include the reason for each medication, the drug classification, the route of administration, the dose, and possible side effects/adverse reactions.

For the following questions, paraphrase the client's answers for your written paper.

1. How long have you taken each of these medications?

1. Do you know why you are taking these medications?

1. Who told you about the medications and why do you need to take them? Were you able to ask any questions about the medications and if so were they answered so you understood what was said?

1. How do you feel about taking these medications?

1. Are you taking other medication purchased “over the counter” such as in a drug store? If so, what is it and why are you taking it?

1. How and when do you take your medications?

1. Do you have any difficulty taking the medications? If so, what happens and how do you deal with any difficulties?

1. Have you ever felt any uncomfortable feelings and body reactions to taking these medications? If so, what were they and how were they handled?

1. If you had the above reaction, did they take you off the medication and replace it with another medication? Were you told why this happened?

1. Do you have any reason not to take the medications?

1. Have you ever not taken the medication? If so, what was the reason?

Ask a final question about whether the client would like to tell you anything further about their medications.

Write a paper describing your research and findings about the medications being taken and the interview results. Report your findings in a 3-5 page written paper. In your paper include the reason for each medication, the drug classification, the route of administration, the dose, and possible side effects/adverse reactions.

Use accurate and appropriate spelling and grammar and APA Editorial Format for sources used in your written paper.

Develop a teaching plan for this client based on your findings. Based on the findings from the interview, develop a 2-3 page teaching plan to include the following:

1. List one goal for this teaching plan

1. Describe two to three teaching resources that might be used

1. Identify two teaching strategies that can be used based on the client interviewed

1. List specific client instructions regarding the medications what adverse reactions they should be aware of/and what to do

1. Identify at least one factor that may negatively influence adherence to the medications and how it can be overcome

1. If, appropriate, describe how the family might be involved in ensuring the client is on a proper and safe medication regime

Bottom of Form