Question
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1. Explain how you can determine when a patient’s health or condition is deteriorating. Include the various stages of consciousness you need to be aware of as part of the clinical assessment and ongoing care. |
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Detail the signs: Detail symptoms of deterioration: Detail the response to the above you would implement as an EN: |
Step 1/3
An Enrolled Nurse (EN) must be vigilant and observant in identifying signs and symptoms of a patient’s deteriorating health or condition. ENs must be aware of the different stages of consciousness and continuously assess and monitor their patient’s vital signs and clinical indicators to determine when a patient’s health is deteriorating.
The various stages of consciousness that ENs need to be aware of include:
Explanation:
Alertness – indicates that the patient is awake and responsive.
Confusion – occurs when a patient becomes disoriented or has difficulty understanding or following instructions.
Obtundation – The patient appears drowsy and has a reduced level of consciousness.
Stupor – It is a state in which the patient is unresponsive and can only be aroused by vigorous stimulation.
Coma – The patient is completely unconscious and unable to be aroused.
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Step 2/3
To detect changes in a patient’s clinical indicators, ENs must monitor vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. ENs should be aware of the following signs and symptoms of deterioration:
Explanation:
- Vital sign changes, such as an increase or decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, or oxygen saturation.
- Mental state changes, such as confusion, restlessness, agitation, or lethargy.
- Breathing changes, such as shallow or rapid breathing, shortness of breath, or gasping.
- Skin color or temperature changes, such as cool, clammy skin or cyanosis.
- Chest pain, abdominal pain, or a severe headache are examples of pain or discomfort.
- Changes in urine output, such as decreased or absent urine output.
Step 3/3
In response to the above symptoms, ENs must act quickly and refer the patient to a registered nurse or medical team. ENs should implement interventions such as administering oxygen, more frequently monitoring vital signs, ensuring adequate hydration, and administering medications as prescribed. They must also promptly report any changes in the patient’s condition or symptoms to the registered nurse or medical team.
Explanation:
ENs must be vigilant in identifying signs and symptoms of deterioration, as well as continuously monitoring their patients’ vital signs and clinical indicators, in order to provide timely and appropriate interventions. To ensure the best possible outcomes for the patient, communication and escalation of care to the registered nurse or medical team are essential.
Final answer
To summaries, it is critical for an Enrolled Nurse to be vigilant and observant in identifying signs and symptoms of a patient’s deteriorating health or condition. This necessitates ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the patient’s vital signs and clinical indicators, such as changes in mental status, breathing, skin color, urine output, and pain or discomfort. When there are signs of deterioration, ENs must act quickly and refer the patient to a registered nurse or medical team. This may entail administering oxygen, more frequently monitoring vital signs, ensuring adequate hydration, and administering medications as prescribed. To ensure the best possible outcomes for the patient, effective communication and collaboration with the registered nurse and medical team are required. Identifying Signs and Symptoms of a Patient’s Deteriorating Health Essay Paper