Final answer:
Ms. Knight displays symptoms indicative of serious medical conditions such as tachycardia, hyperpnea, and hypertension. Given her elevated vital signs and physical distress, she requires immediate medical assessment to determine the underlying cause, which could be a respiratory condition or heart-related issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ms. Knight is manifesting signs that require immediate medical attention. Her vital signs, such as HR 120 RR36 BP 165/95, indicate physiological distress. A normal resting heart rate (HR) for an adult ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm), and her current rate is significantly higher, suggesting tachycardia. The normal respiratory rate (RR) for an adult is typically 12 to 16 breaths per minute, and her rate of 36 is much higher, indicating she has hyperpnea. Additionally, a blood pressure (BP) of 165/95 is above normal range, indicating hypertension.
Her restlessness, pale skin, and use of accessory muscles to breathe suggest that her body is working harder to maintain oxygenation, potentially pointing to an underlying respiratory condition. In comparison, a patient like Barbara, who has hypoxemia and crackling sounds in the lungs, could be suffering from pneumonia, a condition in which the lungs are filled with mucus making breathing difficult. Considering the urgency and severity of Ms. Knight's condition, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation to diagnose and treat any potential underlying issues such as respiratory infection, heart condition, or other systemic disorders.