Question

A patient who is hospitalized with a pelvic fracture after a motor vehicle accident just received news that the driver of the car died from multiple injuries. What actions should the nurse take based on knowledge of the physiologic stress reactions that may occur in this patient (select all that apply)?

a. Assess for bradycardia.
b. Observe for decreased appetite.
c. Ask about epigastric discomfort.
d. Monitor for decreased respiratory rate.
e. Check for elevated blood glucose levels.

Answer 1

The nurse should monitor for psychological stress responses in a patient who has learned about the death of another individual following a traumatic event. This includes observing for decreased appetite, checking for elevated blood glucose levels, asking about epigastric discomfort, and assessing respiratory rate.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the scenario presented, the patient hospitalized with a pelvic fracture has now experienced psychological stress upon learning about the death of the car driver. The nurse should anticipate and monitor for physiological responses to this stress. The actions the nurse should take include:

• Monitor for decreased respiratory rate: While one might expect an increase due to stress, monitoring for any abnormal respiratory patterns is important.
• Check for elevated blood glucose levels: Stress can cause hyperglycemia as the body releases glucose for energy.
• Observe for decreased appetite, as stress can affect eating patterns and lead to nutritional imbalances.
• Ask about epigastric discomfort, which may indicate stress-related gastric upset.

Monitoring these parameters will help in understanding the patient’s physiological response to stress and guide appropriate nursing care and support.