Question

Educational Needs - Increased acuity

Status assessment reports patient with airborne isolation and frequent reminders to stay in room and maintain mask precautions.

Fall Risk - Increased acuity
Status assessment reports patient connected to IV line and as being fatigued which could result in fall.

Health Change - Increased acuity
Status assessment reports r/o tuberculosis, skin moist, bilateral wheezes/rhonchi SaO2 91%, blood-tinged/productive cough, fatigue/fear/concern.

Pain Level - Normal acuity
No indication of pain at this time.

Psychological - Needs Increased acuity
Status assessment reports Spanish-speaking migrant, Spanish interpreter available, expresses fear/concern/desire for recovery.

Sensorium - Normal acuity
Status assessment reports no indication of increased sensorium acuity.

Answer 1

Respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, and complications from other diseases can present with symptoms detectable through physical examinations and diagnostic tests. Treatments vary based on the underlying condition and severity, involving medication, oxygen therapy, or preventive measures like vaccines.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Respiratory Distress and Related Conditions:

The cases presented illustrate various respiratory conditions which are characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, coughing, dyspnea (shortness of breath), and abnormal lung sounds. Abnormalities such as hypoxemia, revealed by lower-than-normal oxygen levels in a pulse oximeter reading, are common signs and suggest conditions like pneumonia or respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). RDS, seen primarily in premature infants, is caused by insufficient pulmonary surfactant essential for proper lung inflation at birth. For adults, such symptoms may indicate serious infections, like tuberculosis or influenzas, or could be complications due to a weakened immune system from conditions such as HIV/AIDS or treatments like chemotherapy.

When performing a physical examination, healthcare providers look for specific signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and lung sounds. Diagnostic tests, like chest radiographs (X-rays), sputum cultures, and blood samples, often assist in diagnosing these conditions. Preventive measures, such as vaccines for influenza, are important to reduce the risk of serious respiratory infections. For patients already showing symptoms, treatments vary based on the condition but may include antiviral or antibiotic medication, supplementary oxygen, or, in cases of infants with RDS, administration of surfactant to aid lung function.