Final answer:
Question
A COTA is starting a mealtime session at the bedside of an inpatient who has generalized debilitation and diabetes mellitus. At the start of the session, the COTA notes that the patient’s skin is very flushed, breathing is deep and labored, and there is a fruity odor to the patient’s breath. The patient reports feeling unusually fatigued and asks the COTA for several glasses of water due to a dry mouth. C) Report the symptoms to the patient’s charge nurseis IMMEDIATE action should the COTA take in this situation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The IMMEDIATE action the COTA should take in this situation is to report the symptoms to the patient's charge nurse (Option C). The symptoms described, including flushed skin, deep and labored breathing, fruity odor in breath, unusual fatigue, and excessive thirst (indicated by the request for several glasses of water due to a dry mouth), are indicative of a potential medical emergency, especially for a patient with diabetes mellitus. These symptoms suggest a possibility of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.
Reporting the symptoms to the charge nurse is crucial to initiate rapid intervention and involve the healthcare team, including physicians and nurses, in assessing and addressing the patient's condition.
DKA is characterized by the presence of ketones in the blood, often resulting from uncontrolled diabetes, and can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly. Prompt communication with the charge nurse ensures that the appropriate medical response is initiated without delay.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation and taking immediate steps to involve the healthcare team is essential for patient safety. Timely reporting allows for quick intervention, appropriate medical assessment, and the implementation of necessary measures to address the potential complications associated with the patient's symptoms.