Final answer:
When addressing Harold Stevens's cardiac status, subjective findings might include symptoms like chest pain, while objective findings might include abnormal heart sounds and vital signs. Immediate concerns might include severe chest pain or signs of a heart attack. Possible nursing actions could include administering medication and providing supplemental oxygen. Improved outcomes might include reduced chest pain and stable vital signs. Reflection points include understanding subjective and objective findings, applying knowledge to shortness of breath, recognizing factors affecting heart function, and identifying needed remediation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Recognizing Cues (Assessment)
a. The subjective findings related to Harold Stevens's cardiac status might include symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness. The objective findings might include abnormal heart sounds, such as a murmur or irregular rhythm, and abnormal vital signs, such as elevated blood pressure or heart rate.
Analyze Cues (Analysis)
a. The assessment findings related to Harold Stevens's cardiac status that are of immediate concern might include severe chest pain or discomfort, difficulty breathing, or signs of a heart attack, such as sweating or nausea.
Prioritizing Hypotheses (Analysis)
a. The assessment finding that the nurse should address first would depend on the specific scenario. However, if Harold Stevens is experiencing severe chest pain or difficulty breathing, these would be the top priorities, as they could indicate a potentially life-threatening condition.
Generate Solutions (Planning)
a. Possible nursing actions to address Harold Stevens's cardiac status might include administering medication, such as nitroglycerin, to relieve chest pain, providing supplemental oxygen to improve oxygenation, or initiating emergency cardiac procedures, such as CPR or defibrillation, if necessary.
Take Actions (Implementation)
a. The nurse should take appropriate actions based on the specific assessment findings and the healthcare provider's orders. This might include administering medication as prescribed, providing comfort measures, monitoring vital signs, and communicating with the healthcare team.
Evaluate Outcomes (Evaluation)
a. Assessment findings that would indicate that Harold Stevens's cardiac status improved might include a reduction in chest pain, improved oxygen saturation levels, stable vital signs, and a normal cardiac rhythm.
Reflection:
- I learned that subjective findings are based on the patient's symptoms and self-reported experiences, while objective findings are measurable and observable by the healthcare provider. This differentiation is important for accurate assessment and diagnosis.
- I will apply my knowledge when caring for a client with shortness of breath by assessing their vital signs, oxygen saturation levels, and cardiac rhythm. I will also prioritize interventions, such as administering oxygen and monitoring for signs of respiratory distress.
- I learned that there are various factors that can affect heart contractility, stroke volume, and cardiac output. These factors include sympathetic and parasympathetic stimulation, medications, electrolyte imbalances, and underlying cardiac conditions.
- Based on the completed virtual focused assessment for Harold Stevens, areas that require additional remediation might include understanding the different types of cardiac arrhythmias, interpreting cardiac monitoring findings, and recognizing the signs and symptoms of a myocardial infarction.