Purpose: The student completing the respiratory case study will utilize new respiratory knowledge and draw on previously learned content to determine a plan of care for the patient experiencing respiratory distress. This assignment aligns with the following course learning outcomes and essential employability skills as noted in the Respiratory Course Outline. 1. Interpret pathophysiology and pharmacology to ensure safe and effective care of the critically ill patient with respiratory challenges. 2. Implement a collaborative plan of care to achieve optimal outcomes for a patient experiencing respiratory challenges 3. Evaluate patient responses to the respiratory plan of care and reassess or adapt to ensure optimal outcomes. 4. Implement best practices and evidenced based research to create a prioritized patient/family centered plan of care for a respiratory patient.
Case Study Questions
1. Interpret the above ABG (pH 7.22, PaC02 65, Pa02 69, HCO3- 22) and discuss appropriate adjustments to the ventilator to correct the ABG (3 marks).
2. Describe the pathophysiology of ARDS. How do you know from Mary’s ABG that she is experiencing ARDS? (5 marks).
3. Explore medical management (aside from mechanical ventilation) of a patient experiencing ARDS. What nursing interventions should be initiated to promote patient safety and positive patient outcomes? What diagnostic procedures, including rationale should be considered for the patient experiencing ARDS? (10 marks).
4. Discuss whether the patient’s current ventilator settings meet lung protective ventilation strategies. Discuss any ventilator changes you would make to ensure lung protective ventilation is achieved (5 marks).
5. What are the effects of tissue hypoxia and resulting signs and symptoms on the following systems: CNS, pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal and GI? (10 marks).
