Read the following case study:
You are a staff nurse working in
an intensive care unit and assigned to care for a 75-year-old African American
man who had coronary artery bypass graft surgery four days ago. The patient has
a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbated by heavy
smoking. His postoperative course has been difficult, and he has suffered
several setbacks. Staff members, despite their diligent efforts, have not been
able to wean him off the ventilator since the surgery. He has required frequent
suctioning throughout the shift, and he is being evaluated for the development
of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Today, when returning from lunch,
you observed that an experienced nurse was suctioning your patient. His
secretions were thick, and you observed that the nurse was instilling saline
into the patient’s endotracheal tube as she was suctioning him. The patient
turned red and began coughing, and it was obvious he was in distress.
Develop a plan to address nursing theory gaps in this scenario,
including how theory, research, and practice interact to create positive
patient outcomes.
Define the theory-practice gap and describe what impact this
potential gap can have on nursing practice and patient care.
Format your assumptions and findings of the theory-practice gap in
a concept map. Show alignment of nursing theory and its relation to the nursing
process (including alignment with critical thinking and clinical
decision-making) for an improved nursing care plan. Access the Technology Resources Library to
locate visual presentation resources.
Submit your assignment.
