case study Management of patients with Upper Respiratory Infection

1a. What nursing management is needed for the patient?

The first action to take is to make sure the patient remains calm. The nurse should then monitor the patient’s vitals and the patient’s airway. The patient must be getting enough oxygen using a pulse oximeter. The nurse should try to stop the bleeding by methods like packing, which helps control excess bleeding. The nurse should assess the cause of epistaxis by inquiring about the patient. Some cases of bleeding can be due to taking medication like aspirin and warfarin, which act as a coagulant. Assess the patient’s state through platelet count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, PT, and PPT tests. Necessary interventions to replace platelets, blood, or clotting factors are carried out if necessary.

1b. What measures may be used to treat the epistaxis?

 Uncontrollable epistaxis can be controlled through the application of a nasal decongestant. Vasoconstrictors can help stop the bleeding temporarily as the physician assesses the source and regions of concern. Once the bleeding sites are spotted, then cauterization with silver nitrate or electrocautery can be used.  The physician can pack the nose with gauze covered in antibiotics to stop the bleeding if the bleeding sites cannot be identified.

1c. Once the bleeding is controlled and the underlying cause is identified, if able and treated, what instructions should the nurse provide the patient?

The patient is advised to avoid smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages for up to five days. The patient is also advised to report any infections and be educated on how to treat the situation using antibiotics.

2. The nursing process as a framework, discuss the care the patient will need?

The nursing process framework comprises assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation of the condition. The assessment process involves monitoring the patient’s vital signs, educating them of the medical procedure, and evaluating his support system after the procedure. Planning for the surgery consists of activities like prohibiting eating after midnight, consulting dietary consultants, and ensuring the patient does not drink or smoke after the procedure. Intervention processes monitor the respiratory status, color and odor of secretions, weight, and education about lifestyle changes. Mr. Bark’s evaluation improves by quitting habits like drinking and smoking, oxygen saturation will be higher, and his weight will continue to normalize.