Case Study: Registered Nurse in Emergency Department

This case study presents a scenario in a rural hospital's emergency department involving a 66-year-old patient, Doris Evans, experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, and a productive cough. The assignment requires a Registered Nurse to perform a primary survey, interpret assessment findings, and discuss the underlying pathophysiology, particularly of conditions like Pulmonary Fibrosis and Pneumonia, given Doris's smoking history and symptoms. The analysis includes assessing the patient's mental status, airway, breathing, and circulation, as well as making decisions about the urgency of transport. The document also outlines nursing management strategies, including interventions to improve airway patency, maintain nutrition, and promote patient knowledge. The nursing interventions discussed include secretion removal, adequate hydration, chest physiotherapy, and providing education about the disease process and management of symptoms. The case study emphasizes the importance of effective nursing care in emergency situations and highlights the need for prompt interventions and patient education to improve outcomes. This document is a helpful resource for students studying healthcare and research.