Chapter 20, Problem 4RP

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

Do you agree with the criteria to evaluate a positive outcome in this situation?

Case summary:

The nursing student was assigned to accompany a nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). They were caring for Mr. G, a middle-aged patient with end-stage liver failure. He had been in the coma for several weeks. Mr. G was found to be overwhelmed with the extent of drains, tubes, and technologies that have been used to care for him. The nursing student found that the nurse and some residents immediately started to assess the technological equipment soon after entering the patient’s room. They don’t seem to have any regard or concern for the patient. They had a conversation about the poor condition of the patient in his direct presence. They didn’t touch the patient and not even attempted an interaction with the patient.

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

Did the nursing student meet the criteria? Why or why not?

Case summary:

The nursing student was assigned to accompany a nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). They were caring for Mr. G, a middle-aged patient with end-stage liver failure. He had been in the coma for several weeks. Mr. G was found to be overwhelmed with the extent of drains, tubes, and technologies that have been used to care for him. The nursing student found that the nurse and some residents immediately started to assess the technological equipment soon after entering the patient’s room. They don’t seem to have any regard or concern for the patient. They had a conversation about the poor condition of the patient in his direct presence. They didn’t touch the patient and not even attempted an interaction with the patient.

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

Should one of the priorities of care for Mr. G have included a review at the bedside of his current treatment and condition therapies with respect for the possibility that the patient might be able to hear the discussion even though he is not able to communicate with the staff?

Case summary:

The nursing student was assigned to accompany a nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). They were caring for Mr. G, a middle-aged patient with end-stage liver failure. He had been in the coma for several weeks. Mr. G was found to be overwhelmed with the extent of drains, tubes, and technologies that have been used to care for him. The nursing student found that the nurse and some residents immediately started to assess the technological equipment soon after entering the patient’s room. They don’t seem to have any regard or concern for the patient. They had a conversation about the poor condition of the patient in his direct presence. They didn’t touch the patient and not even attempted an interaction with the patient.

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

What evidence in nursing literature provides guidance for the student when caring for an unresponsive patient?

Case summary:

The nursing student was assigned to accompany a nurse in the intensive care unit (ICU). They were caring for Mr. G, a middle-aged patient with end-stage liver failure. He had been in the coma for several weeks. Mr. G was found to be overwhelmed with the extent of drains, tubes, and technologies that have been used to care for him. The nursing student found that the nurse and some residents immediately started to assess the technological equipment soon after entering the patient’s room. They don’t seem to have any regard or concern for the patient. They had a conversation about the poor condition of the patient in his direct presence. They didn’t touch the patient and not even attempted an interaction with the patient.