Highlights
Task
Following a positive patient identification, a neurological assessment using the Glasgow Coma Scale would assess Ruby’s mental status and level of consciousness, thereby detecting changes or deterioration in her status. Assessment includes vital observations such as respiration rate and temperature to detect brain dysfunction. Undetected changes in consciousness may result in decreased oxygenation, decreasing LOC and undetected adverse reactions from anaesthetic (Karcz, & Papadakos, 2013).
Hydration assessment would be achieved using a fluid balance chart to document input and output of all fluids such as intravenous-therapy, urine or blood loss, to maintain hydration, detect cardiovascular and renal complications, and manage electrolyte imbalances. Skin turgor and mucous membranes would be assessed (LeMone et al., 2017). Undetected hypovolaemia or hypervolaemia may result in pulmonary oedema, hyponatraemia or hypovolaemic shock (Leech, & Nesbitt, 2012).
The PQRST method would assess Ruby’s pain and identify requirements of analgesia and/or adjunct therapy thereby achieving and maintaining management of her pain. Ruby’s pain rating out of ten, facial grimacing, guarding, and physiological effects such as tachycardia and hypertension would be
noted. Poorly managed pain negatively impacts on mobility, slows recovery and reduces well-being. Surgical pain may cause reduced gastric motility and increased likelihood of an ileus developing (LeMone et al., 2017).
Holistic, head-to-toe physical assessment including base-line vital observations is compared to pre operative data, providing an up-to-date flow-chart of Ruby’s status. Assessment would also include Ruby’s appearance, emotional state and PV bleeding. Without this information, respiratory and cardiovascular complications such as pneumonia, atelectasis, DVT and haemorrhage may not be detected and lead to life-threatening events. A work-place observations form would be used to document vitals (LeMone et al., 2017)
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