Nursing case study
Respiratory Case Study:
Scenario: BF, a 31 year-old man who lives in a small mountain town in West Virginia, is highly allergic to dust and pollen and has a history of mild asthma. BF’s wife drove him to the emergency room when his wheezing was unresponsive to his fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair) inhaler, he was unable to lie down, and he began to use accessory muscles to breathe. BF is immediately started on 4L of oxygen by nasal cannula and intravenous (IV) D5W at 75 mL/hr. A set of arterial blood gases (ABG) is sent to the laboratory. BF appears anxious and says that he is short of breath.
Chart:
Vital signs:
BP 152/84
Pulse 124 bpm
Resp rate 42 breaths/min
Temp 100.® F
Discussion topics:
What is the rationale for immediately starting BF on oxygen?
Keeping in mind BF’s health history and presenting complaints, what are the most important areas you need to evaluate during your physical assessment?