Nursing Informatics

Summary

In this chaotic hospital scene, healthcare professionals discuss and manage the care of a patient who may be allergic to penicillin, with concerns about previous reactions. A nurse also assesses the patient's pain level and makes decisions about medication. Meanwhile, a doctor and staff wrestle with medical details and confusion over a swollen ankle, leading to a discussion about treatment. Amidst the urgency, the staff struggles with time and miscommunication, showing the fast-paced, often disorganized nature of hospital environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 The nurse realizes she forgot to give one of the patient's medications, which leads to a discussion about penicillin.
• 😀 There is confusion about whether the patient is allergic to penicillin, despite the system not showing any allergies.
• 😀 The nurse insists the allergy history is well-documented in the system and reassures that penicillin should be safe for the patient.
• 😀 The nurse expresses concern as the patient had trouble breathing the last time they took penicillin, but the system shows no such allergies.
• 😀 The nurse decides to give the patient the penicillin and monitor her reaction, relying on the medical history in the system.
• 😀 The nurse checks the patient's pain level, and the patient rates it as a 3 out of 10, meaning no pain medication is needed.
• 😀 A second nurse asks about a different patient's condition and considers prescribing Lasix due to significant swelling in the ankle.
• 😀 The doctor seems overwhelmed, asking for more information about the patient before deciding whether to prescribe the Lasix.
• 😀 The nurse provides quick access to the patient's chart, which is crucial for understanding her medical history and symptoms.
• 😀 An emergency arises as a patient is in distress, prompting a shift in focus from medication to immediate patient care and medical attention.

Q & A

Why is the nurse unsure about administering penicillin to the patient?

The nurse is concerned because the patient had a reaction to penicillin the last time it was administered, which included trouble breathing. However, the computer system shows no known allergies, and the nurse is trying to confirm this with the doctor.

How does the nurse check for the patient's allergies and medical history?

The nurse checks the patient's allergies and medical history through the hospital's computerized system, which keeps a detailed record of the patient's conditions, medications, and allergies.

What was the patient's reported pain level, and how did the nurse respond to it?

The patient reported a pain level of 3 out of 10. The nurse determined that no pain medication was needed based on this low pain level.

What medication is the nurse considering for the patient's swelling?

The nurse is considering administering Lasix (a diuretic) to help reduce the swelling in the patient's ankle.

What does the nurse need to know before ordering Lasix for the patient?

The nurse needs more information about the patient's medical history, particularly regarding the severity of the swelling (edema) and whether it is pitting or non-pitting.

What is the nurse's challenge when discussing the patient's condition with Dr. Smith?

The nurse is challenged by Dr. Smith's lack of familiarity with the patient’s case, as the doctor has not been present and has a busy schedule with other patients.

What is the significance of the edema being described as 'plus one'?

A 'plus one' rating for edema typically indicates mild swelling, which may help determine the appropriate treatment or medication, such as diuretics like Lasix.

Why is the nurse in a rush when dealing with the patient’s condition?

The nurse is in a rush due to the urgent nature of the patient's condition, as well as being asked to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, such as consulting with other staff and managing patient care.

What is the nurse's reaction to the situation when Rena is called into another room?

The nurse expresses frustration and seems distracted, as they are in the middle of dealing with an important issue regarding the patient's care, but is interrupted by the request to handle a different emergency.

What is the potential issue with the nurse accessing patient information?

The nurse is concerned that accessing the patient's chart without proper authorization may be an issue, especially when they realize that someone else could see they were reviewing the patient's information without appropriate clearance.