Week 10
Week 10 Lab Activities
Introduction to Mrs. Jennifer Brown
Mrs. Brown, aged 42years old, is admitted to the cardiac surgical ward. Mrs. Brown is scheduled for an Aortic Valve Replacement (AVR) tomorrow. Mrs. Brown has been under the treatment of a cardiologist for the last 2 years. She has significant valvular disease secondary to illicit drug use. The only other significant medical problem Mrs. Brown has is asthma. Asthma was first diagnosed as a child. She has had several hospital admissions with exacerbation of asthma. Her medication asthma plan includes: BD Ventolin and Pulimcort via nebuliser and PRN Ventolin puffer.
Her symptoms of shortness of breath on exertion and hypertension are worsening. The most recent echocardiogram revealed moderate aortic valve disease with an LVEF of 45%. Mrs. Brown now finds activities of daily living difficult due these symptoms. She was sent to a cardiothoracic surgeon for review and surgery has been organised.
Nursing History
Mrs. Brown smokes approximately 25 cigarettes and drinks between 1-2 standard drinks per day. She had an addiction to IV illicit drugs when she was a teenager. Mrs. Brown was admitted to a drug rehabilitation centre for 6 months when she was 22 years old and has now remained drug-free for the last 20 years.
Social History
Mrs. Brown is divorced and has 4 children. She is employed by the state government in aboriginal affairs as a full-time social worker. Mrs. Brown lives alone. One daughter visits her once a week but she has little contact with her other children who live interstate.
Observations on the cardiac ward (Pre-op)
• Cardiac monitor- Sinus Rhythm
• HR: 89
• BP: 155/95
• RR: 16
• Sp02: 94% on room air
• Wt: 78kg, Ht: 170cm
• U/A: SG 1020, Ph 6.0, NAD
• BSL: 6.8mmol/L
Lab Activities
• Cardiac and Respiratory assessment
• Administer nebulised medication
• Oxygenation
• Set up IV Gravity administration set
• Administer IV Cannula Flush
• Administer IV antibiotic
• Write a nursing report at the end of your shift.
• Review Multidisciplinary Careplan (MDCP)
