Nr305 Week 6: Assessment of the Abdomen and Genitourinary System
Nr305 Week 6: Assessment. This week’s graded discussion topic relates to the following Course Outcomes (COs).
CO1 Utilize prior knowledge of theories and principles of nursing and related disciplines to explain expected client behaviors, while differentiating between normal findings, variations, and abnormalities. (PO 1)
CO2 Recognize the influence that developmental stages have on physical, psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual functioning. (PO 1)
CO3 Utilize effective communication when performing a health assessment. (PO 3)
Amira is a 27-year-old Syrian refugee who has been residing in a local homeless shelter since her arrival here in the United States 4 weeks ago. She was brought into the emergency room this morning via squad after being found by a shelter employee sitting in a pool of blood on the bathroom floor crying and holding her abdomen.
Due to her limited English speaking abilities, she is unable to provide specific details as to her complaints but the shelter employee states that she has recently stopped eating and has not looked well for the past couple of days.Nr305 Week 6: Assessment
Based on the limited information provided, please answer the following questions.
How will you prioritize your care of Amira, what assessments will you complete, and in what order? Please provide rationale for choosing this order.
Are there any cultural beliefs/practices that must be taken into consideration when planning her care?
Considering her symptoms of abdominal pain and bleeding, is it possible that her status as a homeless refugee is a causative or contributing factor to her illness? Please provide rationale for your response.\
Nr305 Week 6: Assessment Answer
Upon receiving Amira in the Emergency Department (ED), my prioritized care would commence with effective communication, recognizing the challenge posed by her limited English proficiency. Establishing a foundation of trust and safety is paramount, achieved through reassuring touch and maintaining eye contact during interactions.Nr305 Week 6: Assessment
To address potential oxygen insufficiency, I would promptly place Amira on 2 liters of oxygen. Recognizing the critical nature of her situation, my next step would be to assess vital signs, with particular attention to blood pressure, given the substantial blood loss she has experienced.Nr305 Week 6: Assessment
Simultaneously, I would initiate intravenous access using an 18 to 20-gauge catheter, anticipating the need for both fluids and a potential blood transfusion. Recognizing the urgency of obtaining crucial diagnostic information, I would order and facilitate the collection of laboratory tests, including a Complete Blood Count (CBC), Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), and type and screen for possible transfusions.
In tandem with these interventions, I would conduct a physical assessment on Amira, focusing on determining the source of blood loss, whether vaginal or rectal. The abdominal assessment would be methodically conducted to avoid altering bowel sounds. Beginning with inspection, I would carefully observe for any abnormalities or signs of distention. Auscultation would follow, allowing me to listen for bowel and vascular sounds. Percussion and palpation would then complete the assessment, ensuring a thorough understanding of Amira’s abdominal status.Nr305 Week 6: Assessment
This sequential approach to care prioritizes immediate life-saving interventions, addresses the potential need for blood products, and facilitates a comprehensive understanding of Amira’s condition. The combination of prompt communication, vital sign assessment, and systematic physical examination aligns with the principles of patient-centered care in emergency situations, aiming to stabilize and provide timely interventions for optimal outcomes.
