Case Study Question #1: The nurse cares for a 72-year-old fe…
Case Study Question #1: The nurse cares for a 72-year-old female admitted to the medical unit with dehydration and secondary diagnosis of mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Phase Sheet Name Theresa Peters Gender F Age 72 Weight (lbs/kg) 122 lb (55 kg) Allergies NKA Nurses’ Notes DAY 1 1800: Client admitted from ED to medical unit for dehydration after several days of poor PO intake where she appeared to briefly lose consciousness this am after breakfast. Retired for several years as seamstress and husband passed away last year. Now lives with daughter/family due to recent diagnosis of middle stage Alzheimer’s disease, history of mild hypertension & gastroesophageal reflux. Daughter notes appetite has diminished in past 2-3 weeks, and it is hard to get her to drink enough fluids even in the warmer weather. She has been more “down in the dumps” the past few weeks. Client has been unsteady on her feet due to dizziness and increasingly weak. P: 104 and B/P 102/62 (sitting) & 94/55 (standing). Skin & mucous membranes dry; tenting noted. Admission BUN & creatinine elevated. Foley inserted and draining concentrated amber urine. Provider notified; ordered fluid challenge of 500 ml normal saline. Alert/oriented to name only, answers questions, pleasant, cooperative, asking for daughter. Vital Signs Time 1800 T ◦F/ ◦C 97.8 F /36.5 C P 104 RR 20 B/P 102/62 Pulse oximeter 97 Oxygen Room air Laboratory Report Lab Results @ 1400 (ED) Reference Range Sodium 145 135 to 145 mEq/L Potassium 5.0 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L Glucose (fasting) 72 Normal