D.J. is a 77 year-old African-American male patient who was transferred from the MICU to the CCU unit after experiencing respiratory distress. He had been admitted for moderate dehydration. The previous nurse reported that the patient’s breathing had become rapid and labored with the usage of accessory muscles. Also, reporting that his body temperature was extremely low and that his heart rate would not decrease below 200. My preceptor and I performed a head-to-toe assessment and noticed that his level of consciousness was diminished. He had a rapid heart rate, contracted lower and upper extremities, decreased pulses, and multiple pressure ulcers. He was on a continuous EKG monitor. I noticed that he was experiencing supraventricular tachycardia. Due to the many pressure ulcers and the risk for infection, he was placed in contact isolation.
After assisting with assessing the patient, he seemed to be responding well to Metropolol as evidence of heart rate decreasing to 140. His body temperature was still low. Therefore, we decided to cover him with many blankets and a bear hugger to help increase his body temperature. Then we moved on to changing his sacral pressure dressing because it had become soiled with his feces. According to Patient.info “Reduce risk of infection and enhance wound healing by hand …show more content…
The Code Blue was called off and he was now stable exhibiting normal heart rate and conduction. Afterwards, I felt disappointed in myself because instead of jumping into action I got nervous. I recall expressing my feelings to my preceptor and her telling me it is normal for some to react the way I did. A Code Blue is not a part of everyday life, which means I am not accustom to the experience. She said, “As time goes by, you will become more comfortable and acclimated to Code Blue’s.” I was relieved to know I was not the only one that had felt that way
After assisting with assessing the patient, he seemed to be responding well to Metropolol as evidence of heart rate decreasing to 140. His body temperature was still low. Therefore, we decided to cover him with many blankets and a bear hugger to help increase his body temperature. Then we moved on to changing his sacral pressure dressing because it had become soiled with his feces. According to Patient.info “Reduce risk of infection and enhance wound healing by hand …show more content…
The Code Blue was called off and he was now stable exhibiting normal heart rate and conduction. Afterwards, I felt disappointed in myself because instead of jumping into action I got nervous. I recall expressing my feelings to my preceptor and her telling me it is normal for some to react the way I did. A Code Blue is not a part of everyday life, which means I am not accustom to the experience. She said, “As time goes by, you will become more comfortable and acclimated to Code Blue’s.” I was relieved to know I was not the only one that had felt that way