Title: Module Case Study: Trauma
Course: NUR 2710C Adult Health Nursing II > Section: Module 3:1 Trauma

Review the following Case Study then answer the questions below.  Each question is worth 12 points.

Write your answers in a Word Document.  Save the file with your name and the title of the module then attach it here for grading.

Each case study should be read thoroughly for understanding of the situation and then analyzed by answering the questions with specific information to introduction of patient, problem, pathophysiology, nursing physical assessment, nursing process, recommendations and community resources. For maximum effectiveness it is essential to complete learning objectives and assigned readings prior to the analysis of the case study and to utilize the nursing process and critical thinking to assist with decision-making. The case study rubric is provided to assist with performance expectations.

A 55-year old patient is awake, conscious and tearful and presents to the emergency department after a co-worker lost their grip on a frying pan and spilled hot oil on her arms.  She is breathing normally but appears to be in significant pain. Her burns appear isolated to hands and anterior and posterior arms. Upon patient assessment her heart rate is 96, respiratory rate is 16, blood pressure is 140/88 and she exclaims she has a history of hypertension.

Questions:

1.  How severe is this mechanism of injury and how severe will you expect the burn to be? Utilizing the Rule of Nines, which is the most rapid method for calculating the size of a burn injury in adult patients whose weight is normal proportion; estimate burn percentage.

2. Will you expect to find any compromise to airway, breathing or circulation during your initial assessment? Explain complications that can occur.

3. What is the priority nursing diagnosis for this patient? Prioritize nursing care for the patient during resuscitation phase of burn injury and explain the priorities for managing care.

4. With appropriate intervention, the patient is expected to have blood pressure and tissue oxygenation restored to normal. List ways in which to prevent hypovolemic shock and inadequate oxygenation to include infusion of IV fluids and drug therapy.

5. With appropriate intervention, the patient with a burn injury is expected to have no wound extension and have wounds healed.  Describe nursing interventions that focus on preserving integrity of non-burned skin, enhancing wound healing of burned skin, and preventing complications to include drug therapy to prevent infection.