Posted: December 15th, 2016

Choose one area of the head and neck and then select a common complaint (symptom or group of symptoms) patients may have in that area. For example, you may select headaches, earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), sinus drainage and pain, sore throat and cough, and so

Question
week3

General Survey and Health History (graded)

Casey is a 17-year-old high school student admitted to the ER with a compound fracture of the left leg obtained falling at the local skateboard park while practicing for a national competition. He has never been hospitalized before. His mother has been notified and is on her way. The EMTs gave him morphine and he reports his pain level as “okay.”

What part of the interview and examination can be done prior to his mother’s arrival?
As you enter the room for the first time, what should you observe as part of the general survey?
As you complete his history, what areas are especially important?
What are the important developmental considerations for Casey?

The Older Adult (graded)
Jean is a 68-year-old female admitted for a total hip replacement. In her interview you learn that she has a history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with a neck circumference of 16 inches and snores much of the night. She is 5’7” and weighs 265 pounds. She states she is sleepy throughout the day. Her other medical history includes: hypertension treated with angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), Diabetic with an Hgb A1c over 8%. Hypercholesteremia treated with a Statin drug. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) with a history of a drug eluting cardiac stent placed 14 months ago and currently on Plavix and ASA. History of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and is on Prilosec. Her husband has a history of cerebral vascular accident (CVA) several years ago.

What medications should she take pre-op and what should she hold?
Should Jean be allowed to continue ASA pre-operatively?
Should cardiology be consulted on this matter?
What are Jean’s risks for diabetes complications? What concerns do you have about her social support system?

week 4

Assessment of the Skin (graded)

Describe a patient with an abnormal skin symptom or group of symptoms such as a rash, an itch, redness, a lesion, or wounds. Do not limit yourself to these examples.

What questions would you ask as part of your focused assessment?
What history might be associated with the symptom, if any?
What are the known risk factors for this condition?
What physical examination techniques would you use?
What patient education would you give the patient?
Find a nursing journal article about these symptoms.

Assessment of the Head and Neck (graded)

Choose one area of the head and neck and then select a common complaint (symptom or group of symptoms) patients may have in that area. For example, you may select headaches, earaches, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), sinus drainage and pain, sore throat and cough, and so on. Do not limit yourself to these examples.

What questions would you ask as part of your focused assessment?
What history would be associated with the symptom?
What are the risk factors for this condition?
What physical examination techniques would you use?
What patient education would you give the patient?
Find a nursing journal article about this symptom or condition.