Assignment Problem: You are the nurse in the pediatric ICU (PICU), caring for S.W., a ten-year-old client admitted for multi-trauma after being struck by a car while crossing the street. S.W. has a medical history of asthma and type I Diabetes. During admission, S.W. was relatively stable until he had a severe asthma attack that caused him to be intubated and placed on a ventilator. Besides being intubated, S.W. has sustained a broken left femur and a fractured right arm. You also note that S.W. has a blood sugar of 357.
Upon reviewing the chart, you note that S.W. is the oldest of four children. His siblings are aged eight, six, four, and two. The children live with their father, the only living parent, as the mother passed away one year ago after a terminal disease. S.W.'s dad reveals that his late wife was the breadwinner and the family had health insurance through her job as an elementary school teacher. The school offered temporary insurance through COBRA, but the premiums were too expensive. Without insurance, S.W. has not received consistent management of his asthma or Diabetes. You learn that S.W.'s father works two jobs, 100 hours a week at two restaurants, and the kids are often left alone in the two-bedroom apartment. Right before his admission, S.W.' was struck by a vehicle while running to the apartment after shoplifting from the local market.
The following individuals are members of the multidisciplinary team:
- social worker
- dietician
- respiratory therapist
- chaplain
- child life specialist
- physical therapist
- occupational therapist
1. Choose three team members and describe their role in the recovery of S.W.
2. What communication techniques can the nurse use while discussing the plan of care with the client and family?