Problem
Ms. J., 49 years old, had a cholecystectomy three days ago. She has been stable since surgery, but the nurses have been unableto get her out of bed to ambulate.The night nurse reported Ms. J. was stable with both lungs clear.When the nurse checkson Ms.
J. at 0715, she looks pale and frightened. She also complains of leg and chest pain and is having some difficulty breathing.
A. What would be your next action?
B. What should you do at this point?
C. What interventions might be appropriate at this time?
D. What other information is needed to complete your assessment?
E. What do you suspect has happened to Ms. J.?
F. What risk factor(s) predisposed Ms. J. to this condition?
G. What tests do you expect the doctor to order?
H. What do you expect the doctor to order in light of these tests?
I. What other test(s)might be ordered?
J. What would be appropriate areasof assessment for the patient receiving an anticoagulant?
K. What post-op teaching would you give for this patient?
L. What education would you include in regard to the anticoagulant?
M. Explain the importance of the incentive spirometer?