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Student: Shaylee Date of Care:__3/18 Patient initials:_ Admit date:_3/17__Floor/room #_MT RM 326 Allergies: _NKDA___Code Status:_Full code____
Demographics Gender: M Age: 61 Height: 177.8cm Weight: 98.4kg Primary language: English Spirituality: Christian
Vital signs T: 36.5 HR: 71 RR: 18 BP: 104/67 O2sat: 96% Pain: 0 Pain scale type: Number
Admitting Dx Umbilical drainage, seroma
PMHx HTN, umbilical hernia SAC, depression
PSHx Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, anterior lumbar interbody fusion, transfer right & left abdomen muscle, incisional hernia repair
Pathophysiology:
The pt came in after a recent hernia repair with purulent drainage from the surgical site and along with pain.
This pt received an anterior lumbar interbody fusion, which means that an incision was made in the abdomen, through the skin and muscles, to fuse
lumbar vertebrae together. An incisional hernia can occur from excessive or premature physical activity after surgery or increase abdominal pressure in
any other way before the incision is fully healed.
I believe that the anterior approach to the lumbar surgery caused this pt to develop an umbilical hernia at the incision site. This means that
tissue/intestines bulged out through at the opening in the muscles from the incision site. The pt could have easily resumed somewhat-normal physical
activity after surgery or even strained the abdomen during bowel movement as the cause of this hernia.
The pt then received another surgery to fix this, where another incision is made near the hernia site, and tissue is inserted back to its normal place. Then,
sutures are used to close the abdominal muscles. This surgery causes damage to the blood and lymph vessels and surrounding tissue and organs. An
inflammatory response aslo occurs, and the severed vessels and tissues will produce clear fluid in response. This fluid is composed of blood plasma that
has seeped out of ruptured small blood vessels, and the inflammatory fluid is produced by injured/dying cells.
In some cases, like with this pt, the fluid forms a pocket, which leads to the formation of a seroma. A seroma is a collection of this blood plasma and
inflammatory fluid that builds up under the surface of the skin, usually at the site of the surgical incision. The buildup of fluid in the peritoneum caused
excess pressure that is not normal, which explains the patient’s pain. This fluid can also seep out of the surgical incision if it is not fully healed yet, which
Revised: Medical Surgical Committee 5/17/19 2
is why the pt experienced purulent drainage.
This pt did not have any abnormal lab values, which is a good thing, but that means there are no values except for the pt’s symptoms to add to this
explanation.
CBC
WBC 4.8-10.8 7.1 This pt has normal WBC levels. WBC measures the total amount of
white blood cells in the pt’s blood which can help detect infection.
Elevated levels of WBC’s indicate that the body is fighting off an
infection. Decreased levels of WBC’s could indicate an autoimmune
disorder or a severe infection.
RBC 4.4-6 4.72 RBC Is the total amount of red blood cells which help assess
circulation and oxygen/nutrient transportation. Elevated levels of
RBC’s can be an indicator of dehydration or even a more serious
disease such as heart failure. Decreased levels of RBC’s could
indicate anemia, this could cause the pt to feel fatigued because
the body has to work harder to get enough oxygen to the cells of
the body.
Hemoglobin (Hgb) 13.5-18 13.7 This pt has normal hemoglobin levels which means the body has
the correct amount of protein molecules carrying oxygen
throughout the body and to the lungs. A decreased hemoglobin
level could indicate low RBC’s or anemia. An increases hemoglobin
level could be due to lung disease, heavy smoking, living at a high
altitude, or extreme physical exercise because the body is trying to
get as much oxygen as it can in a condition or environment where
there is not ample oxygen.
Revised: Medical Surgical Committee 5/17/19 3
Hematocrit (Hct) 40-54 41.8 Hematocrit measures the total percentage of red blood cells
compared to the total volume of blood. A low hematocrit may
indicate anemia but is common after an injury with blood loss or
surgery. Elevated levels of hematocrit indicate dehydration.
MCV 81-99 88.6 MCV monitors the average size and volume of an RBC, this test
differentiates between the different types of anemia and what
deficiencies are causing it. Menstruation and gastrointestinal
bleeding may cause low levels of MCV.
MCH 27-32 29 MCH indicates the amount of hemoglobin, the molecule that carries
oxygen, in a RBC. This would also be an indicator of how much
oxygen the cell is able to carry and distribute to the body. Low
levels of MCH could indicate anemia related to low iron levels while
high levels of MCH could indicate inadequate intake of Vitamin B
and folate.
MCHC 32-37 32.7 MCHC indicates the average concentration of hemoglobin in all
your RBC’s. This again assesses the blood’s ability to carry O2
throughout the body. Low levels could indicate anemia related to
iron deficiencies and high levels could indicate anemia related to
vitamin B and folate deficiencies.
RDW 11.5-15.5 15.2 RDW measures the size of RBCs along with the volume of RBCs.
High RDW could be an indicator of iron deficiency, or decreased B-
12 or folate levels, anemia, or thalassemia. Low RDW indicates that
the RBCs are all the same size.
PLT COUNT 130-400 223 Platelet counts measure the number of platelets in the blood which
are responsible for clotting of the blood. Platelets are essential as
the body’s natural cessation of blood loss. High platelet counts
could indicate an increased risk for blood clots which could be
potentially dangerous by occluding arteries and causing a cessation
of blood flow to certain areas of the body. Low platelet counts can
lead to an increase risk of bleeding because the body is unable to
properly form clots to stop blood loss.
WBC DIFF
Sodium 136-145 138 A sodium lab measures the amount of sodium, an electrolyte which
helps keep the body hydrated and balances the acids and bases, in
the blood. Low sodium levels are referred to as hyponatremia, this
can cause an electrolyte imbalance and cause retention of water in
your cells that causes swelling in the body. An increased level of
sodium in the blood could indicate that the kidneys, which are
responsible for the elimination of excess electrolytes, are not
functioning properly, this could also be an indicator of dehydration.
Potassium 3.5-5.1 4 A potassium lab measures the amount of potassium, an electrolyte
which helps keep the body hydrated and balances the acids and
bases, in the blood. Increased levels of potassium in your blood
(hyperkalemia) is usually caused by the kidneys inability to properly
remove excess potassium which can cause an electrolyte imbalance
that can affect the hearts sodium potassium channels and cause a
myocardial infarction. A low potassium level (hypokalemia) can also
cause complications in carrying electrical signals to and from cells,
this can also lead to serious complications such as a myocardial
infarction.
Chloride 98-107 104 A chloride lab measures chloride in the blood, an electrolyte which
helps keep the body hydrated and balances the acids and bases in
the blood. An increase in chloride levels (hyperchloremia) could
indicate an imbalanced pH level in the blood. This can be caused by
severe dehydration or disease like diabetes or renal failure. Low
chloride levels (hypochloremia) may result in a change in normal pH
values and may produce no symptoms unless drastically low,
Revised: Medical Surgical Committee 5/17/19 6
vomiting, diarrhea, sweating and high fevers could cause this
electrolyte imbalance.
CO2(bicarb) 21-31 24 A bicarb lab measures bicarbonate in the blood, an electrolyte
which helps keep the body hydrated and balances the acids and
bases in the blood. High levels of bicarbonate in the blood can be
from metabolic alkalosis which increases the pH of the body, this
can be caused by an increase of loss of acids that could occur from
dehydration or chronic vomiting. Low levels of bicarbonate can
indicate acidosis which is too much acid in the body due to
inadequate amounts of bases in the body, this is often caused by
kidney, liver and metabolic diseases.
BUN 7-25 14 BUN measures the amount of urea in the blood, which helps
evaluate kidney and liver function. Nitrogen, which is in the
ammonia that ids produced by the liver, combines with oxygen, as
well as carbon and hydrogen, to create a chemical waste called
urea. BUN lab tests can help evaluate the efficacy of dialysis
treatments or as part of a diagnostic process for determining the
cause of liver damage, heart failure, or urinary tract issues. If there
were a significant increase in BUN levels, this could indicate
decreased kidney function or even kidney failure. A decreased BUN
could be due to malnutrition or overhydration.
Creatinine 0.7-1.3 0.82 A creatinine lab measures the amount of creatinine in the blood,
which evaluates kidney function by determining how much
creatinine, a waste product, the kidney removes from the blood.
There should be almost no creatinine in the blood for healthy
kidneys. A creatinine lab can be done to evaluate general kidney
function and can also be used to test the efficacy of dialysis in
patients with kidney disease. High creatinine could indicate kidney
disease, urinary system blockage, diabetes, muscle disease, or
dehydration. Low creatinine could indicate liver disease in serious
cases, as well as muscle loss.
GFR >=60 >60 Glomerular filtration rate is a blood test that determines how well
your kidneys are functioning. This is assessed by measuring the
amount of blood that passes through the kidneys glomeruli which
Revised: Medical Surgical Committee 5/17/19 7
act as filters. This test can help diagnose kidney disease. A below
normal GFR indicates that the glomerular filtration is not adequate
and may be indicative of kidney disease due to decreased kidney
function. An elevated level of GFR is not usually abnormal and can
indicate excellent kidney function.
Glucose 75-115 88 Glucose, or blood sugar, is a lab test that is done to monitor the
glucose levels of the blood. Glucose tests can be done to determine
if the patient has diabetes (especially in obese patients),
hyperglycemia, or hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia may indicate that
the patient has diabetes as well, which can lead to kidney failure,
heart disease, and blindness. Hypoglycemia can progress to cause
brain damage if left unmonitored and untreated.
Calcium 8.6-10.3 9.2 Calcium lab tests are done to measure the amount of calcium in the
blood to make sure that the parathyroid is releasing hormones that
are effectively regulating calcium, and to monitor any abnormalities
of the bones, heart, nerves, kidney, and teeth, relating to the
increased break down or decreased amount of calcium in the
bloodstream. This test can also be done to help diagnose
pancreatitis and parathyroid disease. Hypocalcemia can lead to
seizures, muscle spasms, tingling sensations in the hands and feet,
or irregular heart rhythm. Hypercalcemia can cause nausea and
vomiting, constipation, and severe thirst.
Nasal Cultures Negative for COVID
Anion gap 5-15 The anion gap test is to measure the acid-base balance in the body.
High anion gap acidosis may be caused by many things including
ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, renal failure, and toxic ingestions. Low
anion gaps are uncommon but may be caused by a lack of the
protein, albumin. Low albumin levels are indicative of malnutrition,
liver or kidney disease, heart disease, or an inflammatory disease.
Medications
G: Ringers Solution 1000mL IV Purpose: fluid Possible side effects -assess for allergies before administration
T: Lactated Ringers replacement include: -assess injection site after admin for any signs
Th: Fluid/electrolyte
75 MLS/ Action: replaces lost Allergic reaction, fever, of redness or infection
replenishment Q13h20m PRN fluid and electrolytes injection site reaction -talk to HCP before administering other drugs
Ph: Alkalinizing agents to the blood with this solution
G: ethyl alcohol I unit NA BID Purpose: decrease Possible side effects -do not exceed 4 times a day
intranasal germs spread from include: -do not use If allergic to ethyl alcohol or any
T: Nozin Nasal Sanitizer 0900, 2100 nose to hands Nose irritation, redness, ingredients in the drug (coconut, orange, jojoba)
Th: antiseptics Action: kills germs possible allergic reaction to -do not use with a history of nasal bleeding or
Ph: topical antiseptics in nose which helps other additives used for scent irritation
decrease spread of (coconut, orange, jojoba)
germs from nose to
hand transmission
G: lisinopril 20mg PO Daily Purpose: manage Possible side effects -monitor BP and pulse frequently
T: Prinivil hypertension include: -assess weight and for swelling periodically
Th: antihypertensives Action: lower BP Swelling of face, chest pain, -advise pt to take medication at the same time
Ph: ACE inhibitors tiredness, itching every day, even if feeling better
-caution pt to change positions slowly to
minimize dizziness
G: pantoprazole 40mg PO Daily Purpose: prevent Possible side effects -obtain complete medication history, including
T: Protonix ulcers include: supplements and vitamins before admin
Th: antiulcer agents
0900 Action: decreases Headache, diarrhea, -Assess for abdominal pain, bowel function, and
Ph: proton-pump stomach acid constipation, abdominal pain bloody stools after admin
inhibitors -Advise patient to take as directed, even if
feeling better
-avoid alcohol and aspirin
G: trazodone 100mg PO Purpose: treat Possible side effects -monitor BP and pulse before and during
T: Desyrel depression include: -assess for possible sexual dysfunction
Th: antidepressants
QHS Action: alters effects Drowsiness, hypotension, -assess for serotonin syndrome (nausea
Ph: of hormones that dry mouth, vomiting, mental changes)
cause depression -assess mental status frequently
Revised: Medical Surgical Committee 5/17/19 9
- admin immediately after meals to minimize
side effects
-take medication as directed
-avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants
Concept Mapping
-hernia at incision
Chief Medical Diagnosis: umbilical seroma w/
drainage
Priority Assessments:
ND # 2 Risk for infection r/t alteration in skin integrity -assess for further fluid accumulation
Data to support: -assess bowel sounds to make sure seroma has not
impacted bowel movements
-incision into abdominal skin
-assess WBC’s and monitor vitals for signs of
-open abdominal wound
infection
-fluid accumulation containing inflammatory response fluid and plasma
ND # 3 Risk for dysfunctional gastrointestinal motility R/T hernia and prolonged abdominal
muscle healing
Data to support:
A:
Primary Assessment
A. Airway- no obstructions
B. Breathing- no SOB, no cough, non-labored
C. Circulation- color WNL, no edema
D. Degree of consciousness/mental status- awake, fully oriented
E. Exposure/ Skin- No visible skin wounds, see integumentary
Secondary Assessment
R: Monitor vitals q4h. Pt is to stay on bed rest with frequent repositioning. Allow pt BRP
with assistance. Keep pt on room air and heart healthy diet. Flush saline lock q8h and
prn. Change position q2h to: promote skin integrity, keep Braden scale at 21, and
maintain good circulation to extremities. Listen to bowel sounds to make sure seroma
Revised: Medical Surgical Committee 5/17/19
14
has not affected bowel movement. Monitor telemetry for any changes. Continue
medication administration as ordered. Encourage pt to ambulate and use SCD’s to
prevent DVT.