Competency-Based Assessments
1
.
Mrs. Rodriguez, a 45-year-old female, was brought to the emergency department by ambulance. Mrs. Rodriguez presents with complaints of severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting for the past twenty-four hours. She reports a history of gallstones and has undergone cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) surgery five years ago. On initial assessment, Mrs. Rodriguez appears pale and diaphoretic and is in severe pain. Her vital signs include a heart rate of 110 bpm, blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg, respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation of 95 percent on room air. What are the actual and potential problems identified in this scenario?
2
.
Mrs. Smith, a 68-year-old female, has been admitted for exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). She presents with increased dyspnea, productive cough with purulent sputum, and generalized weakness. Mrs. Smith has a history of smoking for forty years and lives alone in a small apartment. She has been feeling increasingly isolated since her husband passed away three years ago. Explain how the nurse should assess the patient’s physical, psychosocial, emotional, and spiritual health.
Nurse Emily is working in a primary care clinic. She is assigned to conduct assessments on three different patients with varying health concerns. Patient A is a 70-year-old male with a history of diabetes and hypertension who presents with complaints of dizziness and shortness of breath. Patient B is a 35-year-old female who recently underwent knee surgery and is experiencing postoperative pain. Patient C is a 45-year-old male who is seeking advice for smoking cessation.
3
.
For patient A, what type of nursing assessment would be most appropriate, and why?
4
.
What specific assessments would Nurse Emily prioritize for patient A’s complaints of dizziness and shortness of breath?
5
.
Considering patient B’s recent knee surgery, what type of nursing assessment would Nurse Emily conduct for postoperative pain management?
6
.
What assessments would be included in the problem-focused assessment for patient B?
7
.
For patient C, what type of nursing assessment would be beneficial in addressing his smoking cessation needs?
8
.
How would Nurse Emily approach the initial assessment for patient C to gather relevant information for smoking cessation counseling?
You are working as a nurse in the emergency department of a hospital. It is a busy Friday night, and the department is filled with patients requiring urgent care. Suddenly, the emergency alarm rings, signaling the arrival of a critically injured patient. The paramedics rush in with a middle-aged male who was involved in a high-speed car accident. The patient is unconscious and bleeding profusely from a head injury. Vital signs reveal a weak pulse and shallow breathing. The patient’s family informs you that the patient has a history of hypertension and diabetes, but they are unsure of any other medical conditions.
9
.
How would you apply the ABCs framework in prioritizing patient care during this emergency situation?
10
.
Explain how Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can guide your prioritization of care for patients with complex healthcare needs.
11
.
Provide examples of clues that may indicate underlying health issues during a patient assessment.
12
.
Discuss the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning and how each can be applied in analyzing assessment data to formulate a care plan.