Reference no: EM133461939

Assignment:

Li Hua., an 80-year-old Asian American woman, is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with a chief complaint of "breathing problems." She speaks limited English and requests that her daughter be allowed to stay with her. She is on oxygen via nasal cannula and sitting upright in bed. At this time, she seems short of breath but is not in acute distress. You note that she is pale and has a petite frame. Her ankles are edematous. The daughter tells you that her mother has been complaining of feeling more tired in the evenings and "unable to catch her breath." While at home she has been sitting either in an easy chair or in bed with three pillows to her back. Her daughter states that Li Hua has not had to urinate as much in the last 2 days, but she gets up twice each night to use the bathroom.

During your health history interview, you note that Li Hua. often smiles and nods in response to your questions. She does not maintain eye contact. Her daughter does not provide additional information unless asked directly by you.

1. Considering cultural perspectives, what can you do to facilitate the interview process?
2. What other questions would you ask Li Hua and her daughter about her reason for seeking care during your admission health history?
3. After completing the health history, you prepare for the physical assessment. What would you include in your assessment? Why?
4. During your assessment, you note that Li Hua has an apical pulse of 128 beats per minute and is irregular, her right radial pulse is 110 beats per minute, and her left radial pulse is 112 beats per minute? Does this patient have a pulse deficit? if so, what could this indicate?
5. Based on the data above, what condition to you suspect? Why?