Reference no: EM131404368 , Length: word count:1400

Introduction:

Mr Leigh Richards is a 39 year old man who is married with three children. Leigh works as an irrigation consultant at Murray Bridge. Leigh was a restrained passenger in a rally car that hit a tree whilst travelling at high speed on a dirt road. He was trapped in the car by a cabin intrusion that pinned his leg, the car was cut to free his leg and allow for inline extrication. The driver of the vehicle, his brother, called 000 with volunteer SAAS ambulance officers, a CFS crew, and a MedStar trauma team responding.

Leigh was a restrained passenger in a rally car that hit a tree whilst travelling at high speed on a dirt road. He was trapped in the car by a cabin intrusion that pinned his leg, the car was cut to free his leg and allow for inline extrication.

Mr Richards was retrieved by MedStar to the Emergency Department at 1320 hrs Monday (yesterday).

On arrival, Mr Richards was drowsy and disorientated. His left upper arm was swollen, painful to touch and on movement and had an obvious deformity. His left lower leg was badly lacerated and deformed.

Trauma series of x-rays were undertaken on arrival to ED and a CT head and neck. Mr Richards was diagnosed with a left pneumothorax, # left humerus, # left tibia and fibula, and a small subdural haematoma. Two intercostal drains were inserted in ED and attached to UWSDs. The lower chest drain is swinging and draining small amounts of serious fluid and the upper chest tube is swinging, intermittently bubbling but not draning. He was taken to theatre for surgery having an ORIF for the left humerus and ORIF for left lower leg. The Sub Dural Haematoma is being conservatively managed and Leigh has just returned to the ward from a CT of his head. Neurovascular observations have shown slight tingling in 5th finger and weakness in both his left arm and left leg.

His neurological observations initially fluctuated and then improved since his admission.

Case Study video accident:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPRdcEHgR50&feature=youtu.be&t=1m30s

Assignment: Exploration of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology Relating to a Case

Leigh's daughter is a second year student nurse. She tells you she doesn't understand the pathophysiology of a pneumothorax and why they can develop into a tension pneumothorax without UWSD insertion. Please explain to her the pathophysiology of a pneumothorax and the UWSD and how it affects the cardiac & respiratory system using the correct medical and nursing terminology

Assessment Preparation -

• Please pay attention to the marking rubric and ensure your essay covers all areas. Case Study - Leigh Richards.
• We are looking for you to demonstrate that you understand the disease and its effects on the human body.
• All cases are receiving pharmacological treatments and we are looking for you to demonstrate high level of knowledge and understanding about categories of medications that will be administered and why.
• The use of headings is accepted and encouraged in this topic. Please set out your assignment clearly as it makes it much easier for tutors to read and assess your work accurately.

Assessment Criteria Detailed explanation of the pathophysiology/pathogenesis of the illness/disease of the case patient

• Understanding of the pathophysiology and pharmacology presented in the case
• Clear and succinct explanation of illness/disease pathogenesis with linkage to the related case

Explanation of 2 signs/symptoms the case presented with & why they manifested as part of the illness/disease

• Accurate explanation of signs and/or symptoms
• Explanations display a clear, succinct understanding of the signs/symptoms demonstrated by the case
• Display a high level of linking of signs and/or symptoms to the specific case

Critical Thinking and Rationale

• Clearly links pathophysiology, pharmacology context and theory together.
• Provide clear rationales that support the links between pathophysiology, pharmacology context and theory together.