Reference no: EM133521982
You are completing your PEP (Professional Experience Placement) in the emergency room. This is your second shift in this department. You have received a new patient. The patient has just arrived at the unit. Ron is a 56-year-old male with a history of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension. Ron has recently returned from a trip to Thailand 3 days ago. He has had a fever for 3 days and is complaining of diarrhea with nausea and vomiting. He has not been able to eat and has tolerated only sips of fluid. Because he could not eat, he did not take his insulin. Ron is unsteady and was brought to the examination room in a wheelchair. While helping him to the bed, you notice that his skin is warm and flushed, and his breath is fruity and sweet smelling.
Ron is drowsy and unable to answer your questions. His wife tells you that he has complained of being thirsty but has not been able to keep any water down. As you get Ron settled, the nurse you work with has taken urgent bloods (Biochemistry and FBC) and sent to pathology.
His wife tells you that the blood glucose monitor has been reading high, and Ron has only been able to have a few sips of ginger ale. After they arrived home from the airport, Ron voided 'a lot' but hardly passed urine yesterday and has not used the toilet today.
Ron's vital signs and document these on the chart.
- Blood pressure 90/50 mm Hg
- Heart rate 124 beats/min
- Respiratory rate 36 and deep
-Temperature 38.5 C (Tympanic)
1. Are these vital signs within the normal range for a patient of Ron's age and medical history? If not, why not. Discuss your rationale.