Reference no: EM133504104
Assignment:
Mr. C is a 17-year-old, African American male who was involved in a motor vehicle accident. He sustained a cervical fracture at the level of C2 that transected his spinal column and both vertebral arteries. Rescue breathing was begun in the field by bystanders, and he was intubated by paramedics en route to the hospital. Mr. C's parents state that they want everything possible done and that they have faith that god will heal their son.
Mr. C is admitted to the critical care unit from the emergency department. He is ventilator dependent. His skin is warm and dry. He is unresponsive to verbal or painful stimuli, and there is no physical movement. Mr. C's family remains at the bedside 24 hours each day throughout the week. They converse with Mr. C, speaking about all the things they are going to do when he gets home. Mr. C's vital signs are as follows: blood pressure of 120/72 mm hg, heart rate of 120 beats/min (sinus tachycardia), no spontaneous respiration, temperature of 97.8° F, and Glasgow coma scale score of 3.
Computed tomography of the head showed a global ischemic infarct involving both ventricles, and electroencephalography revealed no detectable cortical activity.
Mr. C. is diagnosed with brain death.
1. What major outcomes do you expect to achieve for this patient?
2. What problems or risks must be managed to achieve these outcomes?
3. What interventions must be initiated to monitor, prevent, manage, or eliminate the problems and risks identified?
4. What interventions should be initiated to promote optimal functioning, safety, and well-being of the patient?
5. What possible learning needs do you anticipate for this patient?
6. What cultural and age-related factors may have a bearing on the patient's plan of care?