Reference no: EM133295633
Case: The ambulance arrives at the ED and paramedics emerge with the client, Mark Alvarez, a 32-year-old Hispanic male police officer. Officer Alvarez was shot during a routine traffic stop, sustaining a bullet wound to his right shoulder. Upon arrival, he is awake and alert. His clear speech suggests a patent airway. His respirations are regular and unlabored. Hi skin is pink, warm, and dry. You obtain anotherset of vital signs which include temperature 97.0 F oral, pulse 90 bpm, respirations 20/min, and BP 100/72 mmHg. Following through medical assessment by the ED physician, it is determined that Officer Alvarez is stable. He will require surgical intervention to explore and treat his shoulder injury. The ED physician orders laboratory diagnostics including CBC, serum electrolytes, and type and crossmatch for possible administration of blood products.
Following assessment and evaluation by the trauma surgeon, Officer Alvarez is scheduled for immediate surgical exploration of his right shoulder.
You remain with Officer Alvarez while he is waiting to be taken to surgery. The client seems slightly anxious. When you ask if he has any questions about his surgery, Officer Alvarez responds by asking if his wife has arrived yet. You report that she has not. Officer Alvarez seems disappointed to hear this, he asks you to make sure she is told he is going to surgery and you ensure him she will be informed as soon as she arrives. A nurse from the OR arrives to transport Officer Alvarez to surgery.
Question 1. Explain 2 possible reasons for Officer Alvarez's decrease in blood pressure.
Question 2. Why do you think Officer Alvarez seems more concerned about his wifes absence than his impending surgery?
Question 3. How would the case have changed if Officer Alvarez's airway had not been patent?
Question 4. Would Officer Alvarez's injury have been worse had he been shot in the left shoulder? Explain your answer.
Question 5. Describe 3 long-term interventions for Officer Alvarez's care after surgery.
Question 6. Describe 2 possible complications that could arise during the client's surgery.