Sarah Smith is a 73 year old female with lung cancer. She hasbeen receiving chemotherapy on an outpatient basis. She completedher third treatment 5 days ago and has been experiencing nausea andvomiting for 2 days even though she has been taking Zofran (anantiemetic) orally as directed. Ms. Smith’s daughter brings her tothe hospital where she is admitted to the medical unit. Theadmitting nurse performs a thorough assessment and records:
Subjective Data:
- Complains of lethargy, weakness, dizziness, and dry mouth.
- States has been too nauseated to eat or drink anything for twodays.
Objective Data:
- Heart rate 110 beats/minute
- Blood pressure 100/65
- Weight loss of 5 pounds since her last chemo treatment 5 daysago
- Dry oral mucous membranes
Critical Thinking Questions
- Based on her clinical manifestations, what fluidimbalance does Ms. Smith have and what lead you to theconclusion?
- What additional assessment data should the nurseobtain?
- What lab tests would you expect to be ordered and whatwould you expect those tests to show?
- What are priorities in terms of nursing management forMrs. Smith?
- What is your priority nursing diagnosis for thispatient?
- What complication do you need to monitor the patientfor?
(Visited 2 times, 1 visits today)
