Case Scenario: You are a nurse admitting a patient to the hospital from the emergency department with severe abdominal pain of unknown origin. He is a 42-year-old construction worker who has a history of asthma and sleep apnea. He is accompanied to the hospital by his wife; they have four teenage children who live at home. His wife is an elementary school teacher. The health care provider has written orders, which includes several tests.
1. What relevant cues are provided in the scenario? (This is part of the assessment.)
2. What are the patient's strengths, and actual and/or potential problems? (This is developing the nursing diagnosis.)
3. What would you consider as desired goals? (This is planning your anticipated nursing care.)
A. What personal attributes of the nurse will increase the likelihood of implementing nursing care effectively?
B. How will you implement a care plan for this patient?
4. What would be your next step in the nursing process?