Discussion Board Expectations : consist of three (3) paragraphs using at least two (2) sources, using APA 7th ed.
Case study: Mr. T was involved in a motor vehicle crash in which he was the driver. He was wearing a seatbelt. His compact car collided head-on with a full-size pickup truck. There was no evidence of alcohol or drug involvement, and the only history that can be obtained is that he has a chronic lung problem. Assessment reveals absent breath sounds on the right side with minimal chest movement. Vital signs are BP, 110/68; HR, 100; RR, 10; and shallow, T. 98°F.
The physician inserted a chest tube, intubated Mr. T. and initiated positive pressure ventilation. Mr. T. also sustained a significant head injury that has left him unconscious and in need of ventilator support. Several days later, he starts to regain consciousness and becomes extremely restless. When the nurse suctions his artificial airway, the nurse observes blood-tinged sputum. Mr. T has a low-grade fever and is tachycardic.
Discuss: 1) Indications for a chest tube. 2) Possible reasons for frothy sputum. 2) Top two nursing diagnoses 3) Other potential complications that the nurse caring for Mr T should anticipate.
