Extensive Thoracic surgery

An LPN is working in a critical care area and has been assisting in the care of a client who underwent extensive thoracic surgery. The client’s condition has deteriorated, and the need for ventilation is being considered. Assigning responsibility for care for this client to the LPN in this case would be inappropriate based on: (provide a rationale for your answer please)

1. Level of Supervision
2. Extent of patient interaction
3. Stability
4. Potential for harm

3. What patient would you consider a priority and provide a rationale as to why?

• A Patient asking for Morphine with a broken wrist or
• A patient with a pressure ulcer/wound in need of an antibiotic

4. Please prioritize the order in which you would see these patients (1-4) and provide a rationale for your #1

• A diabetic patient whose blood sugar at 6:50 A.M. was 40 and who just received 50% dextrose for a hypoglycemic episode.
• A patient with pneumonia who was treated for a temperature of 100.5 °F at 4:00 A.M. Current vitals include SpO2 of 96% on 2 L oxygen via nasal cannula
• A patient who was admitted 2 days ago with chest pain; his troponin I results have been normal in the 48 hours since admission.  He is currently watching TV.
• A patient with peptic ulcer disease who has pulled out the peripheral IV catheter and is scheduled to receive a dose of famotidine (Pepcid) at 8:00 A.M.

5. A LPN is given a patient assignment for the day. Which of the following clients should be re-assigned to the RN? (Please provide a rationale)

1. 1. A patient with an NG/OG tube and the pH aspirate is 3
   2. A patient with asthma that requires a non-rebreather mask

6. Define the following and name and example for each

1. 1. Proton Pump Inhibitors
   2. Antacids