NURS 1251-ETOH Withdrawal/Pneumonia RAPID Reasoning Case Study
History of Present Problem:
Elena Acosta is a 54-yr. old Hispanic woman with hypertension managed with hydrochlorothiazide. She is 63” (160.2 cm) and w
...
NURS 1251-ETOH Withdrawal/Pneumonia RAPID Reasoning Case Study
History of Present Problem:
Elena Acosta is a 54-yr. old Hispanic woman with hypertension managed with hydrochlorothiazide. She is 63” (160.2 cm) and weighs 175 pounds (79.3 kg-BMI 31.0). She felt “crummy” and weaker the last 24 hours and called 911 when she began to have mid-sternal chest pain that increased with coughing and developed a harsh productive cough with green phlegm with difficulty breathing.
Initial lab results: WBC 14.5, neutrophils 92%, Hgb 12.9, potassium 3.5, creatinine 1.1, total bili 0.9, ALT 42, chest x-ray revealed RLL infiltrate consistent with pneumonia, blood and sputum cultures collected and pending. Smell of ETOH present on her breath. Blood alcohol level 0.04, urine drug screen negative. She is admitted to the medical unit with a diagnosis of pneumonia. You are the nurse responsible for her care.
Personal/Social History:
Ms. Acosta works in a mid-level management position for a corporate finance company. She describes her job as quite stressful. She drinks 4-5 cups of coffee every day and to least 1-2 alcoholic drinks most days. She states that she shouldn’t smoke and has cut down to about ½ a pack per day. She reports drinking more and sleeping poorly following her father’s death over a year ago. She takes alprazolam as needed for sleep or when she feels more anxious. She is hesitant to be admitted because she has a high deductible insurance plan and doesn’t know how she will be able to afford it.
CONTINUED......
[Show More]