Daniel Little Bear’s Case Study
Daniel Little Bear’s Case Study
Abstract
Daniel Little Bear’s mother brought him to the doctor’s office for a checkup. She reports that Daniel has been lying on the couch and watching television for the past two weeks since his appendectomy surgery. Daniel’s mother also states that he has had a cold for a few days. She brought him to see the doctor since he has a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The nurse notes that Daniel has a productive cough and appears short of breath.
Daniel Little Bear’s Case Study
When entering the room, the nurse should introduce herself to Daniel and his mother. Daniel is fourteen years old so the questions and conversation should be focused towards him. After the nurse gets his vital signs, height and weight, she should ask Daniel questions about his history, medication he is taking and allergies to medications. Knowing that Daniel is an American Indian, the nurse would expect him to stare at the floor and not talk a lot. By doing this, the nurse knows he is listening to what is being said and concentrating to know how to respond to the conversation. Some American Indians show their attention by staring at the floor and feel silence is a sign of understanding and respect for another person.
As the nurse talks to Daniel Little Bear and his mother, she watches Daniel to see how he reacts to his mother and Daniel’s reactions to his mother when she answers questions about him. With the age of the patient, there are times when teenagers are not comfortable with their mother’s presence during a doctor’s appointment.
Questions the nurse should ask Daniel and his mother are the following: “When did the fever start? How high did it get and how long was it high? Was any medication given for the fever? If so, what was given and when was it given last? When did the cough start? Does anything make the cough worse? Is it worse when lying down or at night? Do you cough anything up (sputum)? If so, what color is it? How much does he cough up? Describe the cough. Does the cough make your chest hurt? Has anything been taken for the cough? If so, what and when? How long has he been short of breath? Does the shortness of breath worsen with activity, at night or is the shortness of breath all the time?” While asking these questions, Daniel Little Bear’s level of consciousness is assessed.
When his vital signs were assessed, the nurse noticed Daniel’s heart rate was 108. Infection can increase heart rates. His blood pressure was 110/68, respirations were 24, oral temperature was 104 degrees Fahrenheit (infection), and room air oxygen saturation was 90%. 2 liters of oxygen by nasal canula will be needed if the doctor orders oxygen and