Patient Data

Exhibits

Each row and each column must have at least one, but may have more than one, response option selected.
Intervention: Promotes safety/ Does not promote safety
 

The incision dressing is dry and intact, with no bleeding noted: This indicates that the surgical site is healing well without any signs of infection or complications. A dry and intact dressing suggests that there is no active bleeding or wound drainage, which is a positive sign of wound healing.

The client has tolerated clear liquids post-recovery and has advanced to a soft diet: Progression from clear liquids to a soft diet indicates that the client's gastrointestinal function is returning to normal. This progression suggests that there are no immediate concerns regarding postoperative nausea, vomiting, or bowel obstruction.

The client has ambulated around the unit and tolerated activity well: Ambulation and tolerance of activity demonstrate the client's physical mobility and overall strength. Being able to move around the unit without difficulty suggests that the client is recovering well from the surgical procedure and is regaining strength and function.

Bowel sounds are present in all 4 quadrants, and the client has passed flatus: The presence of bowel sounds in all four quadrants indicates normal gastrointestinal motility and function. Passing flatus is another positive sign of gastrointestinal recovery, suggesting that the client's bowels are active and functioning properly post-surgery.

Pain is tolerated with analgesia orally: The client's ability to tolerate pain with oral analgesia indicates effective pain management and suggests that the surgical incision site is not causing significant discomfort or distress. Effective pain control is essential for postoperative comfort and can facilitate the client's recovery process.

A. Teach the client how to count carbohydrates - Non-urgent. While essential for long- term management of diabetes, carbohydrate counting is not immediately critical in the acute management phase of HHS in the ICU. This teaching should be delayed until the patient is stabilized.
B. Stop the insulin infusion - Contraindicated. Stopping insulin in a patient with HHS, which is characterized by severe hyperglycemia, would be harmful. Insulin therapy is critical to reduce blood glucose levels safely.

C. Decrease the frequency of blood glucose tests - Contraindicated. Frequent monitoring is crucial in managing HHS, especially when insulin therapy is being administered, to prevent hypoglycemia and to monitor the effectiveness of treatment.
D. Start the client on a regular diet - Contraindicated. Introducing a regular diet during the acute phase of HHS could exacerbate the hyperglycemia. Nutritional needs should be assessed and managed carefully, typically starting with IV fluids and gradually transitioning to enteral or oral feeding as the patient stabilizes.
E. Decrease the insulin IV infusion to 0.05 units/kg/hr- Indicated. As blood sugar levels decrease, the insulin infusion rate may be cautiously reduced to prevent hypoglycemia.