I have my assignment due in the next 2 weeks and having trouble picking my nursing priorities. I found this forum and hope you guys can share or help me out :)
Here is my scenario
Nick is 50 years old male with heavy drinker. Recently had motorcar accident. He has 3 ribs L side fractured, a pneumothorax, and a lacerated small bowel. He is now on 3 days post op. He had laparotomy with oversewing of the small bowel laceration. He has an intercostal catheter and epidural line analgesia
On assessment: Urine output decreasing, Abdominal girth increasing, he is agitated, pain ++ and increasing SOB (shortness of breath)
The assignment question
* Identify and discuss 3 most important specific priorities of care for Nick and provide rationales.
My priorities of care was: 1. Maintain breathing or airway clearance. 2. Control pain for his post op. 3. Maintain nutrition or maintain bowel function???
Please help me out with the 3 priorities ? thank you very much
