clinical paperwork

[csnba9]

Hey y'all, I hope you can help me. Client's condition: left humeral shaft fracture, surgically repaired and client has 2+ edema of left arm. My question is nutrional/fluid needs, how is the need affected by the current health condition? Help is appreciated!

[TX_ICU_RN]

Hey y'all, I hope you can help me. Client's condition: left humeral shaft fracture, surgically repaired and client has 2+ edema of left arm. My question is nutrional/fluid needs, how is the need affected by the current health condition? Help is appreciated!

Here are some questions I would ask you that may help you start to figure this out:

1) What is the patient's baseline health condition and nutritional status?

2) What is the patient's age and sex?

3) Does the patient have any endocrine, renal or heart problems?

4) Can the patient tolerate po intake?

5) Which arm is fractured (I am assuming the left...but I don't like to assume)? If the right arm is fractured...what is causing the left arm edema?

I have found that sometimes I can't figure something out because I am so overwhelmed by what I don't know that I can't find a place to start.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

Based on the information you've provided, there is no linkage. You need to complete your assessment of the patient. The edema in the patient's arm is related to the trauma, cell damage and inflammation response, not a fluid excess problem.

[csnba9]

:nuke: Thanks for your input. My pt was 85yrs F, and yes the left arm was fractured. This is a question we must answer on our self evals. every week. "Using current knowledge to discuss nursing interventions that assist client to meet nutrional/fluid need. Consider how the need is affected by the client's health condition." I also see no direct link. But I do see the importance of good nutrition and fluid intake considering pt's age and frailness and limited mobility. Maybe that is what I should write.

Thanks again folks any other input will be appreciated.