NUR 601 Week 3 Discussion 1 Borderline Case: Ethics Of Patient Care

A 14-month-old patient is brought into the emergency room for a left femur fracture. The

patient is crying and inconsolable. Upon assessment of vital signs, her blood pressure reads

115/86, HR 156, RR 34, O2 is 97% on RA. Temp is 37.5. axillary. Patient has no obvious bruising

to her body and skin is clean and dry with the exception of several circular scars that appear to

be healed on the patient’s lower back. When mother was questioned how patient sustained

the femur fracture, she stated the patient “jumped off of a bed and landed incorrectly on to the

floor.” Per mom, this was a witnessed fall and “older brother was there.” When mother was

questioned how patient sustained scars, mother states patient “had a bad rash one time, like

poison ivy and she itched at it.” Mother is the only parent at the bedside at this time. Patient

appears well-kempt, hydrated, and alert. Patient is playful with mother at bedside at this time.

Mother appears to be consoling daughter.

All questions should be answered in full sentences. At least 5 sentences per answer. Turn this

into your nursing process worksheet (empty weeks).

1. What are the abnormal vital signs within this scenario? Give rationales to explain.

The patient’s vital signs are elevated blood pressure which reads at 115/86. She has a higher

respiratory rate of 34. Her O2 level is at 97% which is borderline to normal. She has a raised

heart rate of 156. These factors indicate that she under duress and in immense pain. She is

brought in crying because of a left femur fracture. These abnormal vital signs are indicative that

she is suffering, and the fracture is causing her discomfort. Her body is reacting to the pain.