Fluid Responsiveness And Thermodynamic Analysis

Pulmonary capillary blood flow is lowest in the apices where alveolar pressure is greater than capillary pressure. So ventilation is greater than perfusion. Blood flow is greatest at the bases of the lungs where the pressure in the vessels is greater than alveolar pressure so perfusion is greater than ventilation. Blood flow and alveolar ventilation are never perfectly matched. Perfusion (Q) is usually greater than ventilation (V). A normal V/Q ratio is 0.8. If the V/Q ratio is low this means there is not enough ventilation to oxygenate the blood. If the V/Q ratio is high this means blood flow is less than ventilation so ventilation is being wasted.

Resuscitation in the ED. Rapid Quantitative resuscitation is recommended in all patients with tissue hypoperfusion. According to the SSC guidelines, the goals of fluid resuscitation include a CVP of 8-12 mm Hg, a MAP > 65 mm Hg, urine

Mr. Steward’s priority problems include impaired cardiac tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, and pain. We are concerned about impaired cardiac tissue perfusion because the pt. is exhibiting signs of myocardial ischemia including chest pain and shortness of breath (Gillespie, 2012). Although we acknowledge that impaired cardiac tissue perfusion can decrease the function of the heart and will have the potential to affect the perfusion and delivery of oxygen to other end organs, our primary focus will be a focused cardiovascular assessment (House-Kokan, 2012). At 1800, Mr. Steward was SOB, had shallow and rapid breathing (RR = 44), and a SaO2 of 72% on RA. Due to the fluid buildup in his lungs, Mr. Steward has impaired gas exchange, and requires supplemental oxygen to maintain his SaO2; this warrants a focused respiratory assessment.

Intravenous (IV) fluids were bolusing; however, when blood pressure was only obtainable manually and revealed that her blood pressure was 74/34, the decision was made to send the patient to the intensive care unit (ICU). There, coagulation studies revealed an elevated PT, PTT, D-dimer, and a decreased fibrinogen count. She received a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), a transfusion of two units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs), as well as cryoprecipitate therapy during her treatment in the ICU.

Furthermore, prompt infusion of antimicrobial agents ought to be priority and this may require extra vascular access ports (Dellinger, et al., 2008). Early goal-directed resuscitation has confirmed to improved survival for emergency department patients presenting with septic shock in a randomized, controlled, single-center study. Resuscitation lessen 28-day death rate (Dellinger, et al., 2008). In a reviewed conducted by Dellinger, et al., (2012) advocated administering one litre of crystalloid or 300-500ml of colloid more than 30 minutes, to accomplish a central venous pressure (CVP) of 8 mm Hg to 12 mm Hg. Volumes ought to be increased if there are huge indications of hypoperfusion (Dellinger, 2014).

Both rapid, shallow breathing patterns and hypoventilation effect gas exchange. Arterial blood gases will be monitored and changes discussed with provider. Alteration in PaCO2 and PaO2 levels are signs of respiratory failure. Patient’s body position will be properly aligned for optimum respiratory excursion, this promotes lung expansion and improved air exchange. Patient will be suctioned as needed to clear secretions and maintain patent airways. The expected outcome is that the patient’s airway and gas exchange will be maintained as evidence by normal arterial blood gases (Herdman,

The early intravenous fluid administration for resuscitation of the critically ill hypovolemic patient is the corner stone of shock therapy (Kruemer & Ensor 2012). The Surviving Sepsis recommends early optimization in the first six hours, followed with fluid challenges in the case of persistent hypo

The patient should be seated with the feet flat on the floor. The BP is obtained in both arms,

Hypovolemic shock is an urgent condition of rapid reduction of circulatory volume in the body, which can be created due to blood or plasma or body fluids loss (Kettley & Marsh, 2016, p. 31; Perner & Backer, 2014, p. 613). Blood loss can be induced by internal or external injuries, excessive perspiration or diuretics (Craft & et al, 2015, p. 852). Maureen Hardy’s hypovolemia has been precipitated by hematemesis.

This is especially important on those patients admitted with low mortality risk DRGs. This is accomplished by identifying and preventing, potentially avoidable complications and adverse events. For example, patients admitted for syncope and collapse secondary to dehydration will more than likely be placed on IV Fluids. One goal would be to hydrate the patient and reevaluate them throughout their hospitalization for improvement. However, if the patient’s intake and output is not monitored closely, the patient can become volume overloaded and develop symptoms similar to those seen with Right Sided Heart Failure. Once that happens, the patient will require additional medications and additional hospital days because of provider error of not placing an order for the Nurses to monitor his/her volume status.

Even though the consequence of saline instillation on a ventilator patient in the acute care setting is pneumonia or the patient may become hemodynamically unstable, this practice remain contentious, the practice of this procedure will also decrease the oxygenation. (Ayhan, et al., 2015),

38. American Journal of Respiratory care and critical care Medicine, Volume 175, issue 7, pages 698 – 704

541). Interventions should be rendered continuously, promptly and appropriately as it can cause life-threatening complications (Holt 2009, p. 26). Apparently, the patient is stable, but continuous assessment and management should be done to avoid recurrences of untoward signs andsymptoms and prevent potential complications. Firstly, continuous assessment and vital signs should be done and these include blood pressure, cardiac rate, respiration, venous distention and skin turgor to assess possible occurrence of fluid overload as a result of rapid administration of large fluid that is often needed to treat the patient with DKA (Smeltzer & Bare 2004 p. 1185). Aside from this, documentation of fluid intake and output should be monitored and documented to assess for circulatory overload and renal function (Holt 2009, p. 61). Significantly, it is integral in the provision of continuous care that nurses reassess the factors that may have contribute or led to DKA, and educate the patient and his family about strategies to prevent its recurrences (Smeltzer & Bare 2004 p. 1186; Lemone, Burke & Bauldoff 2011, p. 551).

BP was performed on the brachial artery, with some patients it may be inappropriate, alternative sites may have to be considered. BP may be measured in the thigh, underneath the cuff with the stethoscope positioned above the posterior popliteal artery for patients prone with middle bladder (Dougherty and Lister 2011).

On palpation there was no sign of sacral or peripheral oedema. This is assessed by looking for the size and colour of his ankles an also seeing if they are bilaterally equal size, then gently pressing the skin with your finger to see if an indentation is left, which will slowly refill as the fluid returns (IBID).