Christensen M, Chen F. Advanced arterial blood gas analysis in septic shock: a Singaporean nursing case review.
Intensive Crit Care Nurs 2012;
29:70-7. [PMID:
22999496 DOI:
10.1016/j.iccn.2012.08.002]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
The admission to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of sepsis and/or septic shock is not uncommon. The aim of this article is to present a nursing case review of a patient admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of septic shock and the use of bedside acid-base formulae to inform clinical decision making.
METHOD
We chose to use a case review. This method is useful in reporting unusual or rare cases and is typically seen more in medicine than in nursing.
DISCUSSION
The gentleman in question was a self-presentation with a short history of fever and worsening shortness of breath. His condition worsened where he required admission to the intensive care unit. The use of 'advanced' acid-base interpretation to guide his nursing care provided a platform from which to advance a deeper understanding of the intricacies the critically ill patient often presents.
CONCLUSION
The use of case review is enlightening in understanding the disease process and the decision-making that accompanies this. The lessons learnt are applicable to a wider nursing audience because understanding acid-base physiology is beneficial in supporting and advancing critical care nursing practice.
Collapse