MULTI-SYSTEM FAILURE

Multi-System Failure



Multi-System Failure

Introduction

Multi-system failure means the progressive failure of two or more organ systems, resulting from acute, severe illnesses or injuries (i.e., sepsis, systemic inflammatory response, trauma, and burns) and mediated by the body's inability to activate its defense mechanisms (Blakeley, 2007). This paper examines the case of Mrs. Elli Baker who is suffering from multi-system failure. Moreover, the paper will furnish recommendation to determine the health status from the view point of a nurse.

Case Analysis

Mrs. Elli Baker is a 73-year-old female who gets transferred to the emergency room [ER] after collapsing in her backyard. Her history includes diabetes, hypertension, and blood pressure. Patients at risk should be closely monitored to help prevent multi-system failure by prompt recognition and correction of perfusion problems, infection, and organ dysfunction (Srinivasan, 2010).

Key, immediate, assessments to assess the patient's homeostasis, oxygenation, and level of pain

For immediate assessment for the assessment of patient's homeostasis status, level of glucose in blood needs to be monitored, because normal homeostasis condition will keep the level of blood glucose in a narrow range of 4.4 to 6.1 mmol/L (80-115 mg/dl). To assess the oxygenation status chest radiography, should be performed (Blakeley, 2007). Chest radiography reveals diffuse bilateral infiltrates, and hypoxemia respiratory failure develops despite appropriate antibiotic therapy.

To determine the level of pain visual analog scale could be used. As the intensity of pain, there is the visual analog scale (VAS), now in widespread use, which is relatively, simple. It takes little time but requires a certain degree of understanding and cooperation from the patient (Srinivasan, 2010). It consists of a straight line, usually ten inches long, with the motto "no pain" and "maximum pain" at each end. The patient record, on the degree of pain, felt base on individual perception, measuring pain in centimeters from zero (no pain).

Technological Tools to Assess and Treat Patient

On arrival to the emergency room, Mrs. Baker complains of some dyspnea with an increase in her respiratory rate and pulse. Keeping in view present condition and her history (mentioned in the case above), after performing some recent tests to determine homeostasis, oxygenation, and level of pain, oxygen mask should be provided to the patient to ensure that the patient can smoothly take required level of oxygen (Huddleston, 1992). Secondly, heart rate should be examined using Electronic Cardiograph using ECG Machine. In addition, a pulse rate monitor should also be attached with the body of the patient for consistently monitoring the heart activities of the patient. Meanwhile, blood pressure should also be recorded of the patient (Pacak, 2007).

Using an ECG machine will quickly help in obtaining the immediate pulse rate of the patient, followed by consistent monitoring of pulse rate through pulse rate monitor will help in identifying minor changes in patient's health status (Pacak, 2007). This will help nurses and doctors to avoid any complications while ensuring the effect of the drugs provided immediately. Angiography can also be used if the above-mentioned test will fail ...