Patient Reflection

Today, one of my patients presented to the ED with a 3cm laceration on his right hand that was three days old. He also reported a pain level of 7/10. First, my nurse preceptor and I had the patient wash his hands with soap and water to remove the dirt and bacteria from the wound. Thereafter, we sprayed wound cleanser to the wound and rinsed it with normal saline to further aide in removing debris and decreasing bacterial counts. After, I dried the wound edges with a sterile gauze. This is done in order to prevent maceration of the surrounding tissue from excess moisture. Once dried, I applied Bacitracin ointment, an antibiotic, to the wound to prevent a bacterial infection. Lastly, I applied a sterile gauze over the wound to maintain a protective barrier and healing environment for the wound.
With this patient, we began by initiating an IV. Once initiated, I collected blood samples, which are needed to perform a CBC, electrolyte panel, and test for kidney function. I also collected a urine sample for a urinalysis to be conducted. All of these exams are important because in addition to the signs and symptoms that the patient is presenting with, it will provide the physician with objective information that will assist the physician in making a correct medical diagnosis. After collecting the labs, I began the administration of normal saline to maintain fluid status and prevent dehydration, since the patient had been vomiting for the past two days. Lastly, I administered Toradol to relieve the patient from pain and Zofran to prevent further nausea and