Respirdatory Assessment: Competency 2B.

January 25th, 2018, Competency 2B.3: When my dyad partner and I were going through the charts of our first patient for the day, we saw that he was diagnosed COPD, and he was receiving tiotropium, a bronchodilator, and Advair, which is an anti-inflammatory inhaler. From this information, we had a good idea of what to expect from the respiratory assessment, and how we could make it easier for him if he had any issues throughout. We discussed things that could make it easier for him if necessary, such as giving him a table to lean on, breathing exercises, or taking it more slowly and giving him some time if he had momentary trouble taking deep breaths.

January 25th, 2018, Competency 4.1: The second patient my dyad partner and I had for the day was a very positive elderly woman who had a mastectomy on her
What additional knowledge have you identified you need when caring for clients experiencing actual or potential respiratory challenges in the future.
To be patient if they are having breathing difficulties. The assessment of my first patient took a lot longer than expected, for his breathing was labored and he had to cough fairly frequently. While my dyad partner and I were doing our palpations and auscultations, we gave him plenty of time to rest or drink water if needed to ensure that he was comfortable during the experience.

4. Reflect on your values or feelings as a result of this experience.
I felt a sense of warmth after my assessments today due to the pleasant attitudes of my patients given the circumstances, as one was not in the best condition, and the other was very open about her exposure. I think there is beauty is these situations of looking past what might be considered embarrassing or shameful, and viewing them in a caring and nurturing perspective to provide them with the care needed. No awkwardness or disgrace, just a mutual understanding and acceptance of the situation between both the nurse and patient.

Cole Brigham
February 1st,