M3.6 Nursing Care Paper—Part 1 NUR250: Clinical Nursing Practicum: Care of Patients Across the Lifespan

 I cared for a 75-year-old veteran named J.B. during one of my clinical rotations who suffered from ascites related to liver cirrhosis and chronic sciatic pain. The patient was alert and oriented x 3. He was continent and able to ambulate with a walker. Diet was a regular diet with thin liquids. Assessment: The 75-year-old male has a history of uncontrolled alcohol consumption and liver cirrhosis. The head-to-toe assessment revealed back pain that radiated down the left leg, pain rated 9/10. Patient's head is symmetrical, cranial nerves intact, eyes PERRLA, heart and lung sounds are normal and regular, equal strength in BUE and BLE, BLE edema resolved during the stay and no longer present, skin intact, a scant amount of bruising on the left forearm from IV and bloodwork. Potential problems include an increased risk of infection due to reduced liver function and ascites, compromised skin integrity, and an increased risk of bleeding due to liver damage