Pain Management Case Study

ic Case 4: Brittany Long
Guided Reflection Questions

Opening Questions
How did the simulated experience of Brittany Long’s case make you feel?
Brittany Long’s case gave me the experience of providing care for a patient diagnosed with sickle cell. Initiallly, I was unsure on which pain medications to give being that she had orders for acetaminiophen, ibuprophen and morphine. I decided to stck with the morphine after retrying since her pain level was severe.
Describe the actions you felt went well in this scenario.
I felt my initial nursing actions were outstanding when entering the patient’s room. Vitals signs and comfort measures were appropriately provided. I had to redo this scenario a few times before I was able to correct a majority
I administered morphine as a method of managing pain for Brittany Long since she had severe pain, which ws evidenced by her pain level rating of 5 on the FACES chart. According to Vsim, a PCA pump may be administerd if pain isn’t controllable. Brittany’s was offered a toy and her favorite juice to reduce anxiety and provide comfort. Vsim suggests a referral to the pain team as a last resort.
PCC/I What discharge teaching should be provided to assist Brittany Long’s mother with her home care? Upon discharge, I would teach Brittany’s mother the importance of adequate hydration to avoid a crisis. If Brittany plays any sports I would advise her to increase fluids during this time to prevent dehydration and take frequent breaks. I would educate Brittany and her mother on the signs and symptoms of a sickle cell crisis, which may include severe pain, fever, swelling, and difficulty brathing. (Pillitterri,
If so, what were these actions, and why would you do them differently?
After my first attempt, I noticed my mistakes and were able to correct them. I would remember to provide continuous eduation to the patient and parents throughout the treatment proceses. I would aslo make sure to carefully read the doctors orders so that the medication is administered properly to avoid any medication errors.
Describe how you would apply the knowledge and skills that you obtained in Brittany Long’s case to an actual patient care situation. The knowledge obtained with Brittany Long helped me to put see how much pain a patient endures while in a crisis. This knowledge will be very helpful in the hospital setting if I were to provide treatment to a sickle cell patient. This scenario helped me to put everything in perspective as it regards to sickle cell. It helped to understand that it takes an interdisciplinary team to manage this disease because of the severe pain health problems it causes.

References:
Pillitteri, A. (2014). Maternal & child health nursing: care of the childbearing and child rearing family. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams &