In the midst of the tragic and chaotic situation following the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Florida, as the nurse in the ED of the local hospital, my primary focus for immediate assessment and intervention would be on the pediatric and cardiovascular systems, with special consideration for the pediatric patient on carbamazepine for seizures, and the family members with a history of hypertension and recent non-compliance with medication

QUESTION

Read through the following scenario and consider your order of priority for what 3
systems would be your primary focus when this family is rescued from the collapsed
apartment building in Florida. Post a paragraph, including one reference to validate
your choice of systems.

Mr. and Mrs. Beach were living in the Champlain Towers South with their 3 children ages 1, 3,
and 5. Grandma Beach recently being widowed, was spending the summer with the family.
The family pets, include a cat and a hamster. The building collapse happened so fast there was
no notice to evacuate during the night. Now it has been 4 days and some of the family were
rescued today, while grandma and the 3 year old are still missing . Mr. Beach is healthy and
does not take any medication, Mrs. Beach takes Levothyroxine 25 mg daily for hypothyroidism.
She has been on this medication for 2 years and is stable. The 1 year old is healthy, the 3 year
old, that is still missing, is on carbamazepine 100 mg chewable tablet BID for seizures and has
not reached a stable state yet. The 5 year old is not on any medication, but has a cast on his
right leg for a fracture playing ball earlier in the summer. The cast is scheduled to be removed
July 19. Grandma who is also missing has been on Lisinopril 40 mg daily and
hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily for hypertension for the past 5 years. Normally she is very
compliant and symptom free, but with the recent loss of her husband she forgets to take her
medication and had been experiencing headaches and occasional palpitations. When fleeing
for safety, meds and supplies were not thought of. You are the nurse in the ED of the local
hospital when the family arrives by squad. Who will be your priority patient and what 3
systems will be your focus and why.Read through the following scenario and consider your order of priority for what 3
systems would be your primary focus when this family is rescued from the collapsed
apartment building in Florida. Post a paragraph, including one reference to validate
your choice of systems. There is no right or wrong answer, just be creative and have
fun with thinking this through.

ANSWER

In the midst of the tragic and chaotic situation following the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Florida, as the nurse in the ED of the local hospital, my primary focus for immediate assessment and intervention would be on the pediatric and cardiovascular systems, with special consideration for the pediatric patient on carbamazepine for seizures, and the family members with a history of hypertension and recent non-compliance with medication.

My priority patient would be the 3-year-old child who is on carbamazepine 100 mg chewable tablet BID for seizures. Seizure management is critical to prevent potential life-threatening complications and ensure the child’s safety. I would assess the child’s neurological status, airway, breathing, and circulation to detect any signs of seizure activity, altered consciousness, or respiratory distress. Ensuring proper seizure control and medication administration is vital to prevent further seizures and potential brain damage.

Additionally, my focus would extend to the cardiovascular system, particularly for the family members with a history of hypertension and recent non-compliance with medication. Cardiovascular stability is essential for overall well-being and to prevent potential cardiac events. I would closely monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and assess for any signs of hypertension-related complications, such as headaches, palpitations, or altered mental status. Timely intervention and resumption of antihypertensive medications for those who require it would help prevent further cardiovascular risks and stabilize their condition.

Moreover, I would prioritize the pediatric patient with the cast on his right leg for a fracture. This falls under the musculoskeletal system, which is crucial for mobility and physical functioning. Ensuring the safety and stability of the cast, assessing for any signs of neurovascular compromise, and planning for appropriate follow-up care are important steps to prevent complications related to the fracture and promote optimal healing.