Question

Derik Miller, a 25-year-old man, hops into the emergency department (ED) with complaints of right ankle pain. He states that he was playing basketball and stepped on another player’s foot, inverting his ankle. You note swelling over the lateral malleolus down to the area of the fourth and fifth metatarsals, and pedal pulses are 3+ bilaterally. His vital signs (VS) are 124/76, 82, 18. He has no allergies and takes no medication. He states he has had no prior surgeries or medical problems. Six days later, Derik Miller hobbles into the ED and boldly informs you that he “did it again, only this time it was touch football.” He states that the pain pills worked so well, he thought it would be okay. You detect the odor of beer on his breath.

1)What will be your course(s) of action during Mr. Miller’s return visit to the ER?

2)Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format.

Answer 1

1. As a nurse , I would first :-

Check the vital signs

Assess airway

Turn the patient on the side

Remove harmful items around the environmental area

Protect client from self injury

Report the findings to the physician

Follow the physicians order