Introduction
In my situation analysis as an ICU registered nurse, I cared for a patient admitted for respiratory failure and intubated for five days. Even though the patient was taking MiraLAX and Senna, they had not had a bowel movement in about two weeks. The doctor ordered several enemas without success and decided to administer Neostigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor used to reverse the effects of people with paralysis, to stimulate bowel movement. After the medication was issued, the patient experienced intense abdominal pain, and a CT scan revealed bowel perforation, necessitating emergency surgery to prevent the patient’s death. This paper will analyze a situation in which the model can be applied and highlight the role of nursing informatics in healthcare.
How I Acquired Knowledge
Step one in the Knowledge Acquisition Process lays the groundwork for the Knowledge Model. I became a registered nurse through formal study, practical experience, and ongoing training. The education I received as a nurse equipped me with the basics needed to give quality care to patients. The clinical experience allowed me to put what I had learned in the classroom into practice, enabling me to obtain fresh insights and hone my abilities.
How I Processed Knowledge
One must analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information to make sound judgments. In this case, I used what I knew by analyzing the patient’s condition, reviewing her medical record and current treatment plan, and weighing the pros and cons of her doctor giving her Neostigmine. Due to my training and background, I could detect the patient’s abdominal pain as a side effect of the drug and notify the intensive care unit staff.
How I Generated Knowledge
To generate knowledge, one must engage in discovery, invention, and lifelong education. In this case, the doctor may not have had a complete picture of the patient’s condition, leading them to prescribe Neostigmine to encourage bowel movements. Together, we were able to provide new information about how to avoid future occurrences by studying what happened, determining what went wrong, and implementing changes based on that information.
How I Disseminated Knowledge
Knowledge dissemination is the process of disseminating information to advance good social causes such as health and literacy. We took careful notes, communicated our findings and recommendations to the medical team, and incorporated them into our procedures in the future (McGonigle & Mastrian, 2021). We also helped foster a culture of continual improvement by teaching our colleagues from our own experiences.
How I Used Feedback for the Foundation of My Knowledge
Performance improvements and increased opportunities for learning can result from engaging in a feedback loop that includes receiving and providing input. I applied feedback by sharing my concerns with the interdisciplinary critical care team and collaborating on a treatment plan prioritizing the patient’s well-being (Tolentino & Gephart, 2021). The collective’s acute awareness of the patient’s status allowed for the prompt implementation of measures to mitigate the situation.
How Nursing Informatics Was Used in This Situation
Nursing informatics was crucial in this particular case. The telemetry and life pack monitors regularly monitored vital signs, and a CT scan confirmed the patient had suffered a gastrointestinal perforation. The patient’s medical history, current prescriptions, and lab results were all easily accessible through the electronic health system, allowing for quick and precise decision-making. The medication records also assisted in keeping tabs on the dosing of Neostigmine and other medicines.
Conclusion
Finally, the Foundation of Knowledge Model helped me treat a patient experiencing respiratory failure and intestinal obstruction. As a result of my efforts, the patient received care that was grounded in the best available scientific evidence. With the aid of nursing informatics, the patient’s care plan was adapted based on the input collected. This situation emphasizes the need for lifelong education and the significance of medical professionals keeping abreast of advances in their field.
References
McGonigle, D., & Mastrian, K. (2021). Nursing informatics and the foundation of knowledge (5th edition). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Tolentino, D. A., & Gephart, S. M. (2021). State of the science of dimensions of nurses’ user experience when using an electronic health record. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 39(2), 69–77.