Nursing Diagnosis Differential Diagnosis for Patient A.C.
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Impaired Gas Exchange: The patient is on a mechanical ventilator, has a history of mixed encephalopathy, and has been suctioning secretions from the ETT, which were sticky, brownish-red, and abundant. The patient's GCS score is low, indicating impaired neurological function, which can affect respiratory function.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Risk for Infection: The patient has an infected wound on the left leg, is on a Foley catheter, and has an IJ line, all of which increase the risk of infection. The patient's increased temperature and warm skin also suggest an infectious process.
- Impaired Skin Integrity: The patient has an infected wound, and the skin on the extremities is dark or black, which may indicate impaired circulation or tissue perfusion.
- Acute Pain: The patient is unconscious but responded to pressure on the sternum, indicating possible pain or discomfort.
- Fluid Volume Deficit: The patient is voiding very minimal amounts of urine, which may indicate dehydration or fluid volume deficit.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sepsis: Although the patient's temperature has returned to normal, the history of infection, increased temperature, and fluctuating blood pressure make sepsis a potential diagnosis that should not be missed.
- Cardiac Complications: The patient's blood pressure is fluctuating, which may indicate cardiac complications such as cardiomyopathy or cardiac arrhythmias.
- Respiratory Failure: The patient is on a mechanical ventilator and has a history of mixed encephalopathy, which increases the risk of respiratory failure.
Rare Diagnoses
- Thrombophlebitis: The patient has an IJ line and a heplock, which increase the risk of thrombophlebitis, although there are no specific symptoms indicating this diagnosis.
- Adrenal Insufficiency: The patient's fluctuating blood pressure and history of chronic illness may suggest adrenal insufficiency, although this is a rare diagnosis and would require further testing to confirm.