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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.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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