Mr. Watkins is a 69-year-old male who presented to the Emergency Department 4 days ago with complaints of nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain and was admitted for emergent surgery for bowel perforation

Mr. Watkins is a 69-year-old male who presented to the Emergency Department 4 days ago with complaints of nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain and was admitted for emergent surgery for bowel perforation. He underwent a hemicolectomy. He has a midline abdominal incision without redness, swelling, or drainage. He is tolerating a soft diet without nausea or vomiting. Bowel sounds are present in all four abdominal quadrants. He had a bowel movement yesterday. Last urinary output was 400 ml at 6 a.m. He is reluctant to use the incentive spirometer, but his wife encourages him to do his deep breathing. Abdominal pain has been controlled with morphine. He has refused to ambulate this morning because of fatigue and a sore leg. He is ringing the call light requesting to see his nurse.

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5.   What key elements would you include in the handoff report for this patient? Consider the SBAR (situation, background, assessment, recommendation) format.

6.   Discuss why Vernon Watkins may be at risk for right ventricular failure as a complication of his pulmonary embolism (PE).

7.   Discuss how you would communicate with the patient in acute respiratory distress in this emergency situation and what effective communication techniques you would use.

8.   Consider what would have happened if Vernon Watkins’ family members had been present at the bedside, and describe how you would have supported them during this acute episode.

9.   What would you do differently if you were to repeat this scenario? How would your patient care change?