Critical Care Case Study by Tatum Roidl

Assessment

tatumroidl2 — 2025-10-16 18:00:52 UTC

It appears PT has multiple issues contributing to her poor respiratory status. COVID-19 ARDS is what especially stands out to me in her breathing difficulties, also causing her fever. Obesity can aggravate her COVID-19 symptoms and compound difficulties breathing and balancing. PT does have diabetes, so insulin and glucose levels must be monitored. Ileus may have been caused by abdominal surgery in the past, so EN cannot be used. Nutrition assessment must be done upon arrival to prevent Refeeding Syndrome.

Intervention

tatumroidl2 — 2025-10-16 18:09:02 UTC

Upon arrival, it is important to do a malnutrition assessment and also discuss feeding technique. Due to PT presenting with ileus, PN is the likely route to proceed with. Insulin and glucose levels will be monitored, and PT will likely be on a ventilator. With all of this in mind, I would recommend easing into PN from 3-7 days of starting but keep her on a high-calorie, high-protein formula. EN would typically work for PT due to ARDS but it cannot be used due to blockage.