Journal Entry #8 CC1.c 1. The situation is made up, make up any experience and answer questions below. Reflect on your virtual clinical experience. 2. Explain your patient’s medical diagnosis. 3. Describe your interaction with the patient. 4. Was there anything that surprised you or anything you would do differently? 5. What is your overall reaction to
this virtual clinical experience? 6. How did it contribute to your knowledge and understanding of patient care?
Journal Entry #8
1. The situation I will create for this journal entry is a virtual clinical experience in a hospital setting. In this scenario, I am a student nurse and my patient is a 55-year-old male who has been admitted with chest pain and shortness of breath. The patient presents with a history of smoking and hypertension, and upon further assessment, is found to have elevated cardiac enzymes and an abnormal EKG. The medical diagnosis for this patient is a myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack.
2. A myocardial infarction occurs when there is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, resulting in a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle. This can lead to permanent damage to the heart muscle if not treated promptly. The patient’s history of smoking and hypertension are risk factors for developing a myocardial infarction. Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, and lightheadedness.
3. During my interaction with the patient, I approached him with empathy and respect, acknowledging the seriousness of his condition. I introduced myself as a student nurse and explained my role in his care. I performed a thorough assessment, including monitoring his vital signs, listening to his heart and lung sounds, and assessing his level of pain and discomfort. I also provided education to the patient about his condition, including the importance of lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and medication adherence. I encouraged the patient to ask questions and involve him in his own care decisions.
4. One thing that surprised me during this experience was the emotional impact it had on the patient. He expressed feelings of fear and anxiety about his condition and its implications for his future. I realized the importance of addressing not only the physical aspects of his care but also his emotional well-being. In the future, I would make sure to allocate time to provide emotional support and reassurance to patients who are experiencing a serious health issue like a heart attack.
Another thing I would do differently is to involve the patient’s family in the care and education process. Family support plays a crucial role in the recovery of a patient with a myocardial infarction. In this virtual clinical experience, I did not have the opportunity to interact with the patient’s family, but in a real clinical setting, I would make an effort to include them in discussions about the patient’s condition, treatment plan, and lifestyle modifications.
5. Overall, I had a positive reaction to this virtual clinical experience. It allowed me to apply my knowledge of cardiovascular diseases and patient care in a realistic setting. It reinforced the importance of thorough assessment, effective communication, and patient-centered care. It also highlighted the role of nurses in providing education and support to patients and their families during times of crisis. The experience was a valuable opportunity to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills in a controlled environment.
6. This virtual clinical experience significantly contributed to my knowledge and understanding of patient care. It allowed me to practice and refine my assessment skills specific to a patient with a myocardial infarction. I gained a deeper understanding of the physiopathology, risk factors, and management of this condition. Additionally, I learned the importance of addressing the emotional needs of patients and involving their families in the care process. This experience has further prepared me for future clinical placements and has enhanced my confidence in delivering high-quality patient care.
In conclusion, this virtual clinical experience provided me with a valuable opportunity to apply my knowledge and skills in the care of a patient with a myocardial infarction. It allowed me to reflect on my interaction with the patient, identify areas for improvement, and deepen my understanding of patient-centered care. Overall, this experience has enhanced my knowledge and preparedness for future clinical practice as a nurse.