PTSD and Fluid deficit - Essay Example

PTSD And Fluid Deficit s :Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderExposure to extreme conditions of stress often leads to development of maladaptive symptoms (Nemeroff et al, 2009, 254). Changes in behavior and personality are common during the recovery period of burn cases owing to stress, tensions, medications and electrolytic disbalance (Sommers et al, 2000, 166). In severe cases the patient faces several stressful situations such as surgical procedures, medications, trauma, fear of death or disfigurement which leads to development of PTSD (eNurse Care Plan, 2014).

The primary aim of healthcare givers is to help the patient control his/her fear and overcome the stress factors. Nursing intervention therefore should include frequent explanation of treatment and treatment outcome to the patient, involvement of patient in some decision-making, detection of both behavioral and psychological changes in patient and administration of mild sedatives to help patients cope. Healthcare givers should also be ready to listen and talk to the patient and encourage the patient to talk about the stress factors or the burn experience which would enhance adjustment capability to the trauma.

FLUID DEFICITSevere burn cases have a great risk for fluid deficit. Most burn case patients die because of burn shock. During the first 2 or 3 days fluid and electrolytic balance is lost and the cardiac output is extremely low such that only fluid resuscitation can help prevent such shocks. This deficiency is mostly causes by fluid loss from unconventional sources, less fluid intake or enhanced need of fluid (eNurse Care Plan,2014). Health care givers need to primarily concerned about hydration and restoring the lost balance of fluid.

Interventions need to include proper monitoring of vital signs and Central Venous Pressure, observation of urine output in terms of color and measure specific gravity, estimate losses from wound and detect any other physiological abnormality. The patient also needs to be weighed on a daily basis since hydration depends on individual weight and a record also needs to be maintained regarding the amount and type of fluid given to the patient.REFERENCESFear/Anxiety | Nursing Diagnosis for Burns. (2014).

E nurse Care Plan. http://www.enurse- careplan.com/2011/07/fearanxiety-nursing-diagnosis-for-burns.htmlRisk for Deficient Fluid Volume.(2014).Nursing Care Plan (NCP) Burns. E nurse Care Plan. http://www.enurse-careplan.com/2011/07/risk-for-deficient-fluid-volume-nursing.htmlSommers, M.S. et al. (2000). Diseases and Disorders- A nursing TherapeuticsManual.Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.Nemeroff,C.B. et al. (2009). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder:A State-of-the-Science Review.Spring, 7(2), 254-273. http://journals.

psychiatryonline.org/data/Journals/FOCUS/1838/foc00209000254.pdf