Read the following case study:
You are a staff nurse working in an intensive care unit and assigned to care for a 75-year-old African American man who had coronary artery
bypass graft surgery four days ago. The patient has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbated by heavy smoking. His
postoperative course has been difficult, and he has suffered several setbacks. Staff members, despite their diligent efforts, have not been able to
wean him off the ventilator since the surgery. He has required frequent suctioning throughout the shift, and he is being evaluated for the
development of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Today, when returning from lunch, you observed that an experienced nurse was suctioning your patient. His secretions were thick, and you
observed that the nurse was instilling saline into the patient’s endotracheal tube as she was suctioning him. The patient turned red and began
coughing, and it was obvious he was in distress.
Develop a plan to address nursing theory gaps in this scenario, including how theory, research, and practice interact to create positive patient
outcomes.
Define the theory-practice gap and describe what impact this potential gap can have on nursing practice and patient care.
Format your assumptions and findings of the theory-practice gap in a concept map. Show alignment of nursing theory and its relation to the
nursing process (including alignment with critical thinking and clinical decision-making) for an improved nursing care plan. Access the Technology
Resources Library to locate visual presentation resources.
Submit your assignment.
