In nursing school, my clinical instructors instilled in me the importance of thinking like a nurse in a clinical environment and outside of a clinical environment. The application of my first aspect of clinical judgement happened outside a clinical environment shortly after graduating nursing school. During orientation process for my first nursing job, I continued to work as a pharmacy technician. One day while at work at the pharmacy, a customer came into the store with a noticeable shuffling gait. This was very alarming to me. It seemed as though she was also exhibiting some weakness in her legs while trying to maintain her balance against the shopping cart. I suddenly felt a funny feeling in my gut. I knew that this could be warning signs of a potential problem or condition. I approached the customer asking her did she need any assistance. The customer was profusely sweating, shaking and short of breath. Moreover, the elderly woman seemed quite …show more content…
I knew that providing a safe environment for her was the priority. Next, I reviewed all of her signs and symptoms in my head to develop a reasonable diagnosis. Subsequently, I asked the customer was she a diabetic. She responded, “Yes”. Finally, I concluded that the customer could be experiencing a hypoglycemic episode. I remembered during a lecture to give a patient simple carbs when experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. I asked another associate to bring me some peanut butter crackers with an bottle of orange juice. I patiently remained with the customer to keep an eye on her condition and to be able to intervene if necessary. A few minutes after giving her a snack, the customer no longer demonstrated symptoms of hypoglycemia. I cautiously walked her to the pharmacy in order for the pharmacist to check her blood sugar and to evaluate her condition furtherly. Afterwards, the customer thanked me graciously for intervening so quickly and