Case Study

Subject Intended Learning Outcomes (SILOS)
1. Explain common pathophysiology, as it relates to assessment data and pharmacology, that can
result in deterioration of an individual’s condition in order to develop appropriate interventions.
2. Apply the clinical reasoning cycle to provide person-centred care for individuals experiencing a
deterioration in health in order to provide safe nursing care.
3. Develop an awareness of and contribute to the risk management strategies of a healthcare
agency, in order to implement incident reporting procedures and apply risk management
procedures.
Context
Serious adverse events, such as unexpected death, intensive care admission and cardiac arrest, are
often preceded by observable physiological, clinical abnormalities and deterioration. Other serious
events, such as suicide and aggression, are also often preceded by observed or reported changes in a
person’s behaviour or mood that can indicate deterioration in their mental state.
Early identification of deterioration may improve outcomes and decrease interventions required to
stabilise patients whose condition deteriorates in a health service organisation.
The warning signs of clinical deterioration are not always identified or responded to appropriately.
The organisational and workforce factors that contribute to a failure to recognise and respond to a
deteriorating patient are complex and overlapping (Australian Commission on Quality and Safety in
Health Care, 2017)

Task
In this assessment you are required to further explore the trauma case study introduced in topic two
and three of your LMS and workshop materials for NSG3RDP/RDM.
You will be provided with an ISBAR handover and a National Observation Chart (NOC) for Joanna
Cleese. (These documents will be attached at the end of this instruction sheet)
Using the provided information and current academic literature please provide a response to the
following three questions
Instructions
Please answer the following questions as instructed
• Question 1 (750 words)
The condition of your patient Joanna Cleese described in the ISBAR handover, appears to be
changing. (Please refer to the attached documentation)
Using the information that you have identified from the NOC and the ISBAR case study
handover:
1. Discuss the possible causes of Joanna’s changing condition, supporting your
response with contemporary literature and the associated significant cues, signs
and symptoms listed in the case study.
2. Explain what possible further deterioration could occur for this patient, with a
detailed evidenced -based response.
(Please support your justification and rationales with quality peer-reviewed literature).
• Question 2 (750 words)
There are many tools that can be utilised when assessing a patient. When assessing a
deteriorating patient accurate assessment is essential. Compare and contrast the following
methods of patient assessment and their appropriate applications for the deteriorating
patient.
1. Primary (ABCDE)
2. Head to toe assessment
(Please support your discussion with evidenced based literature).
• Question 3 (500 words)
A change in a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and respiratory rate can all
be an indication of clinical deterioration. It has been suggested that a changing respiratory
rate is the earliest indication of clinical deterioration and yet it is often not measured
correctly, or not measured at all. Using evidence-based literature to support your
arguments:
1. Discuss why a changing respiratory rate is an important indicator of clinical
deterioration.
2. Explain how the respiratory rate can be measured reliably and accurately.
**Discussions are to be supported with relevant and contemporary literature.
**References: Reference list and appendices are excluded from the word count.
**References to be no older than ten years
**10% word limit allowed.
Resources
Australian Conmission on Quality and Safety in Health Care. (2017). National Quality and Safety
Health Care Standards Edition Two,. Retrieved from
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/National-Safety-andQuality-Health-Service-Standards-second-edition.pdf
How to find scholarly literature: http://latrobe.libguides.com/finding-information
How to reference using APA6: http://latrobe.libguides.com/referencing/referencing_tool
Submission process
Please use the submission template provided to document information. The document, which
includes the completed submission template should be submitted as ONE Word document.
Your assignment should be submitted via the Turnitin assignment submission link located in the LMS
site for this subject by the due date and time. The submission process is an automatic
acknowledgement that you have complied with the guidelines for student responsibility for
academic integrity: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/academic-integrity/explanation
If you have any questions about the assignment please contact the subject coordinator Jen
Austerberry either by emailing j.austerberry@latrobe.edu.au or calling: 94964457 or 0417562176.
Extensions and special consideration
Students must seek a formal extension to submit after the due date where there are extenuating
circumstances. Please read the instructions on the following web page
http://www.latrobe.edu.au/?a=668155
You submit your request for an extension of the due date from this webpage.
If you have a personal issue or illness that is affecting your study, you may need to apply for special
consideration. It is recommended that you discuss your situation with the course coordinator (Liz
Pascoe) as soon as possible.
Eligibility to apply for Special Consideration does not automatically imply eligibility to receive it.
Certain criteria must be satisfied in order to receive Special Consideration. Please refer to the policy
information and on-line form located at: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/special-consideration
Late submission
There are policies and procedures to guarantee fair, consistent and transparent treatment of late
submission of assessment tasks provide equity around extensions to submission dates and penalties
associated with not submitting assessment by the due date and time.
5% of the total possible marks will be deducted each day (or partial day) delayed submission, for a
maximum of up to five (5) working days after the due date. Assessment tasks will not be accepted
after the following occurrences:
• the fifth (5th) working day after the due date; or
• feedback on the assessment task has been returned to any student by the Teaching Team
member.
The policy relating to late submissions can be located at:
https://policies.latrobe.edu.au/document/view.php?id=148