Posted: October 31st, 2023

NURS90155: Nursing of Acute Health Conditions

NURS90155: Nursing of Acute Health Conditions – End of Semester 2 Take Home Examination 2023: Exam 1
Nursing of Acute Health Conditions: End of Semester 2 Take Home Examination 2023

Introduction:
In the field of nursing, the ability to critically assess and provide care for patients with acute health conditions is of paramount importance. This take-home examination presents a comprehensive case study of a patient named Wei Lim, who was admitted to the hospital with syncope and other health issues. The examination comprises five questions, each designed to test the students’ knowledge and application of nursing principles in a clinical setting. In this article, we will discuss each question and provide guidance on how to approach them based on the information provided in the case study.

Question 1: Pathophysiology of Wei’s Low Blood Pressure (300 words)
Wei presents with low blood pressure, and this question requires an explanation of the underlying pathophysiology. It is crucial to consider the determinants of cardiac output and blood pressure, such as heart rate, stroke volume, and systemic vascular resistance. In your response, you should discuss how Wei’s medical history, clinical observations, and ECG findings contribute to his low blood pressure.

Question 2: Cyanosis in Wei (500 words)
Wei is exhibiting signs of cyanosis, and this question focuses on understanding oxygenation and perfusion. You need to identify whether Wei has central or peripheral cyanosis and explain the underlying physiology. Additionally, describe the clinical assessment findings that would indicate the opposite of your initial assessment.

Question 3: Nursing Care Plan for Wei (1000 words equivalent)
Developing a nursing care plan is a crucial aspect of patient care. In this question, you are required to create a nursing care plan for Wei based on the information provided in the case study. The plan should include four nursing problems, including at least one actual and one potential issue. For each problem, identify evidence from the case study, two nursing interventions, and a single-sentence intended outcome. Make sure to reference relevant literature and practice standards.

Question 4: Risks Associated with Permanent Pacemaker (PPM) Insertion (500 words)
Wei is scheduled for a PPM insertion, and this question focuses on identifying risks associated with the procedure. Discuss two risks and provide independent nursing interventions and collaborative interventions to manage these risks. Reference relevant literature and practice standards to support your response.

Question 5: Responding to Wei’s Concerns (200 words)
In this scenario, Wei expresses concerns about a potential sexually transmitted infection (STI) and requests additional tests. As a nurse, it is essential to respond appropriately. Consider the scope of practice, respect for patient privacy and dignity, and the exploration of the patient’s concerns and risks in your response.

Conclusion:
This end-of-semester take-home examination challenges nursing students to apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to a real-world clinical scenario. Each question assesses different aspects of nursing care, from pathophysiology to patient communication. By carefully addressing each question, students can demonstrate their competence in nursing of acute health conditions. Remember to adhere to the APA style for formatting and referencing throughout your responses. _________________________-
NURS90155: Nursing of Acute Health Conditions – End of Semester 2 Take Home Examination 2023: Exam 1
Due Date: Monday 2nd October 2023, 1000 hours
Weight: 25%
Word Count: 2500 words
Submission: Online via Canvas, through the link in this subject.
Assessment Outline: This take-home exam consists of one case study, containing questions that you are
required to answer.
Introductions and conclusions are NOT required; go directly into answering each question.
Take-home exam must be typed using double spacing and size 12 font and text left justified.
The take-home exam must be presented in accordance with the American Psychological Association (7th ed APA) style.
All pages must be numbered consecutively from the title page.
The title page should include the Department, University, Course name, Student number, Subject name, and Subject code.
Insert your student number and subject code as a footer.
You do not have to present your work in paragraph form (except where directed to do so). Dot points and/or tabled format can be used where you are specifically directed to do so.
Provide citations in your responses wherever you have used ideas or information from other sources (texts, journal articles, websites). Reference your work carefully and include a reference List at the end. https://library.unimelb.edu.au/recite/referencing-styles/apa7
Penalties: You may lose up to five (5)% of the total marks for non-compliance with referencing requirements, including in-text citations and Reference List.
You may lose up to five (5) % of the total marks allocated to the assessment component for errors or inaccuracy in spelling/grammar and sentence construction.
Word Limit and penalties: Any piece of work which is over or is under the stipulated word limit by more than 10% will result in the deduction of five (5)% of the total marks allocated for the assessment for each 10% over the word limit. The maximum penalty that a student can receive is 50% of the mark for that piece of work.
Failure to submit an assignment by the required deadline will result in a penalty of the deduction of 10% of the total marks allocated to the assessment component for each day that the assignment is late.
Assessments submitted later than 5 working days after the due date will not be marked and will receive no marks. If you have circumstances which disrupt your ability to complete the assessment on time, then you may consider applying for an extension or special consideration:
https://healthsciences.unimelb.edu.au/student-assessment-extension-application
https://students.unimelb.edu.au/your-course/manage-your-course/exams-assessments-and-results/specialconsideration
The Board of Examiners may offer supplementary assessment to a student in special circumstances.
Students should refer to the assignment submission and return guidelines under the ‘Policies, forms and resources’ link for further information. www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au
I
Wei LIM| D.O.B. 12/08/1973| Male (he/him) |NKA| Full Resuscitation
S Wei was admitted to the hospital yesterday from ED with syncope for investigation. Patient experienced 2 x episodes of light-headedness yesterday while at work. They iInitially resolved and Wei assumed they were related to the very hot weather (3 days over 40 OC) and not drinking enough water. Yesterday evening at home after work Wei had a witnessed collapse. Patient fell back into armchair when getting up, brief (10 second) loss of consciousness, witnessed by friend who called an ambulance.
O Observations at 0800 hrs:
Alert & Orientated; Temp 36.5, HR 42 (regular), RR 17; BP 98/67; Sp02 96% on Room Air; BGL 8.7 mmol/L
B Unmarried. First-generation migrant came to Australia aged 14 with parents and sister. Parents are elderly and live close by, sister lives in Sydney. Has a very active social life, a large network of friends and acquaintances. Works as tram driver on rotating shifts.
Ex-Smoker. Smoked from age 14 to age 43. Currently uses vapes. Phx: COPD, Dyslipidaemia, Hypertension
Current Medications:
Nocte Amlodipine 5mg daily; Nocte Ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/10mg; Inhaled Tiotropium 18mcg mane
A Wei is alert and orientated, sitting up in bed, and responds to questions with full sentences. Wei describes feeling light-headed at times, notably if he sits up very quickly. His lips are pink but dry and cracked, his oral mucosa is pink and moist. Centrally, capillary refill is 2seconds. His hands and feet are cool and dry to touch and it is difficult to get a good oxygen saturation trace. Peripheral capillary refill is 4 seconds. Radial (2+) and dorsalis pedis (1+) pulses are palpable and regular bilaterally. There is no notable increase in work of breathing, however there are a few scattered wheezes on auscultation. Normally independent and selfcaring, Wei has not been out of bed since arriving at the hospital last night. He has passed 200mls of urine in a bottle since admission (12 hours ago) and a urinalysis done (See below). He has not had his bowels open. Wei has been fasted since midnight, pending cardiology review this morning and medical plan of care. Wei’s skin is generally dry and intact, with some reddening on the scapula and the sacrum. Wei has asked several times if he can use his vape while in hospital, and is a little bit agitated when told no. He has asked for his family not to be notified that he is in hospital, and has listed a friend as next of kin contact person.
ECG: shows 3rd degree AV block, no signs of ischaemia Brain CT (CTB) and chest x-ray (CXR): NAD
FBE: Hb 138 g/L; HCT 0.52; WBC 4 – 11 x 109/L; RBC 4.25×1012/L; Platelets 275×109/L
U&E: Trop T 4ng/L; Na+ 135mmol/L; K+ 4.9 mmol/L; Urea 7.9 mmol/L; Creatinine 120 ?mol/L Urinalysis: Dark yellow, clear urine; pH 6.0; SG 1.028, all else negative
Wei had two IVCs inserted (22g into left hand and 18g into right antecubital fossa) both are clean and patent with no signs of infection. He is currently receiving a Compound Sodium Lactate infusion at a rate of
125mls/hr
R Admitted to the cardiology unit for investigation
For review by cardiology this morning and confirmation of the medical plan of care Fasting/resting in bed awaiting review.
Question 1 (300 words)
With reference to the determinants of cardiac output and blood pressure, and the clinical information in the case study, explain the underlying pathophysiology of Wei’s low blood pressure.
(3 marks)
Question 2 (500 words)
Wei is showing signs of cyanosis. Drawing on your understanding of oxygenation and perfusion and with reference to the clinical information in the case study.
A. Identify whether Wei has a central or peripheral cyanosis problem and explain the underlying physiology
B. Explain the clinical assessment findings that would indicate the opposite of your response to part a (eg, if you selected central, what clinical data could you collect that would indicate peripheral cyanosis)
(5 marks)
Question 3 (1000 words equivalent)
Using the table below, develop a nursing care plan for Wei based on the information in the ISBAR handover. Your care plan must include:
• Four (4) nursing problems related to Wei’s current clinical condition and hospital admission • Of the four problems, at least one actual and one potential must be included
For each nursing problem, identify:
• Evidence from the case study to support the problem statement
• Two nursing interventions for each problem, supported by reference to relevant literature and/or practice standards and guidelines
• A single-sentence intended outcome (consider the SAMRT goal criteria when developing your singlesentence)
Nursing problem Evidence to support the problem statement Nursing intervention 1 Nursing intervention 2 Intended outcome
1.
2.
3.
4.
(10 marks)
Question 4 (500 words)
Wei has been reviewed by the medical team and has been scheduled for an insertion of a Permanent Pacemaker (PPM) tomorrow. With reference to the clinical information in the case study, relevant literature and/or practice standards and guidelines:
A. Identify two risks associated with the procedure
B. Identify two independent nursing interventions to manage the risks associated with the procedure and explain how each will address the risk
C. Identify two collaborative interventions to manage the risks associated with the procedure and explain how each will address the risk
(5 marks)
Question 5 (200 words)
The next morning when you are undertaking a venepuncture to collect blood for the ordered pathology tests, Wei very softly tells you that he is concerned that he may have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and asks whether you can do a few extra tests for “down there”.
How would you respond to Wei? In your response you must consider:
A. The scope of practice of the registered nurse B. Respect for the patient’s privacy and dignity
C. Exploration of the patient’s concerns and risks
(2 marks)
END OF EXAM