Purpose

This assignment provides the opportunity for the student to develop an evolving case study that would be useful as part of a small group activity in the clinical setting. It should not be written for a simulation learning activity. Using a concept presented in Weeks 2, 3, and 4, the student incorporates the elements expected of an evolving case study as well as includes pathophysiology, pharmacology, and physical assessment.  

Requirements

Description of the Assignment

This assignment requires the student to develop an evolving case study that would be useful in either the clinical or classroom setting. It is not written for a simulation learning activity. The evolving case study must focus on a concept assigned from Giddens (2017) required textbook during Weeks 2, 3, and 4. In addition, the student must identify Socratic questions related to the pathophysiology, pharmacology, and health assessment used in the evolving case study. The study demonstrates the following.

• Initial presentation (i.e., Stage 1) regarding the health status of the patient
• Progress to Stage 2 with the occurrence of event that requires the identification of the appropriate response from learners
• Ends with Stage 3 that is based upon the action identified by learners

The development of Socratic questions useful for debriefing following completion of the evolving case study are required.  

Criteria for Content

Overview of the assignment

The evolving case study starts with background information that provides an overview; description of the patient; and the report provided to the participants using the format of situation, background, assessment, and recommendation (SBAR). Progressing over time with a fictional patient’s health status changing, this evolving case study presents the situation in three stages. Stage 1 is the initial stage where the patient’s healthcare situation is presented, followed by a trigger, which represents a health challenge or worsening of health. Participants identify the appropriate interventions to maintain a stable health status as well as recognize via assessment the deterioration in the fictional patient’s health. Stage 2 continues the presentation of the patient with progressive decline in health status requiring the identification of appropriate actions by participants. A trigger for Stage 3 will be identified based on the stabilization of the fictional patient. An outcome of the evolving case study is suggested as part of Stage 3. Preparation for the debriefing of participants is considered by the identification of Socratic questions.  

Required content for the assignment

Part 1:  Overview of evolving case study

Part 2:  Description of fictional patient by identifying each of the following elements

Part 3:  Develop the report that learners receive prior to the start of the evolving case study using SBAR

Part 4:  Stage 1: Start of the healthcare situation with required elements

Part 5:  Stage 2: Deterioration in fictional patient’s health status with required elements  

Part 6:  Stage 3: Stabilization of fictional patient with required elements

Part 7:  Debriefing

Preparing the Assignment

Criteria for Format and Special Instructions

1. The assignment should not exceed 8 pages in length excluding the title page and reference page.
2. The use of the template for Week 5 Assignment is required.
3. Expectations regarding graduate level include all the following elements.
   1. Correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation
   2. Exceptional writing style with clarity, flow, and organization of information throughout the paper
   3. Congruence with APA mechanics of style
   4. APA format for citing and referencing sources