What This Document Is
This document presents a sample unfolding case study designed for the NURS 198 Health Assessment and Health Promotion course at Mercy University. It simulates a real-world patient scenario, presenting initial subjective and objective data, and then prompting students to apply critical thinking skills. The case focuses on a 35-year-old female patient presenting with a neck lump and fatigue.
Why This Document Matters
This case study is intended for nursing students learning to integrate assessment findings with potential diagnoses and care planning. It’s used to practice clinical reasoning, data analysis, and prioritization – skills essential for effective patient care. This type of exercise bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, preparing students for clinical rotations and professional practice.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This document is a *sample* case study. It provides a starting point for analysis but does not represent the full complexity of a real patient. It requires further investigation and clinical judgment beyond the information provided. It is not a comprehensive guide to all possible diagnoses or treatments.
What This Document Provides
The full document includes:
* Initial patient presentation (subjective and objective data).
* A series of critical thinking questions (CS #1 & CS #2) prompting students to:
* Identify subjective and objective data.
* Formulate nursing diagnoses with rationale.
* Determine necessary further assessments and diagnostic tests.
* A continuation of the case (CS #2) to build upon initial findings.
This preview *does not* include the complete case study unfolding, answers to the critical thinking questions, or a fully developed care plan. It only provides a snapshot of the initial patient scenario and the types of analytical tasks students will be expected to perform.
