Task three case study- Ischemic stroke
The goal of this case study is for you to apply knowledge of pathophysiology processes of disease
and the use of evidence-based literature to the provision of patient-centred care for a patient with a
selected health condition. You will also critically appraise the professional standards that influence
health care delivery. You will demonstrate academic writing principles and apply appropriate APA7
referencing style.
Task Instructions
It is essential to have sound knowledge of the pathophysiology of medical conditions to
understand how the signs and symptoms the patient is displaying manifest in the body and
how this information informs nursing care.
You are required to write a report style response to the set case study (2000 words). You
may use headings to help guide your work.
Your response will draw on the pathophysiology of the health alteration, evidence-based
nursing care, and application of professional health care standards.
Within your response to the case study, you must:
• Provide an explanation of the pathophysiological changes that occur in the body in
relation to the specific health alterations for the patient in the case study.
• Plan the nursing interventions required for the patient in the case study, including
managing potential complications, using the assessment data provided to you.
• Consider an individualised discharge plan for the patient in the case study, which
includes ongoing goals and/or requirements.
• Identify and apply the relevant NSQHS and NMBA standards to decision making
and nursing care.
Case study
You are a graduate registered nurse working on an inpatient medical ward you are starting
your early shift and receive a phone hand over from the emergency department observation
ward for the following patient, who you will be caring for.
I Mr Arthur Smith, an Aboriginal male who is 75 years of age.
S Brought in by ambulance to the emergency department 18 hours ago with right sided
hemiparesis and altered sensation, aphasia, hypertension, dysphagia, and hemianopia.
The ambulance was called by the community home care worker who visits twice weekly
for domestic assistance.
Onset time of symptoms is unknown.
An ischemic left middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke was confirmed on CT, ECG was NAD.
B History: Depression, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis, and TIA.
Medications: metformin 1000mg, amlodipine 5 mg, aspirin 100mg, atorvastatin 10mg, and
escitalopram 10mg.
Lives alone in a lowset house.
One son who lives an hour away.
A BP 168/69, RR18, Sats 96% on room air, HR79, temp 37.0, BGL 7.8 mmol/L.
Dysphagia requiring mildly thick fluids
Visual disturbance caused by hemianopia
Dysphasia with difficulty finding correct words
Full assistance is required with activities of daily living (ADL’s) and mobility.
R Awaiting initial Physiotherapy and occupational therapy review. Speech pathology review
has been completed