Students are to choose one (1) of the case studies below (given at the end of this guide) and address the associated questions. It will be submitted in essay form with an introduction, body and conclusion.

Students are to choose one (1) of the case studies below (given at the end of this guide) and address the associated questions. It will be submitted in essay form with an introduction, body and conclusion. Purpose: This assessment task will allow students to demonstrate their critical thinking and reasoning, as well as their research skills. Students will also demonstrate how evidence based information can be implemented into contemporary Australian Nursing practice. Length and/or format: 1600-word academic essay Due date: 08th September References: 20 numbers of Contemporary, credible and relevant references are used throughout the essay. APA referencing style is accurate in all instances. The essay is aimed at critically evaluating the research explored related to a chosen case study and the importance of using and evaluating evidence-based sources when caring for children, adolescents and their families in relation to current Australian nursing practice. This should include the following; - Demonstration of what learning was achieved through the exploration of the issues presented in the chosen case study. - Demonstrating an element of clinical reasoning when exploring the case study issues. - Evaluation of the research and value of the information or message within the research exploring the chosen case study. - The essay will demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the issues surrounding the chosen case study. This will be undertaken whilst discussing the importance/value of the evidence-base for future nursing practice. ** The following points must be addressed in the essay for your chosen case study ** Using the research, you have undertaken for your chosen scenario, discuss how the information will guide evidenced based Australian Nursing practice. This should a reference to: - 1. Describe he pathophysiology of the presenting complaint in the scenario (300 – 500 words) and link this to question 2. 2. Evaluation of the nurse’s role in relation to nursing care of the child and family in the chosen scenario; which should include a reference to: - i. growth and developmental theories, ii. family centred care and, iii. the effects of hospitalisation of the child and family (1100-1300 words). Sequencing The content in the essay matches the outline presented in the introductory paragraph. Paragraphs are organised, and there is a logical progression of ideas so that content flows from one paragraph to the next. The conclusion successfully summarises the key ideas discussed throughout the essay. Sentence and Paragraph structure/ Intelligibility There are no errors with grammar, spelling and punctuation, and the meaning of content is easily discernible. The essay reads without interruption . Pathophysiology Content Has demonstrated an advanced, clear and concise cellular level descriptor of the scientific principles and pathophysiology of the presenting complaint in the scenario . Growth and development Content A high level clear and concise descriptor and applicability of the relevant growth and development principles related to the scenario is critically discussed and demonstrated Family-centred care Content An advanced, clear, defined and critical descriptor of the principles of family-centred care and its importance and applicability in a paediatric setting is demonstrated. Hospitalised child and family Content An advanced, clear, defined and critical descriptor of the effects of hospitalisation on the child and family unit and applicability in a paediatric setting is demonstrated. Critical thinking, analysis and synthesis of evidence The essay demonstrates breadth of reading and important critical thinking and evaluation of the research. Arguments are supported by higher order evidence based articles and sources Sources and referencing Contemporary, credible and relevant references are used throughout the essay. APA referencing style is accurate in all instances. Case Study 1 Mark is an 8-year-old boy who has presented to the emergency department in the local hospital with right iliac fossa pain. On further assessment by the emergency registrar, appendicitis is suspected. He is made nil by mouth, commenced on IV therapy and admitted to the paediatric unit for a surgical review for possible theatre that evening. The surgical team agree that the signs and symptoms are associated with a possible appendicitis and take Mark to theatre for an appendectomy. The handover on return to ward is they found a gangrenous perforated appendix with peritonitis. Mark has returned to the ward with a nasogastric tube insitu on free drainage, morphine PCA, IV therapy and triple IV antibiotics. Due to the severity of the infection and the subsequent complications, Mark will need to remain in hospital for 10 days of IV antibiotics and pain management. Mark is the oldest of five children and his parents own and run an Indian restaurant in the city. Case Study 2 Jayda is a four-month old girl admitted to the paediatric unit via emergency with vomiting, decreased feeds no bowel actions and intermittent spasmodic abdominal pains. During the spasmodic pain episodes, Jayda would draw her legs up and have a high pitched cry. After a diagnostic ultrasound, intussusception was the cause of the presenting symptoms and Jayda was admitted to the ward. Her treatment plan included observation, electrolyte monitoring and IV therapy and antibiotics until a contrast enema could be implemented to correct the intussusception. The approximate length of stay for Jayda will be 10 days, during which time, Jayda’s mother is informed that the rotavirus vaccine that Jayda had at 4 months has increased the incidence of this condition amongst infants. Jayda’s mother is now having serious doubts regarding future vaccines for Jayda. Case Study 3 Steven is a 15-year-old indigenous boy who lives in a remote town in rural Australia. Steven was diagnosed with Asthma at the age of two. His asthma has been well managed over the years predominantly with relievers and preventers with the occasional need for steroidal anti-inflammatories. Steven has presented to the local hospital complaining of shortness of breath and relays that he has a past history of asthma to the triage nurse. A health history taken by the nurse on arrival reveals that Steven has had a two-year history of smoking cigarettes and is not always compliant with his asthma medication or management plan. Steven lives with his mother and his 6 brothers and sisters.