Med-Surg Case Study Scenarios Needed!!!

[TheRickster]

Hi Folks,

As a lowly 2nd semester nsg student we are approaching our MOC trials (Manager of Care). I need some med-surg scenarios with specific data and meds to be given to practice on.

What I need is a "Patient A / Patient B" type set of scenarios in the manner of a shift report, eg:

Pt A is a 56 y/o male with COPD -- diagnosed with pneumonia, he is abed with O2 @ 2L via nasal cannelure. His meds include albuterol, solu-medrol and IV Rocephin, plus PRN guaifenesin. He complains that he slept little last night because he "coughed his head off".

Pt B is a 26 y/o female diagnosed with hypokalemia (2.8) and severe dehydration 2nd to bulimia. She is being infused with 1000 ml KCl 20 meq/NS, she is complaining of feeling periodic pains in her chest and has been ordered an EKG stat.

Then, after getting the cases, we should be able to pick out the patient we will see first, why, what we will do when we see them and when will we see the next patient, eg:

Pt B is seen to first because Pt A is stable and his symptoms are consistent with what would normally occur in the course of treatment. Pt B, however is at risk of Cardiac arrest because of electrolyte imbalance and cardiac excitability. We enter her room and assess heart sounds and vitals while awaiting the EKG. When EKG team is assessing, we visit Pt A. and assess lung sounds, lungs are clearer bilaterally than yesterday but we may administer PRN guaifenesin if indicated....etc.

Anyone know where I can find a bunch of scenarios like this to practice with?

Thanks in advance!

Rick

[NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN]

Hi Rick-

One thing we did that really helped me was when a clinical instructor appointed a team leader for the day. As a team leader, you got report on all the patients you and your classmates had. Then you had to tell tell the instructor who should be seen first and why. If your instructor is unwilling to do this with the class, maybe try getting a quick report from your classmates on a FYI basis and tryu prioritizing them on your own. This would get you practice every time you have clinical. Good luck!

[TheRickster]

Hi Rick-

One thing we did that really helped me was when a clinical instructor appointed a team leader for the day. As a team leader, you got report on all the patients you and your classmates had. Then you had to tell tell the instructor who should be seen first and why. If your instructor is unwilling to do this with the class, maybe try getting a quick report from your classmates on a FYI basis and tryu prioritizing them on your own. This would get you practice every time you have clinical. Good luck!

I appreciate the idea, but the thing is...we are on spring break for 1 week and the lab is closed during that period and MOCs are the following week, so -- I have about 9 days to get procedures clear in my skull and practice picking out priorities...and most of my classmates are working or in Florida.

But it was very kind of you to offer this suggestion. I wish I had asked 2 weeks ago.

Thanks!

Rick

[NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN]

Go through your fundamentals info and review the nursing process. Try going over Maslow too and lastly, when in doubt, ABC's first. Hope that helps.

[TheRickster]

Thanks again for the tips. Every bit of sound advice helps.

Rick