Case studies provide the opportunity to simulate realistic scenarios involving p

Case studies provide the opportunity to simulate realistic scenarios involving patients presenting with various health problems or symptoms. Such case studies enable nurse learners to apply concepts, lessons, and critical thinking to interviewing, screening, and diagnostic approaches, as well as to the development of treatment plans.
Photo Credit: Teodor Lazarev / Adobe Stock
For this Case Study Discussion, you will once again review a case study scenario to obtain information related to a comprehensive well-woman exam and determine differential diagnoses, diagnostics, and develop treatment and management plans.
To prepare:
By Day 1 of this week, you will be assigned to a specific case study scenario for this Discussion. Please see the “Course Announcements” section of the classroom for your assignment from your Instructor.
Review the Learning Resources for this week and specifically review the clinical guideline resources specific to your assigned case study.
Use the Focused SOAP Note Template found in the Learning Resources to support your Discussion. Complete a FOCUSED SOAP note and critically analyze this and focus your attention on the diagnostic tests. Please post your FOCUSED SOAP note. This information will help you develop your differential diagnosis and additional questions
By Day 3
Please POST your FOCUSED SOAP NOTE and post your primary diagnosis. Include the additional questions you would ask the patient and explain your reasons for asking the additional questions. Then, explain the types of symptoms you would ask. Be specific and provide examples. (Note: When asking questions, consider sociocultural factors that might influence your question decisions.)
Based on the preemptive diagnosis, explain which treatment options and diagnostic tests you might recommend. Use your Learning Resources and/or evidence from the literature to support your recommendations.
Case Study 1
Case Study: Chronic Hypertension
Female was admitted to inpatient care with a diagnosis of chronic hypertension with severe features and started on Labetalol 200 mg po q 8 hours. She was monitored for 3 days and her BP stabilized at 130/78. Fetal testing was reassuring. She was discharged home on hospital day 3 on Labetalol and was to be seen twice weekly for BP checks, and was instructed to take her BP at home twice daily. Safety of medications was discussed in-depth with her. Signs/symptoms of PIH were reviewed with her. Two weeks later she had po nifedipine added. She subsequently delivered a healthy baby girl at 39 weeks gestation. She was discharged home on above medications (as she was breastfeeding) and continued meds for hypertension past her 6-week postpartum appointment. She was referred to her primary care provider for continuing care.
Purpose of this case study is to address the significantly different standards of labs and vital signs for pregnant patients.