Version: Moderated
Assessment Task 1 – Case Study
Description: Please refer to the NRSG257 “Assessment” and “Additional
Unit Resources” on the National LEO page for more
comprehensive information on this assessment task.
Due date: Sunday 10th September at 2359 hours.
Weighting: 40%
Length and/or format: 1600-word academic essay
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.
Learning outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, & 9
How to submit: Submit the essay through Turnitin in LEO Assessment Task
One in your campus tile.
Please review the upload box to ensure that you have
submitted the correct assignment.
Allow at least one day to review Turnitin submissions for
similarity and consider re-submitting.
Please note: Email is not an appropriate submission
mode for this assessment item.
Return of assignment: Grades and feedback will be made available through the
method indicated by the lecturer in charge, according to
ACU policy three (3) weeks after submission.
Assessment criteria: The rubric for this assessment is outlined in full below. The
essay is aimed at critically evaluating the research explored
related to a chosen case study presented. This essay
requires use and evaluation of evidence-based sources
when caring for children, adolescents and their families in
relation to current Australian nursing practice.Version: Moderated
INSTRUCTIONS:
Choose one (1) of the case studies below. Your Assessment will be written in academic essay
format with an introduction, body and conclusion according to APA Guidelines.
Using evidence specific to your chosen case study, address the following two (2) points:
1. Describe the pathophysiology of the presenting complaint in the case study. (300-500 words)
2. Evaluation of the nurse’s role to deliver developmentally appropriate nursing care in relation to your
chosen case study. Address:
x growth and developmental theories,
x family centred care and,
x the effects of hospitalisation of the child, on the child and family.
(1100-1300 words)
Case Study 1
Anne is a 10 year old girl 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.
The surgical team agree that the signs and symptoms are associated with appendicitis and take Anne to
theatre for an appendectomy.
The handover on return to the ward is that the surgical team found a gangrenous perforated appendix
with peritonitis. Anne has returned to the ward with a nasogastric tube in situ on free drainage, morphine
PCA, IV therapy and triple IV antibiotics.
Due to the severity of the infection and the potential complications, Anne will need to remain in hospital
for 10 days of IV antibiotics and pain management.
Anne is the oldest of five children and her parents own and run an Indian restaurant in the city.
Case Study 2
Jay is a four-month old boy admitted to the paediatric unit via emergency with vomiting, decreased feeds,
no bowel actions and intermittent spasmodic abdominal pains. During the spasmodic pain episodes, Jay
draws his legs up and has a high pitched cry.
After a diagnostic ultrasound, intussusception was thought to be the cause of the presenting symptoms
and Jay was admitted to the ward. His treatment plan included observation, electrolyte monitoring and IV
therapy until a contrast enema could be implemented to correct the intussusception.
The approximate length of stay for Jay will be 2 days, during which time, Jay’s mother is informed that the
rotavirus vaccine that Jay had at 4 months has increased the incidence of this condition amongst infants.
Jay’s mother is now having serious doubts regarding future vaccines for Jay.
Case Study 3
Sue is a 14-year-old indigenous girl who lives in a remote community in rural Australia. Sue has been
treated for repeated episodes of streptococcal pharyngitis and impetigo over the last 2 years. The local
health clinic have registered Sue and her siblings for a secondary prophylaxis program where she
receives Benzathine Penicillin G IM routinely to aid in reducing risk of developing ARF/ RHD. However,
Sue has failed to attend the clinic on multiple occasions to receive her IM antibiotics.
Sue has presented to the remote area health clinic complaining of a 4 day history of acute joint pain in
her knees, ankles, elbows and shoulders.
A health history taken by the remote area nurse on arrival reveals that Sue reports having a sore throat 2-
3 weeks ago, migratory joint pain starting with her knees and ankles and which now includes other joints.
Her temperature is 38oC.
When Sue is assessed by the remote clinic medical officer, a diagnosis of Acute Rheumatic Fever is
suspected. The doctor at the clinic attending to Sue informs her mother that she needs to be transferred
to a hospital for cardiology review and echocardiogram. The closest hospital that provides these services
is 800km away.
Sue lives with her mother and 6 younger brothers and sisters.Version: Moderated
Criterion referenced rubric for ASSESSMENT TASK 1: CASE STUDY ESSAY
Marking Criteria & Allocated marks 0 (No attempt made) NN < 49% PA (50-64%) CR (65-74%) DI (75-84%) HD (85-100%)
Sequencing
GA9
5 %
0 marks
There is no evidence of an
introduction, body or
conclusion or appropriate
sequencing in academic
writing.
0-2.4 marks
A clear introduction
and/or a logically
sequenced body and/or a
conclusion that
summarises all key
findings are not provided.
2.5-3.2 marks
The content in the essay
mostly matches the outline
presented in the
introductory paragraph.
Most paragraphs are
organised in a logical
manner, and the essay ends
with a rational conclusion.
3.3-3.7 marks
The content in the essay
matches the outline
presented in the
introductory paragraph.
Most paragraphs are
organised in a logical manner
so that content flows from
one paragraph to the next,
and the essay ends with a
rational conclusion.
3.8-4.2 marks
The content in the essay clearly
matches the outline presented
in the introductory paragraph.
Paragraphs are organised in a
logical manner so that content
flows from one paragraph to
the next, and the essay ends
with a rational conclusion.
4.3-5 marks
The content in the essay
perfectly matches the outline
presented in the introductory
paragraph. Paragraphs are
organised, and there is a
seamless progression of ideas
so that content flows from one
paragraph to the next. The
conclusion successfully
summarises all the key ideas
discussed throughout the
essay.
Sentence and Paragraph structure/
Intelligibility
GA9
5%
0 marks
There is no evidence of
sentence/paragraph
structure
0-2.4 marks
There are substantial
errors with grammar,
spelling and punctuation.
The errors detract
significantly, and the
meaning of some or all
content is no discernible.
2.5-3.2 marks
There are some errors with
grammar, spelling and
punctuation. However, the
meaning of content is
discernible.
3.3-3.7 marks
There are minimal errors
with grammar, spelling and
punctuation, and the
meaning of content is readily
discernible.
3.8-4.2 marks
There are no errors with
grammar, spelling and
punctuation, and the meaning
of content is easily discernible.
4.3-5 marks
There are no errors with
grammar, spelling and
punctuation, and the meaning
of content is flawless. The
essay reads without
interruption.
Pathophysiology Content
LO 3 GA 8
15%
0 marks
No pathophysiology of
presenting complaint
discussed
0-7.25 marks
Understanding of the
pathophysiology of the
presenting complaint in
the scenario is poorly
demonstrated.
7.5-9.5 marks
Has demonstrated
satisfactory understanding
and descriptors of the
pathophysiology of the
presenting complaint in the
chosen scenario.
9.75-11 marks
Has demonstrated clear
scientific principles and
pathophysiology of the
presenting complaint in the
scenario.
11.25-12.5 marks
Has demonstrated a high level
descriptor of the scientific
principles and pathophysiology
of the presenting complaint in
the scenario.
12.75-15 marks
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
LO2 GA6
15%
0 marks
Growth and development
not discussed
0-7.25 marks
Understanding of the
relevant growth and
development principles
related to the scenario is
poorly demonstrated.
7.5-9.5 marks
A satisfactory understanding
of the relevant growth and
development principles
related to the scenario is
demonstrated.
9.75-11 marks
A clear descriptor of the
relevant growth and
development principles
related to the scenario is
critically discussed and
demonstrated.
11.25-12.5 marks
A high level descriptor and
applicability of the relevant
growth and development
principles related to the
scenario is critically discussed
and demonstrated.
12.75-15 marks
Exceptionally 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
LO1 GA6
15%
0 marks
No evidence of familycentred care discussed
0-7.25 marks
Understanding of the
relevance of familycentred care in a
paediatric setting is poorly
demonstrated.
7.5-9.5 marks
A satisfactory understanding
of the principles of familycentred care and its
importance in a paediatric
setting is demonstrated.
9.75-11 marks
A clear and defined
understanding of the
principles of family-centred
care and its importance in a
paediatric setting is
demonstrated.
11.25-12.5 marks
A clear, defined and critical
descriptor of the principles of
family-centred care and its
importance and applicability in
a paediatric setting is
demonstrated.
12.75-15 marks
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.Version: Moderated
Hospitalised child and family Content
LO1 LO7 GA6
0 marks
No reference made to
hospitalised child and
family
0-7.25 marks
Understanding of the
effects of hospitalisation
on the child and family
unit is poorly
demonstrated.
7.5-9.5 marks
A satisfactory understanding
of the effects of
hospitalisation on the child
and family unit is
demonstrated.
9.75-11 marks
A clear and defined
understanding of the effects
of hospitalisation on the
child and family unit is
demonstrated.
11.25-12.5 marks
A clear, defined and critical
descriptor of the effects of
hospitalisation on the child and
family unit and applicability in
a paediatric setting is
demonstrated.
12.75-15 marks
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
LO1 LO2 LO3 GA 8 GA9
20%
0 marks
No evidence of critical
thinking, analysis or
synthesis
0-9.75 marks
The essay summarises the
research and does not
evaluate the information.
The discussion presented
is heavily biased and no
clear argument presented
or arguments made are
not supported by any
evidence.
10-12.8 marks
The essay summarises the
research with some
evaluation of the
information noted. The
discussion presented is
somewhat biased. Some
arguments presented but
few are supported by any
evidence.
13-14.8 marks
The essay demonstrates a
sound critical thinking and
evaluation of some of the
research. The discussion is
somewhat biased. Clear
arguments are presented
and supported by
appropriate evidence.
15-16.8 marks
The essay demonstrates
breadth of reading and
important critical thinking and
evaluation of the research.
Important discussion points are
evident. Arguments are
supported by evidence based
articles and sources.
17-20 marks
The essay demonstrates
breadth of reading and
considerable depth of critical
thinking and evaluation of the
research. All arguments are
supported by higher order
evidence based articles and
sources.
Sources and referencing
GA8
10%
0 marks
There is no evidence of
APA referencing style.
0-4.75 marks
There are problems with
the sources of
information, with relation
to year of publication,
credibility and/or
relevance. There are many
inaccuracies with the APA
referencing style.
5-6.4 marks
Contemporary and/or
reliable and/or relevant
references are used in an
acceptable number of
instances. APA referencing
style is accurate in most
instances.
6.5-7.4 marks
Contemporary, credible and
relevant references are used
in an adequate number of
instances. Adequate APA
referencing style is
demonstrated.
7.5-8.4 marks
Contemporary, credible and
relevant references are used in
most instances. APA
referencing style is almost
always accurate.
8.5-10 marks
Contemporary, credible and
relevant references are used
throughout the essay. APA
referencing style is accurate in
all instances.
TOTAL /100
40% of TOTAL GRADE
Comments: -
Assessor: -
**If more detailed feedback on this assessment item is required, students should book an appointment with the relevant marker or the Lecturer in Charge.Page 5 of 5 Version: Pre-moderation