Assignment: Patient Case Study Analysis

Course Information

Course Code: NURS 302

Course Title: Nursing Care of Adults & Older Adults II

University: American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanon

Semester: Fall 2026

Instructor: Prof. Layla Hassan

Department: School of Nursing

Credits: 4 (including practicum)

Prerequisites: NURS 202 Health Assessment or equivalent

This assignment supports course outcomes related to clinical judgment, evidence-based care planning, and addressing chronic illnesses in diverse populations, in line with CCNE accreditation standards.

Assignment Overview

In this individual assignment, you will analyze a patient case study focused on chronic illnesses common in adult and older adult populations. Draw from Modules 3-7, which cover pathophysiology, interventions, and cultural considerations. The aim is to create a nursing care plan that reflects real-world challenges, perhaps in a Middle Eastern setting where family involvement or access to resources can vary.

Word Count: 1,200–1,500 words (excluding references and appendices)

Format: APA 7th Edition

Due Date: Week 7, Friday, October 16, 2026, 11:59 PM via Blackboard submission

Weight: 20% of final course grade

Late policy: 5% deduction per day, up to 3 days; zero after that. Extensions require documentation.

Learning Objectives

• Evaluate clinical scenarios involving chronic conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
• Develop a nursing care plan with interventions, medications, and evaluations.
• Incorporate cultural and regional factors in patient care.
• Use evidence from literature to support decisions.
• Reflect on practicum experiences to inform analysis.

Task Description

Review the provided case scenario (or select from approved options by Week 4). For example, consider an older adult with type 2 diabetes facing mobility issues in a urban Lebanese context.

1. Patient Assessment: Summarize the scenario, including history, symptoms, and vital signs (300-400 words).
2. Nursing Diagnosis: Identify 3-4 priorities using NANDA-I format, with rationale.
3. Care Plan Development: Outline interventions, medications, and expected outcomes; include SMART goals.
4. Evaluation and Reflection: Discuss potential outcomes and personal reflections from practicum (300-400 words).
5. Evidence Integration: Link to at least two recent studies on chronic care in similar populations.

Append any charts, like a care plan table. Reference course texts and external sources throughout.

Requirements

• Submit as a Word document with title page: name, ID, course, date.
• Font: 12-pt Arial, double-spaced, 1-inch margins.
• Cite 4-6 sources (at least 2 peer-reviewed journals from 2018+).
• Plagiarism: Use Turnitin; over 15% similarity leads to review.
• If adapting the scenario, submit a 150-word proposal by Week 3.

Grading Rubric

Total: 100 points

1. Assessment Summary (20 points): Thorough and accurate (10); Relevant details (10). Exemplary: Detailed integration; Proficient: Clear but basic; Developing: Missing key elements.
2. Diagnosis (25 points): Priorities/rationales (15); NANDA-I use (10). Exemplary: Evidence-based; Proficient: Adequate; Developing: Inaccurate.
3. Care Plan (30 points): Interventions/outcomes (15); SMART goals (15). Exemplary: Comprehensive; Proficient: Functional; Developing: Vague.
4. Evaluation/Reflection (15 points): Outcomes (8); Practicum links (7). Exemplary: Insightful; Proficient: Basic; Developing: Superficial.
5. Evidence/Format (10 points): Citations (5); Writing/APA (5).

Instructor feedback available within 10 days on Blackboard.

Sample Answer Guide

The patient, a 68-year-old male with type 2 diabetes, reports increased fatigue and leg pain during walks. Objective data shows blood glucose at 180 mg/dL and a BMI of 32. Nursing diagnoses include impaired mobility related to neuropathy and risk for infection due to poor wound healing. Interventions involve daily foot checks, education on diet, and metformin dosage review. Expected outcomes aim for glucose under 150 mg/dL within two weeks through monitored exercise. Reflections from practicum highlight how family support in Lebanon can aid adherence but sometimes leads to dietary lapses (Al-Amer et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.1111/ijn.12792). Adjustments for cultural norms, like incorporating traditional foods, seem to improve patient engagement.

References

1. Al-Amer, R., Sobeh, M., Zghoul, N., El-Sayed, K., & Al-Domi, H. (2019). Depression among adults with diabetes in Jordan: Risk factors and relationship to blood sugar control. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 25(5), e12792. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijn.12792
2. Blackwood, D., & Holland, C. (2020). How do people with Type 2 Diabetes and Healthcare Professionals understand and manage decision-making involving risk? A discourse analysis. Chronic Illness, 16(4), 295-310. https://doi.org/10.1177/1742395318796599
3. Alzubaidi, H., Mc Narmara, K., Browning, C., & Marriott, J. (2021). Barriers and enablers to healthcare access and use among Arabic-speaking and Caucasian English-speaking patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A qualitative comparative study. BMJ Open, 11(3), e043018. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043018
4. Elgzyri, T., Larsson, J., Thorne, J., Eriksson, K. F., & Apelqvist, J. (2018). Outcome of ischemic foot ulcer in diabetic patients who had no invasive vascular intervention. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, 56(3), 380-388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejvs.2018.04.013
5. Hood, S. R., Giazzon, A. J., Seamon, G., Lane, K. A., Wang, J., & Eckert, G. J. (2022). Association between medication adherence and the outcomes of heart failure. Pharmacotherapy, 42(5), 406-415. https://doi.org/10.1002/phar.2680