Geriatric Nursing Case Study Assignment (Individual)
Due: Friday, 6/14/24 by 11:59PM to Canvas (just reply to this message).
Please NOTE: you will NOT be given attendance credit if you don’t do this assignment and will
have to make up this clinical time next week. Please remit.
Total Time: 6-12 Hours
**Objective:** This case study aims to provide RN students with a practical understanding of
medication safety and the management of chronic conditions in geriatric patients. By the end of
this assignment, students will be able to identify potential medication safety issues, propose
appropriate interventions, and understand the complexities of managing chronic conditions in
older adults.
Case Study: Mrs. Mary Johnson
**Patient Profile:**
– Name: Mary Johnson
– Age: 78
– Gender: Female
– Medical History: Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD), Hypertension, Osteoporosis, Anxiety
– Medications:
– Furosemide 40 mg daily
– Lisinopril 10 mg daily
– Metoprolol 50 mg twice daily
– Albuterol inhaler as needed
– Tiotropium inhaler once daily
– Calcium carbonate 500 mg twice daily
– Sertraline 50 mg daily
**Scenario:**
Mrs. Mary Johnson is a 78-year-old female who was admitted to the hospital with
exacerbation of her CHF and COPD. She has been experiencing increasing shortness of
breath, fatigue, and swelling in her legs. Mrs. Johnson lives with her daughter, who helps
her with daily activities, but her daughter works full-time and is not always available.
Assignment Tasks:
**Hour 1-2: Patient Assessment**
1. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of Mrs. Johnson, focusing on her medical history,
current medications, and recent hospital admission.
2. Identify potential risk factors for her CHF and COPD exacerbation and any contributing
factors related to her chronic conditions and medication regimen.
**Hour 3-4: Medication Review**
1. Perform a detailed medication reconciliation for Mrs. Johnson.
2. Identify any potential drug-drug interactions, contraindications, and medications that might
contribute to her symptoms and overall condition.
3. Highlight any issues related to medication adherence and suggest strategies to improve it.
**Hour 5-6: Developing a Care Plan**
1. Based on your assessment and medication review, develop a comprehensive care plan for
Mrs. Johnson.
2. Include interventions aimed at managing her chronic conditions, improving medication safety,
and enhancing her overall quality of life.
3. Consider the role of interdisciplinary team members (e.g., pharmacists, respiratory therapists,
social workers) in implementing the care plan.
**Hour 7-8: Patient Education**
1. Create a patient education plan for Mrs. Johnson, focusing on medication management,
symptom monitoring, and lifestyle modifications.
2. Develop educational materials (e.g., pamphlets, medication schedules) that Mrs. Johnson
and her daughter can use at home.
**Hour 9-10: Simulation and Role Play**
1. Simulate a patient education session with Mrs. Johnson, addressing her concerns and
ensuring she understands her care plan and medication regimen.
Answer these:
1. “How can I manage my shortness of breath more effectively?”
2. “What are the warning signs that my CHF or COPD is getting worse?”
3. “How can I make my home safer to prevent falls?”
**Hour 11-12: Reflection and Discussion**
1. Reflect on the case study and identify key challenges and solutions you proposed for Mrs.
Johnson.
2. Discuss the importance of medication safety and chronic disease management in geriatric
patients.
3. Reflect on how this case study can enhance your clinical practice and improve patient
outcomes.
**Evaluation Criteria:**
– Thoroughness of the patient assessment and medication review.
– Practicality and comprehensiveness of the care plan.
– Effectiveness and clarity of the patient education materials.
– Communication skills demonstrated in the simulation session.
