nursing study logo

Nursing Case Study Analysis [10 Examples & How-To Guides]

  • Rachel Rachel
  • August 6, 2022

What is a case study analysis?

A case study analysis is a detailed examination of a specific real-world situation or event. It is typically used in business or nursing school to help students learn how to analyze complex problems and make decisions based on limited information.

Preparing a good case study analysis is not an easy task and requires a lot of time and effort. This article provides some tips on how to write a case study analysis that will help you get the most out of your research and provide a solid foundation for your writing.(Nursing Case Study Analysis)

Nursing Case Study Analysis

Nurses are constantly faced with decisions that have to be made in a timely and effective manner. Often, these decisions are based on the available information, which may be limited.

In order to make the best possible decisions, nurses need to be able to analyze and interpret data. Nursing case studies are an important tool that can help nurses improve their decision-making skills.

10 Nursing Case Study Analysis Examples

How to write case study analysis in nursing.

A case study analysis requires you to investigate a nursing scenario, examine the alternative solutions, and propose the most effective solution using supporting evidence.(Nursing Case Study Analysis)

Nurses have to constantly make decisions that affect the lives of their patients. In order to ensure that these decisions are made correctly, nurses need to have strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Case studies are an excellent way for nurses to hone these skills.

Writing a nursing case study analysis is not as difficult as it may first seem. Follow these steps and you will be well on your way to writing a successful case study analysis.(Nursing Case Study Analysis)

  • Read the case study carefully. As you read, take note of any key facts or information that could be important for your analysis.
  • Once you have finished reading the case study, identify the main problem or issue that needs to be addressed.
  • Brainstorm possible solutions to the problem or issue . Try to come up with a few different options.
  • Choose the best solution based on the information in the case study and your own clinical experience.
  • Write up your analysis in a clear and concise manner. Be sure to support your chosen solution with evidence from the case study and your own professional experience .

Here’s How To Write A Nursing Case Study

How do you analyze a case study in nursing?

A nursing case study is an in-depth examination of a single individual. It is usually used to identify new areas of knowledge or to validate existing knowledge.

When analyzing a nursing case study, it is important to consider the following elements:

  • The patient’s medical history. This includes any prior illnesses, treatments, and medications.
  • The patient’s current condition. This includes symptoms, vital signs, and laboratory results.
  • The nurse’s observations. This includes the nurse’s notes on the patient’s condition and behavior.
  • The patient’s family and social history. This includes information on the patient’s family, friends, and social support network.(Nursing Case Study Analysis)
  • The patient’s response to treatment. This includes any changes in the patient’s condition or symptoms after receiving treatment.

How nursing practitioners can analyze Patient’s Cases

As a nurse practitioner, you will often be asked to provide a case analysis for your patients. This can be a daunting task, but there are some key elements that you should always include in your analysis.

  • The first element is the patient history. This should include any relevant medical history, as well as any personal information that may be pertinent to the case.
  • The second element is the physical examination. This should include a thorough examination of the patient, including any relevant test results.(Nursing Case Study Analysis)
  • The third element is the diagnosis. This is where you will provide your assessment of the patient’s condition and identify any potential problems.
  • The fourth element is the treatment plan. This is where you will outline the course of treatment that you recommend for the patient.
  • The fifth and final element is the prognosis. This is where you will provide your assessment of the likely outcome of the case, based on the information that you have gathered.

Steps of writing nursing case study analysis

Furthermore; there are different ways to approach writing a nursing case study analysis, but there are generally three main steps that need to be followed.

  • First, you will need to perform a thorough analysis of the case study. This means looking at all aspects of the case and trying to identify any key issues or problems.(Nursing Case Study Analysis)
  • Once you have done this, you will need to develop a hypothesis or research question that you can test.
  • Finally, you will need to write up your findings in a clear and concise manner.

Assuming that you have been given the task of writing a case study analysis, there are a few key steps that you will need to take in order to ensure that your document is well-written and informative.

  • Make sure that you understand all of the information presented in the case study , and take note of any key points or details that you think may be important.
  • What points do you want to make in your analysis?
  • What evidence will you use to support these points?
  • Once you have a good idea of what you want to say in your analysis, start organizing your thoughts and putting them into a coherent structure.(Nursing Case Study Analysis)
  • Once you have a rough outline of your case study analysis , start filling in the details. Flesh out your arguments and provide evidence to support them. In addition, make sure to address any counterarguments that could be made against your points.
  • Finally, conclude your analysis by summarizing your main points and providing any recommendations or suggestions for further action .

Nursing Case study Analysis Format and Structure

When it comes to writing a case study analysis, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, there is a general format and structure that you can follow to ensure your analysis is well-organized and flows smoothly. Here are the basics:

A nursing case study is a detailed study of a patient that is encountered by a nurse. The purpose of the case study is to provide a comprehensive view of the patient’s health condition and history. Nurse practitioners use case studies to enhance their ability to care for patients by providing them with a more complete picture of the patient’s health . Nurse practitioners may use different formats for their nursing case studies. However, all case studies should include certain key elements. These key elements include:

  • Patient information – This section should include basic demographic information about the patient, such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, and chief complaint
  • Medical history – This section should detail the patient’s past medical history, including any chronic conditions, medications, allergies, and surgeries.(Nursing Case Study Analysis)
  • Family history – This section should detail the patient’s family medical history, including any chronic conditions or genetic diseases that may be relevant to the patient’s current condition.
  • Social history – This section should detail the patient’s social circumstances, such as employment status, living situation, and alcohol/drug use.
  • Review of symptoms –A physical examination will help you to identify any physical abnormalities that may be causing or contributing to the patient’s condition.
  • Diagnostic testing – Diagnostic testing may be necessary in order to confirm or rule out a diagnosis . Common tests used in case analysis include blood work, imaging tests, and biopsies.
  • Treatment options – Once a diagnosis has been made, you will need to consider treatment options. Treatment options will vary depending on the diagnosis and the severity of the condition.(Nursing Case Study Analysis)
  • The prognosis (Evaluation and outcomes) – After considering all of the above factors, you will be able to give the patient a prognosis. The prognosis is an educated guess as to how the condition will progress.

When writing a nursing case study, nurse practitioners should use a clear and concise format. The format should be easy to follow and understand. Nurse practitioners should also include all of the key elements in their nursing case studies.

As a nurse practitioner, you will be required to conduct case analyses on patients in order to make treatment decisions. There are key elements that you will need to take into consideration when conducting a case analysis. These elements include the patient’s history, physical examination, laboratory data, and imaging studies.(Nursing Case Study Analysis)

By taking into consideration all of these elements, you will be able to develop a comprehensive picture of the patient’s condition. This will allow you to make an informed decision about the best course of treatment.

(Nursing Case Study Analysis)

Working On an Assignment With Similar Concepts Or Instructions? ​

A Page will cost you $12, however, this varies with your deadline. 

We have a team of expert nursing writers ready to help with your nursing assignments. They will save you time, and improve your grades. 

Whatever your goals are, expect plagiarism-free works, on-time delivery, and 24/7 support from us.  

Here is your 15% off to get started.  Simply:

  • Place your order ( Place Order ) 
  • Click on Enter Promo Code after adding your instructions  
  • Insert your code –  Get20

All the Best, 

what is nursing case study

blog (1260) Conceptual analysis paper (1) Empowerment in Nursing Practice (1) Nursing Careers (32) Nursing Paper Solutions (854) Nursing Theories (82) Nursing Topics and Ideas (54) Nursing Writing Guides (9)

ADN (32) BSN (32) Capstone project ideas (4) Clinical: SOAP Note (4) CNA (32) DNP (32) Essay Discussion (224) Initial Psychiatric Interview/SOAP Note (5) LPN (32) MSN (32) NRNP 6635: Psychopathology and Diagnostic Reasoning (11) Nursing Case Study Examples (49) Nursing Paper Examples (42) Nursing Report examples (10) Nursing Theories (81) Nursing Theory (67) Nursing Theory Papers (101) Nursing Topics (105) PRAC 6675: PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan I (4) Therapy Modality Focus Points (10)

Latest Posts

How to become a case management nurse

How to become a case management nurse

How to write a nursing concept analysis paper – comprehesive guide for bsn, msn, and dnp nursing, techniques used in conceptual analysis in nursing-a comprehensive nursing essay paper example, 40 nursing concept analysis paper topics to use for bsn, msn, & dnp, nursing concept analysis paper example of empowerment in nursing practice.

  • Company Overview
  • Our Guarantees
  • Client Reviews
  • Discount Codes
  • Privacy Policy

Quick Links

  • Nursing Papers Examples
  • Contact Us 
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Fair Use Policy
  • Revisions and Refund Policy

Knowledge Base

  • All Writing Guides 
  • Nursing Theory Guides
  • Topics Ideas
  • Nursing Paper Solutions
  • Buy Nursing Homework online
  • Buy Nursing Papers
  • Online Nursing Writers
  • Buy Nursing Essays
  • Buy Nursing Assignments

Writing Tools

  • Citation Generator
  • Topic Generator
  • Thesis Generator
  • Sentence Rewriter
  • Title Page Generator
  • Research Paper Title Generator
  • PICOT Generator
  • Nursing Paper Introduction Generator 
  • Nursing Paper Conclusion Generator

Nursing Writing Services

  • Nursing Case Study
  • Nursing Coursework Help
  • Nursing Dissertation Writing Services
  • Nursing Personal Statement Examples
  • Nursing Essays
  • Nursing Practitioners Essays and Assignment Help
  • Nursing Report Writing
  • Nursing Term Paper Writing
  • Nursing Capstone Writing 
  • Nursing Discussion post writing services
  • Best  Nursing Writing Company
  • Nursing Capstone Project Writing Services
  • Nurse Writing Service  
  • Write My Nursing Paper Service
  • Last  Minute Nursing Service
  • Fast Nursing Writing Service
  • Essay writing nursing
  • Nurses essay writing
  • Nursing essay writers
  • Write nursing essay
  • Buy nursing essays
  • Help with nursing essays
  • Nursing essay help

Nursingstudy.org helps students cope with college assignments and write papers on various topics. We deal with academic writing, creative writing, and non-word assignments.

All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. All the work should be used per the appropriate policies and applicable laws.

Our samples and other types of content are meant for research and reference purposes only. We are strongly against plagiarism and academic dishonesty.

Contact Us: Phone: +1 628 261 0844. Mail: [email protected]

DMCA.com Protection Status

We Accept: 

what is nursing case study

@2015-2024, Nursingstudy.org 

  • General Nursing
  • Nursing Specialties
  • Nursing Students
  • United States Nursing
  • World Nursing
  • Boards of Nursing
  • Breakroom / Clubs
  • Nurse Q&A
  • Student Q&A
  • Fastest BSN
  • Most Affordable BSN
  • Fastest MSN
  • Most Affordable MSN
  • Best RN to BSN
  • Fastest RN to BSN
  • Most Affordable RN to BSN
  • Best LPN/LVN
  • Fastest LPN/LVN
  • Most Affordable LPN/LVN
  • Fastest DNP
  • Most Affordable DNP
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Pediatric NP
  • Neonatal NP
  • Oncology NP
  • Acute Care NP
  • Aesthetic NP
  • Women's Health NP
  • Adult-Gerontology NP
  • Emergency NP
  • Best RN to NP
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health NP
  • RN Specialties
  • Best RN Jobs and Salaries
  • Aesthetic Nurse
  • Nursing Informatics
  • Nurse Case Manager
  • Forensic Nurse
  • Labor and Delivery Nurse
  • Psychiatric Nurse
  • Pediatric Nurse
  • Travel Nurse
  • Telemetry Nurse
  • Dermatology Nurse
  • Best NP Jobs and Salaries
  • Family NP (FNP)
  • Orthopedic NP
  • Psychiatric-Mental Health NP (PMHNP)
  • Nurse Educator
  • Nurse Administrator
  • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
  • Best Free Online NCLEX-RN Study Guide
  • The Nursing Process
  • Question Leveling
  • NCLEX-RN Question Identification
  • Expert NCLEX-RN Test-Taking Strategies
  • Best Scrubs for Nurses
  • Best Shoes for Nurses
  • Best Stethoscopes for Nurses
  • Best Gifts for Nurses
  • Undergraduate
  • How to Become an LPN/LVN
  • How to Earn an ADN
  • Differences Between ADN, ASN, AAS
  • How to Earn a BSN
  • Best MSN Concentrations
  • Is an MSN Worth It?
  • How to Earn a DNP
  • MSN vs. DNP

Nursing Case Studies: Diagnosis, Rationales, Fundamentals

Test your knowledge and clinical investigative skills in trying to diagnose what is going on with the patients presented in each of the Case Study Investigations. Can you come up with the right diagnosis? Case Studies Articles

Bizarre behavior and fever: What's going on?

Case Study: Child With Altered Mental Status

In this Case Study, an 11-year-old child with autism presents by ambulance to the children's hospital with altered mental status, bizarre behavior and fever....

what is nursing case study

Four Days of Nausea, Vomiting and Fever

What is most important in this case study in which an older Vietnamese woman presents to the ER with fever, nausea and vomiting?

Why is this man dizzy?

I'm Dizzy, Tired and Can't Remember What I Ate for Lunch

A 74-year-old white male presents to the ED with confusion, fatigue, dizziness, headache and distal right arm paresthesia. Experienced nurses, model your...

Excruciating Pelvic Pain: "Why is this happening to me? Why can't anyone help me?”

Agonizing Pelvic Pain: What's Going On with this 17-year-old? | Ca…

A new case study in which the patient, a 17-yr-old African American female, is having ongoing, excruciating pelvic pain. This case study is based upon the very...

What's happening to this woman?

A Fracture from a Fall: What's Going on Here?

A new case study in which a 77 yo white female arrives to the emergency room by taxi with a suspected skull fracture. This topic was suggested by a reader –...

what is nursing case study

Breathless, Coughing and Run-down: What's Going On? | Case Study

A new case study in which the patient, a 32-yr-old white male presents to a local free clinic with fatigue, moderate dyspnea, and a persistent and...

Patient states, “I just don't feel like anything matters. I used to be so happy.”

Suicidal Ideation and Muscle Twitches | Case Study

A new case study in which the patient, a 40 yr-old mixed-race woman presents to her primary care physician with concerns about suicidal ideation. She has some...

What is going on with this young woman?

Unexplained Diarrhea and Weight Loss: What's going on? | Case Stud…

A new case study in which the patient, a 28 y/o white female presents to a primary care clinic complaining of recurrent diarrhea. She first experienced diarrhea...

This guy keeps mimicking me. Is he "NUTS"?

Repeat After Me... What's the problem here? | Case Study

A homeless man is brought to the ER by the local police after he is found sitting at a bus stop with a bloody rag pressed to his left knee. The temperature...

What's causing mood swings and outbursts of anger?

Wild Mood Swings and Outbursts of Anger: What's Wrong with this M…

A new case study in which the patient, a 50-yr-old male of mixed race visits his primary care physician with concerns about wild mood swings and outbursts of...

Is this a case of dementia? Delirium? What is it?

Case Study: Does this Cherokee Woman Have Dementia?

An 85-yr-old Cherokee woman living in a skilled nursing facility has lost weight since admission and won’t socialize or join in activities. She won't...

Does this woman have breast cancer?

Case Study: It's a Lump, but is it Breast Cancer?

I am so excited about this Case Study because I feel it will be useful to so many of you! Welcome to a new Case Study in which the patient, a 45-yr-old, white,...

Why is my baby vomiting?

Case Study: Newborn with Vomiting and Diarrhea

A three-day old male infant is brought to the ER by his 22-yr-old mother with vomiting and diarrhea. Diagnostic results will be released upon request, with the...

Can you figure out the diagnosis?

Case Study: Joint Pain, Rash, Hair Loss - What's Going On?

A new case study in which R.W. presents to her PCP with a cough, mild fever, joint stiffness and pain and a history of rashes, anemia and hair loss.

Can you solve this obstetrical case study?

Case Study: An OB Catastrophe

The following is a case simulation involving a patient initially encountered in Labor and Delivery. While the initial encounter occurred in a specific setting,...

How Good of an Investigator Are You?

Differential Case Study: Lyme Disease or Covid-19?

Lakeith, a 35-year-old black man living in New York State, presents with a fever of 101 degrees F. He is concerned he might have contracted Covid-19. Based upon...

What is this pain?

Case Study: Sudden Severe Pain

A new case study in which the patient, D.C., a 52-year-old, white, married college professor wakes up to severe and intensifying pain. Though the coronavirus...

What is the first thing you think of when you see bruises on a child?

Case Study: Unexplained Bruises

Karen brings her daughter, Ann into the pediatric clinic stating, "She's just been so tired lately. All she wants to do is sleep and she’s got no appetite....

Is it a cold, a virus, a bacterial infection? Maybe it's TB? Pneumonia?

Case Study: What's Causing This Cough?

A new case study in which the patient, H.T. an 82-year-old Hispanic man presents to his primary care clinic with cough, malaise and confusion. How well do you...

Is this Stomach Flu? Anxiety? What is it?

Case Study(CSI): Stomach flu? Anxiety? What's Going on Here?

A new case study in which the patient, A.W. a 65-year-old African American woman presents to her primary care clinic with unspecified complaints. She told the...

Why are they feeling exhausted?

Case Study: I'm too tired to walk the dog...

A new case study in which the patient, T.K. a 51-year-old woman who has finally taken a staycation, doesn’t have enough energy to walk her dog. You’re the...

What is causing abdominal pain?

Case Study: My Stomach Hurts

It's late in the day on a beautiful Saturday in late summer. You are finishing up your shift at a local urgent care clinic when a 28-year-old, white male comes...

Why do nurses have to be knowledgeable about alternative treatment modalities?

Case Study: Trust Your Gut? A Fecal Transplant Could Change Your L…

Fecal Microbial Transplant (FMT) is a well-accepted practice for the treatment of C. diff, however in the U.S. it is still typically used only after multiple...

Can taking ecstasy heal PTSD?

Case Study: Magic Mushrooms as Medicine? Mind-Body Connection Pt. …

Can "tripping" cure depression? Can LSD reduce chronic anxiety? This article explores the use of psychedelics to treat mental illness. Read on to find links for...

Can antidepressants cause the hippocampus and amygdala to increase in size?

Case Study: Does Childhood Abuse Prevent Weight Loss? Pt. 2

This is an important topic for nurses. We need to understand the connection between childhood trauma and mind/body issues to build trust with patients and...

By using the site, you agree with our Policies . X

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

  • Publications
  • Account settings
  • Advanced Search
  • Journal List
  • v.24(6); 2019 Sep

Logo of jrn

Lessons learnt: examining the use of case study methodology for nursing research in the context of palliative care

Paula brogan.

School of Communication and Media, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, UK

Felicity Hasson

Institute of Nursing Research, University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, UK

An empirical social research approach, facilitating in-depth exploration of complex, contemporary contextualised phenomena, case study research has been used internationally in healthcare studies across clinical settings, to explore systems and processes of care delivery. In the United Kingdom, case study methods have been championed by nurse researchers, particularly in the context of community nursing and palliative care provision, where its applicability is well established. Yet, dogged by conceptual confusion, case study remains largely underutilised as a research approach.

Drawing on examples from nursing and palliative care studies, this paper clarifies case study research, identifies key concepts and considers lessons learned about its potential for nursing research within the unique and complex palliative and end of life context.

A case study approach offers nurse researchers the opportunity for in-depth, contextualised understanding of the systems and processes which influence their role in palliative care delivery across settings. However, philosophical and conceptual understandings are needed and further training in case study methodology is required to enable researchers to articulate and conduct case study.

Introduction

An empirical social research approach, facilitating in-depth exploration of a contemporary phenomenon ( Yin, 2009 ), case study research has been used internationally in healthcare studies ( Anthony and Jack, 2009 ) to explore systems of palliative care ( Lalor et al., 2013 ), diverse contexts for palliative care delivery ( Sussman et al., 2011 ), roles of professional groups such as pharmacy ( O’Connor et al., 2011 ), the impact of services such as complementary therapy ( Maddalena et al., 2010 ) and nursing (Kaasalainen et al., 2013). In the United Kingdom, case study methods have been championed by nurse researchers ( Payne et al., 2006 ), particularly in the context of community nursing and palliative care provision ( Kennedy, 2005 ; Walshe et al., 2004 , 2008 ) and its applicability to palliative and end-of-life care research is established ( Goodman et al., 2012 ). Suited to the study of complex processes ( Walshe, 2011 ), case study methodology is embedded in professional guidance on the development of complex interventions ( Medical Research Council, 2008 ). Yet, case study is dogged by conceptual confusion (Flyvberg, 2006), and, despite sporadic use, remains underutilised as a research approach in healthcare settings ( Froggatt et al., 2003 ).

Illustrated by examples from nursing and palliative care studies, this paper aims to clarify conceptual understanding and identify key lessons for its application within these unique and complex contexts and, more broadly, for nursing research.

Origins and definitions

French sociologist Frederic Le Play (1806–1882) is associated with the origin of the case study approach ( Hamel et al., 1993 ). Using a purposive sample of working class families and fieldwork methods of observation and individual interview, he sought a contextualised and in-depth understanding of their individual experiences. Each family case study uncovered the unique experience of that family, but each additional family studied was another ‘ case of the lived experience’ of working class families in mid-18th century France. Thereby, Le Play used the lens of individual experience ( Yin, 2013 ) to build comparisons across families and enrich overall understanding of that complex society.

This early glimpse of the case study approach showed it to be a straightforward ‘field investigation’ ( Hamel et al., 1993 ); epistemologically pragmatic as it generated knowledge through data drawn from diverse sources, such as family members, and used the best available data collection methods then, to inform a holistic and contextualised understanding of how people operated within a complex social system ( Stake, 1995 ).

However, defining case study has become increasingly challenging since its expansion into North America in the 1800s ( Platt, 1992 ), and its use across a range of disciplines such as politics ( Gerring, 2004 ), social science ( George and Bennett, 2005 ), education ( Merriam, 1998 ) and healthcare ( Yin, 2013 ). Variously characterised as a case report, data collection method and methodology ( Anthony and Jack, 2009 ), the development of case histories as illustrations in health and social care and in education ( Merriam, 1998 ) has contributed to further confusion for researchers and readers of case study research ( Gomm et al., 2000 ). Critiques of case study note that it lacks a single definition, such that a plethora of discipline dependant interpretations ( Simons, 2009 ) and loose use of the term case study ( Tight, 2010 ) have contributed to confusion and undermined case study credibility. However, Simons ( 2009 , p. 63) advises researchers that case study must be seen within the complex nexus of political, methodological and epistemological convictions that constitute the field of enquiry, and variations of these may be glimpsed in Table 1 as definitions from four eminent and frequently cited case study authors illustrate philosophical and discipline-influenced differences in emphasis. Consequently, the case study definition selected, with its underpinning ontology and epistemology has important implications for the coherent outworking of the overall research design. It is therefore notable that many of the palliative care case studies contained in Table 2 fail to identify any such definition and this may have implications for interpretation of the quality of studies.

Definitions of case study by four key authors, showing the variation in meaning and interpretation.

Examples of Case Studies (CS) conducted in palliative care contexts.

Case study as a philosophy for the epistemology of knowledge generation

Although frequently linked to naturalistic inquiry ( Lincoln and Guba, 1986 ), interpretative/constructivist philosophy and qualitative methodology ( Stake, 1995 ), case study is not in fact bound to any single research paradigm ( Creswell, 2013 ). It is philosophically pragmatic, such that the case study design should reflect the ontological positions and epistemological considerations of the researchers and their topic of interest ( Luck et al., 2006 ). In practice, this means that case study research may pragmatically employ both qualitative and quantitative methods independently or together in order to respond to the research objectives ( Cooper et al., 2012 ; Simons, 1987 ; Stake, 2006 ). So whilst Table 2 shows that qualitative case studies are common in palliative care, epistemological variation is evident and reflects the study topic, purpose and context of the research. For example, Maddalena et al. (2010) used in-depth interview and discourse analysis to understand individual patient meaning-making; Brogan et al. (2017) used focus groups and thematic analysis as part of an embedded element of a multiple case study, to contrast the diverse perspectives of multi-disciplinary healthcare practitioners on end-of-life decision-making; Sussman et al. (2011) incorporated survey data into a mixed methods multiple case study which explored health system characteristics and quality of care delivery for cancer patients across four regions of Canada. Consequently, it is useful to ‘conceptualise (case study) as an approach to research rather than a methodology in its own right’ ( Rosenberg and Yates, 2007 , p. 448), so that a non-standardised approach exists and the case study design, its boundaries, numbers of cases and methods are guided by the stated underpinning ontological perspectives of the researcher and their topic of interest. The study then flexibly adopts the best methods to gain an in-depth, holistic and contextualised understanding of the phenomenon of interest – the latter objectives being at the core of any definition of case study research.

Key case study concepts and lessons for practice

When considering the utility of a case study approach, research conducted in complex palliative care contexts offers several insights into how central concepts translate to practice.

Contextualised understanding

Drawing on the definitions in Table 1 , Stake emphasised the particularity and intrinsic value of each individual case ( Stake, 1995 ), to emphasise the usefulness of multiple cases to increase insight ( Stake, 2006 ), analyse patterns ( Gerring, 2004 ; George and Bennett, 2005 ) and develop causal hypotheses ( Yin, 2013 ). Yet, whatever the purpose, all case studies are concerned with the crucial relationship between a phenomenon and the environment in which it has occurred. In practice therefore, case study researchers must be concerned with understanding the background systems, structures and processes that influence and interact with the phenomenon under study. This capacity for contextualised and holistic understanding is underpinned by use of multiple data collection methods, such as observation, interview and document review, used simultaneously or sequentially ( Stake, 2006 ; Scholz and Tietje, 2002 ), to mine multiple sources of data, such as participant experience ( Brogan et al., 2017 ; Kaasalainen et al., 2012 ), documents (Lalor et al., 2003) service evaluations ( Walshe et al., 2008 ), and diaries ( Skilbeck and Seymour, 2002 ). This is exemplified in a study by Walshe et al. (2011) , who investigated referral decisions made by community palliative care nurses in the UK, by capturing interview data on the self-reported perspectives of healthcare professionals, in combination with observed team meetings in which decisions were influenced, and review of the written referral policies, protocols and palliative healthcare strategies specific to those decisions. This comprehensive and complex data enabled comparison of decisional processes and their influencing factors both within and across three Primary Care Trusts, thus providing a contemporaneous understanding of the complex relationship between individual nurse's referral decisions and the impact of the organisational and professional systems that underpinned them. Enhancing rigor, such methodological triangulation importantly contributed to the richness of data analysis and the development of assertions which might be drawn from the findings ( Cooper et al., 2012 ; Stake, 2006 ).

Process-focused

Flexible data collection methods, linked to the research purpose, enables case study researchers to gather both historical and real-time data in a variety of ways. For example, Kennedy’s longitudinal case study ( Kennedy, 2002 ) observed snapshots of the initial and follow-up assessment conducted by 11 district nurses over the subsequent 12 months, enabling an exploration of the outcome and impact of their decision-making, demonstrating the usefulness of case study to understand complex roles and processes which are fluid and elusive ( Yin, 2013 ), or otherwise difficult to capture, particularly in the intimate interpersonal contexts where nursing happens.

Analytic frame

Palliative care studies reviewed frequently report the use of thematic analysis. However, whilst this approach is certainly useful to process data generated in qualitative case studies, the approach to analysis must be congruent with the research design and reflect the purpose of the research and methods used. Moreover, beyond decisions about use of thematic analysis or descriptive statistics etc., in case study, important decisions must be made about the analytic frame of the research. Gerring’s definition (2004) set out the analytic frame in which the cases studied might be understood, explaining that each unit of analysis (or case), sheds light on other units (or cases). Thus defined, an individual case offers intrinsically valuable information about a phenomenon ( Stake, 1995 ) and the purposeful selection of cases is central to case study design. This is because, viewed from a certain angle, each case is also a case of something else, such that the findings have broader implications ( Gerring, 2004 ; Simons, 2009 , 1987 ; Yin, 2013 ). In practice, this means that the case and what it is a case of, must be clearly identified and well defined at the outset of a study, since this has implications for the relevance of findings. This can be seen in a study by O’Connor et al., (2011) , who considered the perceived role of community pharmacists in palliative care teams in Australia. Each unique case included multi-disciplinary healthcare team members, such as pharmacists, doctors and nurses working in localities, whose perspectives were sought. Each locality group was a case of community pharmacy provision in palliative care settings in Australia, and findings had implications for the planning of community services overall. So, insight development was possible at an individual, group and organisational level, and inferences were made directly in relation to the parameters of that case study.

The addition of several carefully selected cases, as in multiple case studies, offers the opportunity to analyse data gained within and across cases ( Stake, 2006 ). Case selection may be made in order to explore similarities and contrasting perspectives ( Brogan et al., 2017 ), understand the various impacts of geographical differences ( Sussman et al., 2011 ), and different organisational influences ( Walshe et al., 2008 ). However, whilst repetition of data across cases may reinforce propositions made at the outset of a study, the purpose of increasing the number of cases in case study research is primarily about increasing insight development into the complexity of a phenomenon ( Stake, 2006 ). Since case study is the study of a boundaried phenomenon ( Yin, 2013 ), establishing the analytic frame then underpins the selection criteria for potentially useful cases. Such clarification is essential since it provides the lens through which to focus research ( Gerring, 2004 ; Scholz and Tietje, 2002 ; Stake, 2006 ) and permits key decisions to be made about data which may be included and that which is not applicable.

However, significantly, this information is rarely articulated within published case studies in palliative care. This is an important issue for the quality of case study research, since description of the process of refining case study parameters, establishing clear boundaries of the case, articulating propositions based on existing literature, identifying the sources of data (people, records, policies, etc.) and the ways in which data would be captured, establishes clarity and underpins a rigorous, systematic and comprehensive process ( Gibbert et al., 2008 ), which can usefully contribute to practice and policy development ( George and Bennett, 2005 ).

Shaped by organisational systems, intimate settings and significant life stage contexts, the interconnection between context and participant experience of palliative care is one example of a process of healthcare provision that is often complex, subtle and elusive ( Walshe et al., 2011 ). Case studies conducted in these swiftly changing contexts illustrate several characteristics of case study research, which make it an appropriate methodological option for nurse researchers, providing the opportunity for in-depth, contextualised understanding of the systems and processes which influence their role in palliative care delivery across settings ( Walshe et al., 2004 ) and many others who seek a contextualised, contemporaneous understanding of any complex role or process ( Yin, 2013 ; Simons, 2009 ). This fieldwork-based approach has the potential to achieve depth and breadth of insight through the pragmatic, but carefully planned and articulated, use of multiple methods of data collection in order to answer the research question ( Stake, 2006 ) when analysed systematically within a frame determined at the outset by the definition of the case and its boundaries ( Gerring, 2004 ). Yet, the methodological flexibility that is advantageous in complex contexts, may be misunderstood ( Hammersley, 2012 ), particularly where terminology is unclear ( Lather, 1996 ) or where description of the systematic and rigorous application of the approach is missing from the report ( Morrow, 2005 ). Taken as an example of one area of healthcare research, evidence suggests that palliative care studies that deal meaningfully with underpinning philosophical perspectives for their selected case study approach, or which articulate coherent links between the defined case, its boundaries and the analytical frame are rare. The impact of such omissions may be the perpetuation of confusion and out-dated perceptions about the personality and quality of case study research ( King et al., 1994 ), with implications for its wider adoption by nurses in healthcare research. Further training in case study methodology is required to promote philosophical and conceptual understanding, and to enable researchers to fully articulate, conduct and report case study, to underpin its credibility, relevance and future use ( Hammersley et al., 2000 ; Stake and Turnbull, 1982).

Key points for policy, practice and/or research

  • Case study is well suited to nursing research in palliative care contexts, where in-depth understanding of participant experience, complex systems and processes of care within changing contexts is needed.
  • Not bound to any single paradigm, nor defined by any methodology, case study’s pragmatism and flexibility makes it useful for studies in palliative care.
  • Training is needed in the underpinning philosophical and conceptual basis of case study methodology, in order to articulate, conduct and report credible case study research, and take advantage of the opportunities it offers for the conduct of palliative and end-of-life care research.

Paula Brogan is a Lecturer in counselling and communication in the School of Communication and Media, and was recently appointed as Faculty Partnership Manager, University of Ulster. Dual qualified as a Registered Nurse with specialism in District Nursing and as a Counsellor/couple psychotherapist (Reg MBACPaccred), she has over 30 years’ clinical practice experience in community palliative care nursing and the provision of psychological care to patients and families dealing with palliative and chronic illness. Having worked across statutory, voluntary and private sectors, her PhD focused on multi-disciplinary decision-making at the end of life with patients and families in the community setting. Currently secretary of the Palliative Care Research Forum for Northern Ireland (PCRFNI), Paula’s ongoing research interests include communication and co-constructed decision-making in palliative and chronic illness, and the psychological support of individuals, couples, patient-family groups and multi-disciplinary staff responding to challenges of advanced progressive illness.

Felicity Hasson is a Senior Lecturer in the Institute of Nursing Research at the University of Ulster with 20 years’ experience in research. A social researcher by background, she has extensive experience and knowledge of qualitative, quantitative and mixed method research and has been involved in numerous research studies in palliative and end-of-life care. She completed her MSc in 1996 and her PhD from University of Ulster in 2012. Felicity sits on the Council of Partners for the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and the Palliative Care Palliative Care Research Network (PCRN) and is an executive board member for the UK Palliative Care Research Society. She holds an editorial board position on Futures and Foresight Science. Felicity has an established publication track recorded and successful history of grant applications. Her research interests include nurse and assistant workforce, workforce training, palliative care and chronic illness (malignant and non-malignant with patients, families and multi-disciplinary health care professionals) and public awareness of palliative care and end of life issues.

Sonja McIlfatrick is a Professor in Nursing and Palliative Care and has recently been appointed as the Head of School of Nursing at University of Ulster. She is an experienced clinical academic with experience in nursing and palliative care practice, education and research. She previously worked as the Head of Research for the All Ireland Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care (2011-2014) and led the establishment of the All Ireland Palliative Care Research Network (PCRN) and is the current Chair of the Strategic Scientific Committee for the PCRN (AIIHPC). Sonja is an Executive Board member for the UK, Palliative Care Research Society and is member of the Research Scientific Advisory Committee for Marie Curie, UK. Sonja holds an Editorial Board position on the International Journal of Palliative Nursing and Journal of Research in Nursing. Professor McIlfatrick has published widely in academic and professional journals focused on palliative care research and has a successful history of grant acquisition. Sonja has a keen interest in doctoral education and is the current President of the International Network of Doctoral Education in Nursing (INDEN). Her research interests include, palliative care in chronic illness, decision making at end of life; public awareness of palliative care and psychosocial support for family caregivers affected by advanced disease.

Declaration of conflicting interests

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Ethics statement

Ethical permission was not required for this paper.

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

  • Anthony S, Jack S. (2009) Qualitative case-study methodology in nursing research: An integrative review . Journal of Advanced Nursing 65 ( 6 ): 1171–1181. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Brogan P, Hasson F, McIlfatrick S. (2017) Shared decision-making at the end of life: A focus group study exploring the perceptions and experiences of multi-disciplinary healthcare professionals working in a home setting . Palliative Medicine 32 ( 1 ): 123–132. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Cooper B, Glaesser J, Gomm R, et al. (2012) Challenging the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide: Explorations in Case-focused Causal Analysis , London: Continuum. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Creswell JW. (2013) Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design: Choosing among five approaches , 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks: SAGE. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Flyvbjerg B. (2006) Five misunderstandings about case-study research . Qualitative Inquiry 12 ( 2 ): 219–245. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Froggatt KA, Field D, Bailey C, et al. (2003) Qualitative research in palliative care 1990–1999: A descriptive review . International Journal of Palliative Nursing 9 ( 3 ): 98–104. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • George AL, Bennett A. (2005) Case Studies and Theory Development in the Social Sciences , Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Gerring J. (2004) What is case-study and what is it good for? The American Political Science Review 98 ( 2 ): 341–354. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Gibbert M, Ruigrok W, Wicki B. (2008) What passes as rigorous case-study? Strategic Management Journal 29 : 1465–1474. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Gomm R, Hammersley M, Foster P. (2000) Case Study Method: Key Issues, Key Texts , London: SAGE. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Goodman C, Froggatt KA, Mathie E. (2012) End-of-life Care. Methods Review 12 , London: National Institute for Health Research and School for Social Care Research. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Hamel J, Defour S, Fortin D. (1993) Case-study Methods. Qualitative Research Methods Series. 32 , Newbury Park: SAGE. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Hammersley M, Foster P, Gomm R. (2000) Case study and generalisation . In: Gomm R, Hammersley M, Foster P. (eds) Case Study Method: Key Issues, Key Texts , London: SAGE, pp. 98–115. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Hammersley M. (2012) Troubling theory in case study research . Higher Education Research and Development 31 ( 3 ): 393–405. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Kaasalainen S, Ploeg J, McAiney C, et al. (2012) Role of the nurse practitioners in providing palliative care in long-term care homes . International Journal of Palliative Nursing 19 ( 10 ): 477–485. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Kennedy C. (2005) District nursing support for patients with cancer requiring palliative care . British Journal of Community Nursing 10 ( 12 ): 566–574. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Kennedy C. (2002) The decision-making process in a district nursing assessment . British Journal of Community Nursing 7 ( 10 ): 505–513. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • King G, Keohane RO, Verba S. (1994) Designing Social Inquiry: Scientific Inference in Qualitative Research , Princeton: Princeton University Press. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Lalor JG, Casey D, Elliott N, et al. (2013) Using case-study within a sequential explanatory design to evaluate the impact of specialist and advanced practice roles on clinical outcomes: The SCAPE study . BMC Medical Research Methodology 13 ( 1 ): 55. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Lather P. (1996) Troubling clarity: The politics of accessible language . Harvard Educational Review 66 ( 3 ): 525–554. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Lincoln YS, Guba EG. (1986) But is it rigorous? Trustworthiness and authenticity in naturalistic evaluation . In: Williams DD. (eds) Naturalistic Evaluation , San Francisco: Josey-Bass, pp. 73–84. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Luck L, Jackson D, Usher K. (2006) Case-study: A bridge across paradigms . Nursing Inquiry 13 ( 2 ): 103–109. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Maddalena VJ, Bernard WT, Etowa J, et al. (2010) Cancer care experiences and the use of complementary and alternative medicine at the end-of-life in Nova Scotia’s black communities . J Transcultural Nursing 21 ( 2 ): 114–122. [ PMC free article ] [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Medical Research Council (2008) Complex Interventions Guidance, www.mrc.ac.uk/complexinterventionsguidance (accessed 14 March 2014).
  • Merriam SB. (1998) Qualitative research and case-study applications in education , San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Morrow SL. (2005) Quality and trustworthiness in qualitative research in counselling psychology . Journal of Counseling Psychology 52 ( 2 ): 256–260. [ Google Scholar ]
  • O’Connor M, Fisher C, French L, et al. (2011) Exploring the community pharmacist’s role in palliative care: Focusing on the person not just the prescription . Patient Education and Counseling 83 : 458–464. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Payne S, Field D, Rolls L, et al. (2006) Case-study research methods in end-of-life care: Reflections on three studies . Journal of Advanced Nursing 58 ( 3 ): 236–245. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Platt J. (1992) Case study in American methodological thought . Current Sociology 40 ( 1 ): 17–48. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Rosenberg JP, Yates PM. (2007) Schematic representation of case-study research designs . Journal of Advanced Nursing 60 ( 4 ): 447–452. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Scholz RW, Tietje O. (2002) Embedded Case Study Methods: Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Knowledge , Los Angeles: SAGE. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Simons H. (1987) The paradox of case-study . Cambridge Journal of Education 26 ( 2 ): 225–240. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Simons H. (2009) Case-study Research in Practice , Thousand Oaks: SAGE. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Skilbeck J, Seymour J. (2002) Meeting complex needs: And analysis of Macmillan nurses’ work with patients . International Journal of Palliative Nursing 8 ( 12 ): 574–582. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Stake RE. (1995) The Art of Case-study Research , Thousand Oaks: SAGE. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Stake RE, Trumbull DJ. (1987) Naturalistic generalizations . Review Journal of Philosophy and Social Science 7 : 1–12. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Stake RE. (2006) Multiple case-study analysis , New York: The Guilford Press. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Sussman J, Barbera L, Bainbridge D, et al. (2011) Health system characteristics and quality of care delivery: A comparative case-study examination of palliative care for cancer patients in four regions in Ontario, Canada . Palliative Medecine 26 ( 4 ): 322–335. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Tight M. (2010) The curious case of case study: A viewpoint . International Journal of Social Research Methodology 13 ( 4 ): 329–339. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Walshe C. (2011) The evaluation of complex interventions in palliative care: An exploration of the potential of case-study . Palliative Medicine 25 ( 8 ): 774–781. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Walshe C, Chew-Graham C, Todd C, et al. (2008) What influences referrals within community palliative care services? A qualitative case-study . Social Science and Medicine 6 : 137–146. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Walshe CE, Caress AL, Chew-Graham C, et al. (2004) Case studies: A research strategy appropriate for palliative care?’ . Palliative Medicine 18 : 677–684. [ PubMed ] [ Google Scholar ]
  • Yin RK. (2013) Case-study Research: Design and Methods (Applied Social Research Methods) , Newbury Park: SAGE. [ Google Scholar ]
  • Yin RK. (2009) Case-study Research: Design and Methods , 4th ed. Newbury Park: SAGE. [ Google Scholar ]

How to Write a Nursing Case Study [Examples, Format, & Tips]

A nursing case study is a deep analysis of the health situation of a patient. This article answers all the questions about the proper way to prepare this kind of writing. It also suggests some writing tipis and features free nursing case study examples.

✒️ Case Study Topics for Nursing Students

  • 🩺️ The Basics
  • 💉 Nursing Case Study: Writing Rules

📑 Nursing Case Study Format

📝 nursing case study examples.

  • ⏱️ Tips on Quick Writing

🔗 References

A nursing case study is an in-depth analysis of the health situation of an individual patient.

A nursing case study is an in-depth analysis of the health situation of an individual patient.

The analysis is based on:

  • medical history,
  • other relevant criteria.

In most cases, you will be asked to diagnose to suggest the first aid measures. Alternatively, nurses can be asked to describe a patient in their practice and analyze the correctness of their actions. The purpose is to recreate a realistic hospital setting in the classroom and make students reflect on the treatment process from diagnosis to treatment.

  • Anaphylactic shock in a teenager with peanut allergy.
  • Non-compliant patient with diabetes: ways to improve adherence.
  • Telehealth intervention for managing chronic disease.
  • Communication strategies to address vaccine hesitancy in a rural community.
  • Postpartum hemorrhage in a new mother: risk factors and interventions.
  • Ways to improve recognition of dehydration in aging adults.
  • The effective ways of maintaining work-life balance for nurses.
  • Cultural competency in providing care to migrants and refugees.
  • Why should every patient’s medical history remain confidential?
  • The use of massage therapy in relieving pain.
  • The challenges facing medicine in 2024.
  • How does modern technology impact nursing?
  • The significance of regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider.
  • What are the primary treatments for postpartum depression?
  • The use of steroids in cancer treatment.

🩺️ Nursing Case Study: What Is It About?

As a nursing student, you should understand that no two patients are the same. Each has a unique clinical record and condition. And although most nursing case study tasks will ask you to suggest a diagnosis or treatment, your focus should rest on the patient.

Busy nurses can sometimes see their patients in the framework of an illness to be treated or a procedure to be fulfilled. But you should do your best to remember that each patient is a living person with a complex set of needs, emotions, and preferences. A ready-made textbook answer is rarely the best solution for them. Moreover, it rarely helps to analyze a condition in isolation from the patient.

In a nursing case study, your task is to analyze a disorder or illness as a part of a specific medical situation. If you don’t do that, your case study becomes an essay (theoretical and generalized). It is the difference between the two assignment types.

Once again:

A case study in nursing emphasizes the particular patient’s condition. Meanwhile, a nursing essay will explore the disease, prevention methods, treatment, or possible consequences of the disease.

Even if the case is hypothetical, it should focus on the suggested reality. On the other hand, essays are usually literature-based. You are expected to do some reading for a case study too, but you should research and present the information within the context of the patient. In simple terms, a case study uses information in the actual application, and an essay uses it for the sake of generalized suggestions.

💉 How to Write a Nursing Case Study: 3 Key Rules

  • Do the fieldwork. Before setting your hands to writing, you should collect all of the available materials: clinical notes, results of medical tests, x-rays, sickness records, etc. Use this information to draw a clear picture of the story. It is always helpful to ask yourself, “What is interesting or unusual about this patient’s condition?” In the course of writing, recall your answer from time to time not to get lost in words. It will help you to convey a definite and appropriate message.

The picture contains the 3 key rules of nursing case study writing.

  • Stick to the facts. A nursing case study should be an accurate description of the actual situation. Restrain from speculating about the inherent mechanisms of the illness or the general treatment methodology. In fact, students are rarely prepared enough to discuss pathology and physiology. Leave this to reputable experts. The best result you can provide in a case study is an honest account of clinical events.
  • Concentrate on the patients and their progress. Remember that a nursing case study is a story of a patient’s progress and not a narrative about their nurse. No matter how efficiently the medical specialist acted, it would be incorrect to add any praiseful remarks. The optimal way is to tell the story in its logical and time order and outline the result of treatment. In this case, the outcome will speak for itself.

Introduction

It is where you should tell the reader why this case is interesting . Place your study in a social or historical context. If, during your preliminary research, you found some similar cases, describe them briefly. If you had a hard time diagnosing the patient or your proposed treatment is complicated, mention it here. Don’t forget to cite the references to each of them!

The introduction should not exceed several paragraphs. The purpose is to explain why the reader will benefit from reading about the case.

The picture contains a list of structural components of a nursing case study,

Case Presentation

  • Why did the patient seek medical help? (Describe the symptoms.)
  • What is known about the patient? (Mention only the information that influenced your diagnosis. Otherwise, explain why some information is irrelevant to the diagnosis.)
  • Stick to the narrative form. (Make it a story!)
  • What are the variants for diagnosis? (Make a shortlist of possible disorders that fall under the patient’s symptoms. But make it specific: not just “pneumonia” but “bilateral pneumonia,” for example. Besides, this point is optional.)
  • What were the results of your clinical examination? (If you saw the patient in person.)
  • Explain the results of lab tests. (The words “positive” or “negative” are not always clear.)

Actions and Their Results

This section describes the care that has been provided and/or is planned. You can answer the following questions in narrative form . If some information is missing, skip the point:

  • What preliminary actions have been taken? (Be specific: not just “wound care,” but “wound cleaning and dressing.”)
  • How long has the patient been under care?
  • Has the previous treatment given any visible result?
  • Why was it suspended or finished?
  • Why did the patient withdraw from treatment (if applicable)?
  • How could you improve the patient’s condition if the result was negative?
  • If the disease is incurable (like in the case of diabetes), which activities would stabilize the patient’s condition?
  • If possible, include the patient’s reports of their own physical and mental health.

In this section, you should identify your questions about the case. It is impossible to answer all of them in one case study. Likewise, it is unreal to suggest all the relevant hypotheses explaining the patient’s condition. Your purpose is to show your critical thinking and observation skills. Finalize your conclusion by summarizing the lessons you learned from the nursing case study.

Whenever you directly or indirectly cite other sources or use data from them, add these books and documents to the references list. Follow the citation style assigned by your professor. Besides, 15 items are already too much. Try to make a list of up to 10. Using textbooks as references can be viewed as bad manners.

Include all the tables, photographs, x-rays, figures, and the journal of medication usage in this section. Unless required otherwise in the assignment, start each item from a new page, naming them “Appendix A,” “Appendix B…”.

Below you will find case study samples for various topics. Using them as a reference will improve your writing. If you need more ideas, you are welcome to use our free title-generating tool .

  • Case study: healing and autonomy.
  • Sara’s case study: maternal and child nursing.
  • COPD medical diagnostics: case study.
  • Care standards in healthcare institutions: case study.
  • Acute bacterial prostatitis: case study analysis.
  • Alzheimer disease: the patient case study.
  • The treatment of foot ulcers in diabetic patients: case study.
  • Hypertension: C.D’s case study.
  • Myocardial infarction: cardiovascular case study.
  • Major depressive disorder case.
  • Case study of the patient with metabolic syndrome .
  • Pulmonary analysis case study .
  • Older adults isolation: Case study .
  • The holistic care: Case study .
  • Medical ethics: Case study .
  • Patient diagnoses and treatment: Case study .
  • Obesity case study: Mr. C .
  • Nurse Joserine: Case study problems .
  • Chronic stable angina: Case study .
  • Fetal abnormality: Case study .
  • Researching SOAP: Case study .
  • Case study for a patient with hormonal disorders .
  • Obesity in the elderly: The case study .
  • “Walking the Tightrope”: A case study analysis .
  • ARNP approach: Case study analysis .
  • Case study on biomedical ethics in the Christian narrative .
  • Thermal injury: Case study .
  • Ethical dilemma in nursing: Case study .
  • Asthma: A case study of the patient .
  • Asthma discharge plan: Mini case study .
  • Case study: An ethics of euthanasia .
  • Case study: Head-to-toe assessment steps .
  • Pain management strategies: Case study .
  • Case study: Inflammatory bowel disease .
  • Sleep deprivation and insomnia: The case study .
  • The case study of a heart failure .
  • Porphyria cutanea tarda: Disease case study .
  • Case study: Hardy Hospital case summary .
  • Obesity and its complications: Case study .
  • Angina disease case study .
  • Nursing ethics case study .
  • Case study of a patient: Assessment and treatment plan .
  • Cecile case study: Mrs. J .
  • Nursing power in the emergency department: Case study .
  • Heart failure case study: Mrs. J .
  • Application of ethics in nursing: Case study .
  • Sudden visual impairment: Case study .
  • Epidemiology case study: Outbreak at Watersedge — Public health discovery game .
  • Wellness of senior citizens: Case study .
  • Healthcare organization evaluation: Case study of Banner Health .

⏱️ Bonus: Tips on Writing a Case Study in Record Time

Need to prepare a case study on nursing or in another field? Below you’ll find a collection fo tips that will help you do it as quickly as possible!

3 Shortcuts for a Quick Start

If you’re about to start writing a case study, you should check yourself if you’re not doing any of the following:

  • spending too much time on selecting a topic;
  • reading too much before selecting a topic;
  • making conclusions too early – creating bias.

Instead of killing time doing the three useless things discussed above, consider these:

  • Choose approach. Note that there are 2 major approaches to case studies: the analytical approach (investigating possible reasons without making any conclusions) and problem-oriented approach (focusing on a particular problem and investigating it).
  • Skim some sources (DON’T READ THEM). Select several sources. Simply skim abstracts and conclusions.
  • Start making notes early. Simply reading is ineffective unless you’re lucky to have a phenomenal memory. Always make notes of any useful arguments.

4 Shortcuts Not to Get Stuck in the Middle

Even if you kick started your case study, it’s too early to celebrate it. Consider the following traps in the middle of the project:

  • Watch the structure. The classic logical structure is your formula of success. It will help you move from one point to another without the unnecessary procrastination:
  • Respect the logic. Make your case study flow – make logical transitions between the different parts and make it consistent. Avoid changing your position throughout the paper.
  • Be detail-oriented. Any trifle deserves attention when you write a case study.
  • Avoid bias. Be sure that all your opinions are based on the specific arguments form the case study. Avoid pouring your biased views into the project.

3 Shortcuts for a Happy Ending

  • Offer a realistic solution. College case study is a rehearsal of real-life situations. Take the responsibility for your suggestions.
  • Keep your conclusion short. Avoid repeating the details and don’t include any new information.
  • Consider creating a Power Point. If your task is not only writing a case study, but also presenting it – why not create PowerPoint slides to help you?

As the last step on your way to a perfect nursing case study, prepare the title page. Its format usually depends on the professor’s requirements. But if you know the citation style, our Title Page Maker is a perfect tool to apply the right formatting and accelerate the process. And if you have any know-how on how to write a medical case study, you are very welcome to share it with other students in the comments below.

❓ Nursing Case Study: FAQ

What is a case study in nursing.

A nursing case study explores the condition of a patient. It is based on previous clinical records, lab reports, and other medical and personal information. A case study focuses on the patient and describes the treatment that was (or should be) applied and its (expected) outcome.

How to Write a Nursing Case Study?

  • Collect the bulk of data available about the patient.
  • Read literature about the diagnosed condition.
  • Focus on the individual patient and their symptoms.
  • Describe the situation and outline its development in time.
  • Analyze the actions of the medical personnel that have been done.
  • Plan further treatment of the patient.

Why Are Case Studies Good for Nursing Students?

Nursing case studies offer you a priceless opportunity to gain experience of different patient conditions and cure methods without visiting the clinic. You can think about whether the proposed treatment was appropriate or wrong and suggest a better solution. And the best thing, your teacher will indicate your mistakes (and no patient will be hurt in the process).

Why Are Case Studies Important in Nursing?

  • You learn to distinguish the relevant data and analyze it.
  • You learn to ask the right questions.
  • You learn to evaluate the severity of symptoms.
  • You learn to make better diagnoses.
  • You train your critical thinking in terms of treatment methods
  • Case studies are in-class simulators of authentic atmosphere in a clinical ward.
  • What is a case study? | Evidence-Based Nursing
  • Case Studies – Johns Hopkins Medicine
  • Case Study Research Design in Nursing
  • Case study report for Nursing | Learning Lab – RMIT University
  • Case Study or Nursing Care Study? – jstor

Research Paper Analysis: How to Analyze a Research Article + Example

Film analysis: example, format, and outline + topics & prompts.

The Classroom | Empowering Students in Their College Journey

How to Present a Nursing Case Study

What Is a Case Study in Nursing?

What Is a Case Study in Nursing?

A nursing case study is an in-depth examination of a situation that a nurse encounters in her daily practice. The case study offers a safe way for the nurse to apply theoretical and actual knowledge to an actual or potential patient scenario. She can employ her decision-making skills, use critical thinking to analyze the situation, and develop cognitive reasoning abilities without harming a patient. Nursing case studies are commonly used in undergraduate nursing programs, graduate schools offering a master’s of science degree in nursing (MSN), and orientation programs for new graduate nurses. They may be presented in written form, online, or live in a classroom setting.

Choose a topic. According to Sigma Theta Tau International, the topic should be focused, based in reality, and relevant. It should demonstrate current best practices that are supported by nursing research. The nurse may choose to discuss a situation from his past experience, or delve into something in his current job.

Write objectives. There should be at least three learning objectives, or outcomes, that identify what the learner will gain from completing the case study. Learning objectives are written as clear, measurable behaviors, such as “Identify five risk factors for falls in older adults.”

Write an introduction. This should be a one- or two-paragraph overview that describes the patient, the situation, and circumstances relevant to that situation. The introduction can also include a little about the patient’s history leading up to the situation.

Integrate more history and background. The next 1 to 2 paragraphs provide the learner with in-depth information to analyze the situation, such as lab values, diagnostic study results, findings from the nurse’s assessment of the patient, and a more detailed patient history.

Formulate questions. Nursing case studies are interactive scenarios that stimulate analysis and critical thinking. The questions typically require the learner to use the nursing process (assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation) and to anticipate what will happen next in the situation.

Give feedback. According to Sigma Theta Tau, the nursing case study provides the learner with two types of feedback: informational and reinforcing. Informational feedback lets the learner know if she has answered questions correctly, and gives her an idea of how she is progressing through the patient scenario. Reinforcing feedback gives the learner additional information about her responses to the questions. If she answers the question correctly, she’ll be given the rationale behind her right answer. If she gives the wrong answer, reinforcing feedback lets her know why that answer is wrong.

Provide references. It’s important to point the learner toward additional learning opportunities in print or on the web.

Related Articles

How to become a continuing education provider for nurses, how to study for fundamentals of nursing.

How to Apply Havelocks Theory of Change in Nursing

How to Apply Havelocks Theory of Change in Nursing

The Structure of the NCLEX

The Structure of the NCLEX

How to Apply Critical Thinking to Concept Map for Nursing

How to Apply Critical Thinking to Concept Map for Nursing

How to Write Nursing Theory Proposition Statements

How to Write Nursing Theory Proposition Statements

Peer Counseling Techniques

Peer Counseling Techniques

What Classes in College Must You Take to Become a Nurse?

What Classes in College Must You Take to Become a Nurse?

  • Sigma Theta Tau International

Sandy Keefe, M.S.N., R.N., has been a freelance writer for over five years. Her articles have appeared in numerous health-related magazines, including "Advance for Nurses" and "Advance for Long-Term Care Management." She has written short stories in anthologies such as "A Cup of Comfort for Parents of Children with Special Needs."

  • Member Benefits
  • Communities
  • Grants and Scholarships
  • Student Nurse Resources
  • Member Directory
  • Course Login
  • Professional Development
  • ONS Guidelines™
  • Oncology Nurse Orientation Program
  • Account Settings
  • Help Center
  • Print Membership Card
  • Print NCPD Certificate
  • Verify Cardholder or Certificate Status

ONS Logo

  • Trouble finding what you need?
  • Check our search tips.

what is nursing case study

  • Oncology Nursing Forum
  • Number 6 / November 2015

Case Study Research Methodology in Nursing Research

Diane G. Cope

Through data collection methods using a holistic approach that focuses on variables in a natural setting, qualitative research methods seek to understand participants’ perceptions and interpretations. Common qualitative research methods include ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and historic research. Another type of methodology that has a similar qualitative approach is case study research, which seeks to understand a phenomenon or case from multiple perspectives within a given real-world context.

Jump to a section

Through data collection methods using a holistic approach that focuses on variables in a natural setting, qualitative research methods seek to understand participants’ perceptions and interpretations. Common qualitative research methods include ethnography, phenomenology, grounded theory, and historic research. Another type of methodology that has a similar qualitative approach is case study research, which seeks to understand a phenomenon or case from multiple perspectives within a given real-world context (Taylor & Thomas-Gregory, 2015). Case study research has been described as a flexible but challenging methodology used in social science research. It has had the least attention and support among social science research methods, as a result of a lack of a well-defined protocol, and has had limited use in nursing research (Donnelly & Wiechula, 2012; Taylor & Thomas-Gregory, 2015; Yin, 2012, 2014). Three methodologists, Yin, Merriam, and Stake, have been credited as seminal authors who have provided procedures for case study research (Yazan, 2015). This article will describe and discuss case study research from the perspective of these three methodologists and explore the use of this methodology in nursing research.

The term case study is well known in the nursing profession as a teaching strategy to analyze a patient’s clinical case. Case study research is less employed and is defined similarly by all three methodologists as a research approach that focuses on one phenomenon, variable or set of variables, thing, or case occurring in a defined or bounded context of time and place to gain an understanding of the whole of the phenomenon under investigation (Merriam, 2009; Stake, 1995; Yin, 2014). The phenomenon or case can be a person, a group, an organization, or an event. The overall goal of case study research is to seek the “how” or “why” a phenomenon works, as opposed to other qualitative research approaches that seek to define the “what” of a phenomenon (Polit & Beck, 2012). Case study research usually requires detailed study during an extended period of time in an effort to obtain present and past experiences, situational factors, and interrelationships relevant to the phenomenon. Case study research has been viewed by some authors as a qualitative research methodology (Polit & Beck, 2012), and others view this type of research as flexible, using a mix of qualitative and quantitative evidence (Taylor & Thomas-Gregory, 2015; Yin, 2014).

Case Study Designs

Merriam, Stake, and Yin each have a differing perspective on case study design. Merriam (2009) purports a flexible design that allows researchers to make changes throughout the research process that is based on two or three research questions that construct and guide data collection. Stake’s (1995) design is based on a literature review that is the foundation of the research questions and theoretical framework but assumes that major changes may occur throughout the research as part of a process described as progressive focusing. Yin’s (2014) design is based on a sequence and includes several design options for the researcher. The selection of a case study design is based on the chosen theory and the case to be studied. The first decision is to determine whether the case study will use a single case or multiple cases. The use of a single case study is an appropriate design for certain circumstances, including when the case represents (a) a critical case to test theory, (b) an unusual or unique case, (c) a common case that can capture an understanding of usual circumstances, (d) a revelatory case that previously has been inaccessible, or (e) a longitudinal case (Yin, 2014).

A multiple case design is used when two or more cases are chosen to examine complementary components of the main research question (Yin, 2012). The multiple case design may be selected when the researcher is interested in examining conditions for similar findings that may be replicated or in examining conditions for contrasting cases. When choosing multiple cases, no formula exists to determine the number of cases needed, unlike power analysis to determine sample size (Small, 2009). In general, including more cases in a multiple case study will achieve greater confidence or certainty in a study’s findings. Conversely, the use of fewer cases will yield less confidence or certainty.

Single and multiple case studies can use holistic or embedded designs. A holistic design comprehensively examines a case or cases, and an embedded design also analyzes subunits associated with the case or cases.

Case study research is flexible and can use multiple sources of data. Yin’s (2014) methodology incorporates qualitative and quantitative data sources, and Merriam’s (2009) and Stake’s (1995) methodology exclusively use qualitative data sources. Multiple sources of evidence provide breadth in comprehending a case or cases and enhance confidence in the study findings. Common sources of evidence include direct observations of human behavior or physical environment, interviews, archival records, documents (e.g., newspaper articles, reports), participant observation, participant records, surveys, photographs, videos, or questionnaires.

Data analysis for case study research uses qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods, depending on the selected methodology, with the focus on describing the case or cases. Merriam’s (2009) data analysis is a process of consolidating, reducing, and interpreting procedures that occur simultaneously through data collection and analysis. Six analytic strategies are ethnographic analysis, narrative analysis, phenomenologic analysis, constant comparative method, content analysis, and analytic induction. Stake (1995) similarly employs data collection and analysis procedures through the use of two strategies—categorical aggregation and direct interpretation. Yin (2012) recommends initially categorizing the data then organizing the data by four techniques—pattern matching, explanation building, program logic models, and time–series analysis. Multiple case studies also would include an additional technique called cross-case synthesis to search for any repetition in the case. The final product of case study research is a narrative report that tells the story of the case and enables the reader to fully understand the case from the narrative (Taylor & Thomas-Gregory, 2015).

Methodologic Issues

An important aspect of case study research is ensuring study rigor similar to other qualitative studies. Strategies to ensure rigor include the maintenance of a diary or journal by the researcher to document personal feelings and reactions and minimize researcher bias, expert verification, an audit trail, use of thick descriptions, long-term observation, multisite designs, and member checking to ensure accuracy of findings by the participants (Taylor & Thomas-Gregory, 2015). Another methodologic issue is ensuring content validity. This can be achieved by the researcher’s final report that should include sufficient evidence and display a deep understanding of the case by the researcher.

Application of Case Study Design in Nursing Research

In this issue of Oncology Nursing Forum, Walker, Szanton, and Wenzel (2015) present their study exploring post-treatment normalcy using a multiple case design. The purpose of the study was to develop a better understanding of how adult survivors of early-stage breast and prostate cancers manage the work of recovery, which exemplifies the goal of case study research by asking “how” a phenomenon works. Multiple case study design was used through data collection that included self-reports, biweekly phone interviews, in-depth interviews, and written journals to evaluate existing theoretical knowledge and generate new theoretical knowledge about the process of managing recovery. The authors describe study rigor by illustrating expert validation and a constant comparative process of data analysis. From the data, the authors provide the reader with a detailed, narrative description of how adult survivors work toward normalcy that is engaging and tells the survivors’ story of life post-treatment.

Despite the lack of a well-defined protocol for case study research, Merriam, Stake, and Yin provide similar yet distinctive philosophies and procedures that researchers can use when embarking on a case study research project. Walker et al. (2015) provide an excellent exemplar of executing case study research in oncology through the investigation of the illness trajectory framework and how survivors work toward normalcy after treatment. Through this research approach, oncology nursing knowledge can benefit from a better understanding of the “how” and “why” of numerous phenomena that have implications for nursing practice and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

Donnelly, F., & Wiechula, R. (2012). Clinical placement and case study methodology: A complex affair. Nurse Education Today, 32, 873–877.

Merriam, S.B. (2009). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Polit, D.F., & Beck, C.T. (2012). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (9th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.

Small, M.L. (2009). How many cases do I need? On science and the logic of case selection in field-based research. Ethnography, 10, 5–38. doi:10.1177/1466138108099586

Stake, R.E. (1995). The art of case study research. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Taylor, R., & Thomas-Gregory, A. (2015). Case study research. Nursing Standard, 29(41), 36–40.

Walker, R., Szanton, S.L., & Wenzel, J. (2015). Working toward normalcy post-treatment: A qualitative study of older adult breast and prostate cancer survivors [Online exclusive]. Oncology Nursing Forum, 42, E358–E367. doi:10.1188/15.ONF.E358-E367

Yazan, B. (2015). Three approaches to case study methods in education: Yin, Merriam, and Stake. Qualitative Report, 20, 134–152.

Yin, R.K. (2012). Applications of case study research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Yin, R.K. (2014). Case study research: Design and methods (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

About the Author(s)

Diane G. Cope, PhD, ARNP, BC, AOCNP®, is an oncology nurse practitioner at the Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute in Fort Myers. No financial relationships to disclose. Cope can be reached at [email protected] , with copy to editor at [email protected] .

Related Articles

Systematic reviews, preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, nursing intervention research.

Nursing Professors

7 steps to successful nursing case study writing.

A nursing case study is a detailed study of a patient that is encountered during a nurse’s daily practice. They are usually written by nurses in training as part of their coursework, but they can also be written by experienced nurses as a way of sharing best practice.

Case studies are an important part of the nursing curriculum as they provide students with a real-life insight into the complexities of patient care. They also allow nurses to reflect on their own practice and identify areas where they could make improvements.

When writing a nursing case study, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your tutor. This will ensure that your case study is relevant and meets the required academic standards. It is also important to be clear and concise in your writing, and to use evidence-based sources to support your claims.

If you are struggling to write a nursing case study, there are a number of resources that can help you. The following books are all recommended reading for anyone wanting to write a case study:

  • The Complete Guide to Case Study Research by Elaine M. Hubbell
  • Nursing Case Studies: A Guide to Understanding and Writing Them by Jennifer R. Gray
  • Writing Nursing Case Studies by Sally G. Reed

Once you have a good understanding of how to write a nursing case study, you will be able to produce high-quality studies that will be of benefit to both yourself and your patients.

Importance of nursing case study writing.

Nursing case studies are an important part of your nursing education. They provide you with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you have learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios. Nursing case studies also allow you to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The nursing case study should be a detailed and accurate account of the care that was provided to the patient. It should be used to evaluate the outcome of that care and to identify any areas where improvements can be made.

nursing case study writing

Steps when writing a nursing case study paper.

There are various steps you should keep in mind in order to help you write a successful nursing case study.

These important steps include:

  • Define the problem.
  • Gathering information.
  • Developing alternatives.
  • Analyzing the alternatives.
  • Selecting the best alternative.
  • Implementing the solution.
  • Evaluating the outcome.

Defining the Problem

When writing a nursing case study, it is important to first define the problem. The problem should be something that can be solved through nursing interventions. Once the problem is defined, the nursing case study can be written to discuss the interventions that were used to solve the problem.

Nursing case studies are a great way to learn about different nursing interventions and how they can be used to solve problems. By reading nursing case studies, nurses can learn about different diseases and conditions and how to treat them. Nursing case studies can also be used to teach other nurses about different interventions.

Gathering Information

When it comes to writing a nursing case study, the first and most important step is gathering information. This is where you will need to do your research and collect data from a variety of sources. Once you have all of the information you need, you can begin to write your case study.

It is crucial to gather information before starting to write your nursing case study. This ensures that you include all of the relevant information. This means including details about the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and treatment.

Developing Alternatives

Once you have all of the necessary information, you can begin developing alternatives for the patient’s treatment. This will involve looking at the different options and deciding which is best based on the specific case. You will need to consider the risks and benefits of each option before making a recommendation.

Once you have developed a few different options, you can then start writing the case study. This should include an overview of the patient’s history, their current condition, and the different treatment options that were considered. Be sure to explain why you ultimately recommended the chosen course of treatment.

Analyzing the Alternatives

When you are given a nursing case study to write, the first step is to read the case thoroughly. Make sure you understand the situation and the patient’s history. Once you have a good understanding of the case, you can start to analyze the alternatives.

There are usually three alternatives in a nursing case study: nursing intervention, medical intervention, and no intervention. You will need to evaluate each alternative and decide which is best for the patient.

Nursing intervention is usually the first choice because it is the least invasive and has the least risk. Medical intervention is usually the next choice because it is more invasive but has a higher chance of success. No intervention is usually the last choice because it means doing nothing and letting the patient’s condition worsen.

Once you have evaluated the alternatives, you can start to write your case study. Remember to include all of the important information, such as the patient’s history, the alternatives you considered, and your recommendation.

Selecting the Best Alternative

When you are presented with a nursing case study, the first thing you need to do is identify the problem. Once you have identified the problem, you need to gather information about the patient. This information will help you to develop a plan of care. Once you have developed a plan of care, you need to select the best alternative.

The best alternative is the one that will best meet the needs of the patient. When selecting the best alternative, you need to consider the patient’s preferences, the severity of the problem, the risks and benefits of each alternative, and the resources available.

Implementing the Solution

Once you have selected the best alternative, you need to implement the plan of care. After you have implemented the plan of care, you need to evaluate the patient’s response. If the patient’s condition improves, you need to continue the plan of care. If the patient’s condition does not improve, you need to reevaluate the plan of care and select a different alternative.

Evaluating the Outcome

A nursing case study is a detailed account of a patient’s medical history and treatment. It is used to evaluate the outcome of a patient’s care and to identify any areas where improvements can be made.

When writing a nursing case study, it is important to include a detailed description of the patient’s symptoms and medical history. The case study should also include a discussion of the treatment that was provided and the outcome of that treatment.

It is also important to discuss any areas where improvements could be made in the care that was provided. This could include changes to the treatment plan, changes to the way that the patient was monitored, or changes to the way that the patient’s symptoms were managed.

Conclusion.

Writing a successful nursing case study can be a challenging task. However, by following the steps provided in this blog that is, first defining the problem, gathering information, developing alternatives., analyzing the alternatives, selecting the best alternative, implementing the solution and evaluating the outcome. You will be able to write a top-notch nursing case study that meets your requirements.

If you need professional assistance, place your order right here to get help from expert nursing paper writers.

what is nursing case study

Work with professional online writers

what is nursing case study

  • Affordable Nursing Papers
  • Nursing Coursework Writing
  • Nursing Essay Writing Service
  • Nursing Essay Assignments
  • Nursing Assignment Writing
  • Nursing Case Study Writing
  • Nursing Process Essay Writing
  • Nursing Capstone Project
  • BSN Capstone Project
  • Reliable Nursing Writers
  • PICO Question Examples
  • Nursing Speeches
  • Nursing PowerPoint Presentations
  • Online Nursing Essay Writers
  • Nursing Thesis
  • Nursing Coursework
  • Nursing Term Papers
  • Legit Nursing Writers
  • Best Nursing Writing Company
  • Nursing Students Writing Help
  • Cheap Nursing Term Paper

what is nursing case study

  • Refund Guarantee
  • On time delivery
  • Plagiarism-free papers
  • Safe and Confidential
  • Trained Writers
  • Nursing Essay Writing
  • Nursing Coursework Help
  • Nursing Dissertations
  • Nursing Case Studies
  • Nursing Assignment Help

Contact Info

Find Study Materials for

  • Business Studies
  • Combined Science
  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • English Literature
  • Environmental Science
  • Human Geography
  • Macroeconomics
  • Microeconomics
  • Social Studies
  • Browse all subjects
  • Read our Magazine

Create Study Materials

Delve into the intricacies of a nursing case study, a critical component in nursing education and practice. This comprehensive guide will establish a robust understanding of the construction, relevance, and application of these integral studies. You'll explore various formats, ethical implications, and practical examples, ultimately honing your skills in creating effective nursing case studies. With an in-depth analysis and step-by-step guidance, this guide is crucial for aspiring or seasoned nursing professionals looking to enhance their case study proficiency.

Mockup Schule

Explore our app and discover over 50 million learning materials for free.

  • Nursing Case Study
  • Explanations
  • StudySmarter AI
  • Textbook Solutions
  • AACN Essentials
  • Active Listening in Nursing
  • Advanced Procedures
  • Barriers in Communication in Nursing
  • Basic Procedures
  • Bedside Manners
  • Blood Pressure Measurement
  • Brazil Healthcare system
  • Building Rapport
  • CPR Training
  • Canadian Medicare
  • Catheterisation
  • Clinical Assessment
  • Clinical Competence
  • Clinical Decision-Making
  • Clinical Experience
  • Clinical Exposure
  • Clinical Judgment
  • Clinical Learning Activities
  • Clinical Learning Environment
  • Clinical Learning Outcomes
  • Clinical Outcomes
  • Clinical Practice Guidelines
  • Clinical Reasoning in Nursing
  • Clinical Rotation
  • Clinical Scenarios
  • Clinical Simulation Scenarios
  • Clinical Skill Demonstration
  • Clinical Skills
  • Clinical Skills Assessment
  • Clinical Supervision
  • Clinical Training
  • Clustering Data
  • Collaborative Interventions
  • Collaborative Practice
  • Comfort Care
  • Communication Strategies in Healthcare
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Coordination of Care
  • Critical Reflection
  • Critical Thinking in Nursing
  • Cultural Responsiveness
  • Direct Patient Care
  • Disease Prevention
  • E-learning modules
  • Empathy in Nursing
  • Error Reporting
  • Ethical Principles in Nursing
  • Ethical Standards
  • France Healthcare System
  • Germany Healthcare System
  • Hands on Learning
  • Health Assessment
  • Health Care Delivery
  • Health Care Policy
  • Health Care Service
  • Health Care System Structure
  • Health Care Teamwork
  • Health Promotion
  • Health Teaching
  • Healthcare Service Delivery
  • Healthcare Systems
  • Healthcare Team
  • Hospital Protocol
  • Human Error
  • Hybrid Healthcare Systems
  • IV Insertion
  • Implicit Bias
  • India Healthcare System
  • Infection Control
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  • Interpersonal Communications
  • Japan Healthcare System
  • Learning Opportunities
  • Licensing Requirements
  • Malpractice
  • Medicare Australia
  • Medication Administration
  • Miscommunication in Nursing
  • Morals in Nursing
  • NHS Nursing
  • Negligence in Nursing
  • Non-therapeutic Communication
  • Nurse Licensure Compact
  • Nursing Care Assessment
  • Nursing Care Delivery
  • Nursing Care Plan Evaluation
  • Nursing Care Plans
  • Nursing Cues
  • Nursing Diagnoses
  • Nursing Documentation
  • Nursing Education
  • Nursing Inferences
  • Nursing Interventions
  • Nursing Judgment
  • Nursing Outcomes Classification
  • Nursing Procedures
  • Nursing Process
  • Patient Assessment
  • Patient Care
  • Patient Care Scenarios
  • Patient Care Skills
  • Patient Communication
  • Patient Confidentiality
  • Patient Education
  • Patient Feedback
  • Patient History Collection
  • Patient Hygiene
  • Patient Interaction
  • Patient Interaction Skills
  • Patient Management
  • Patient Needs
  • Patient Outcomes
  • Patient Privacy
  • Patient Safety
  • Patient Safety Measures
  • Patient-Centered Care
  • Patient-Centered Interventions
  • Private Healthcare
  • Professional Accountability
  • Professional Behavior
  • Professional Ethics
  • Professional Growth
  • Professional Standards
  • Public HealthCare
  • Pulse and Respiratory Rate
  • Recklessness
  • SMART Goals
  • Scope of Practice
  • Simulation in Nursing Education
  • Student Learning Objectives
  • Swedish Healthcare System
  • Teaching and Learning Methods in Nursing
  • Team Communication
  • Temperature Assessment
  • Therapeutic Communication
  • Therapeutic Interactions
  • UK Healthcare System
  • US Healthcare System
  • US Medical Insurance
  • Verbal Communication
  • Virtual Reality Training
  • Vital Signs
  • Wellness Education
  • Human Anatomy
  • Intensive Care Nursing
  • Mental Health Nursing
  • Nursing Management
  • Nursing Theories
  • Types of Nursing

Lerne mit deinen Freunden und bleibe auf dem richtigen Kurs mit deinen persönlichen Lernstatistiken

Nie wieder prokastinieren mit unseren Lernerinnerungen.

Understanding the Concept of a Nursing Case Study

Entering the field of nursing often requires more than simple rote learning. It demands an in-depth understanding of specific patient conditions, collaborative care planning, and the application of theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios. This is where a nursing case study plays a key role.

A nursing case study is a comprehensive examination of a patient's status, which comprises the gathering, assessment, and interpretation of data through various medical examinations and tests. This process allows healthcare professionals to make better-informed decisions about a patient's care plan and overall health management.

What is a Nursing Case Study: An Introduction

A Nursing Case Study is an in-depth examination of a patient case, wherein the nurse documents detailed information about the patient—everything from their initial history, diagnosis, to treatment—whilst also noting observations and reflecting on their nursing care.

A nursing case study typically includes sections for patient history, diagnosis, nursing assessment, treatment, and results. You will:

  • Start by documenting a detailed patient history including previous medical conditions and lifestyle.
  • Then, you'll progress to the diagnosis of the patient's condition.
  • Next, perform a nursing assessment to identify potential health risks or complications.
  • Formulate a treatment plan based on the assessment.
  • And finally, evaluate the results of the treatment plan and adjust as necessary.

These comprehensive evaluations are critical in the field of nursing as they not only allow for appropriate patient care but also help guide future medical recommendations.

For example, consider a patient diagnosed with type 2 diabetes who complains of unexpected weight loss. A comprehensive nursing case study would involve recording the patient's current symptoms, medical history, conducting a nursing assessment to identify potential complications, and formulating a treatment plan. The results of this treatment would be regularly evaluated and adjusted to optimise the patient's health.

Importance and Relevance of a Nursing Case Study in Clinical Placement

A nursing case study plays an indispensable role in clinical placement . As you navigate your clinical experience :/p>

  • You can use case studies as a reference tool in diagnosing, planning, implementing and evaluating patient care .
  • Through case studies, you can also enhance your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Clinical placement refers to the practice-based learning experience that allows nursing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world clinic or hospital setting.

Such hands-on experience is essential to developing a solid understanding and mastery in nursing. A thorough nursing case study stands as a practical resource, providing valuable insights into complex patient conditions and providing a framework for delivering effective patient care. Furthermore, it also enables better comprehension of theoretical practice, thus bridging the gap between theory and application in nursing.

Exploring the Format of a Case Study in Nursing

It is crucial to understand the layout of a nursing case study. Having a solid grasp of the format will enable you to document all essential pieces of information about your patient care efficiently and thoroughly. Furthermore, clear structuring strongly supports effective communication within the healthcare team .

Remember, just like other academic papers, a nursing case study generally follows a logical flow that reflects the nursing process . This process includes five steps: Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation; often abbreviated as ADPIE.

How to Write a Nursing Case Study: Step by Step Guide

When writing a nursing case study, it's vital to maintain a clear, structured and detail-oriented approach. Here, you will learn a standard step-by-step guide to creating your case study.

  • Review the Patient History : Start by gathering all relevant details about the patient's medical history. Include specifics like past medical conditions, medication use, lifestyle factors and family history of diseases.
  • Document Recent Health Assessments : Mention any recent diagnostic tests and their results, physical examination findings, and present complaints or conditions if any.
  • Analyze Clinical Data : Analyze the data from the assessments and tests to identify any pertinent patterns or connections.
  • Formulate Nursing Diagnoses : Based on your analysis, formulate nursing diagnoses . A nursing diagnosis can be described as a clinical judgement concerning a human response to health conditions.
  • Develop a Comprehensive Care Plan : After diagnosis, establish a comprehensive care plan detailing the intended therapeutic interventions and expected outcomes. Remember, it's crucial to form SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) outcomes.
  • Evaluate Progress : Lastly, evaluate the patient's progress towards the desired outcome and note any necessary changes to the care plan.

Please, keep in mind that the case study should follow a narrative approach, ensuring the information flows logically while maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.

An example could be a nursing case study for a patient with pneumonia . First, the patient's history is gathered, noting previous respiratory issues or any risk factors like smoking or occupational exposure. Next, the current clinical data would be documented, such as the results of a chest X-ray showing an infection in the lungs , together with vital signs and physical examination results. The data is then analyzed to arrive at a nursing diagnosis of impaired gas exchange related to alveolar consolidation, as evidenced by abnormal breath sounds and decreased oxygen saturation levels. The care plan would include interventions such as administering prescribed medications, oxygen therapy , and promoting good lung hygiene, with the expected outcome of improved respiratory function. Regular progress evaluations would be made, adjusting the plan as required.

Key Components of a Well-Written Nursing Case Study

The resultant quality of a case study depends on whether all key components are properly addressed. Here are some pivotal sections that should be present:

  • Introduction : This provides a brief overview of the patient's demographic information and reason for admission.
  • Patient History : The patient’s medical, surgical, and family history, including lifestyle factors.
  • Physical Examination : Findings from the nurse's initial physical assessment of the patient, noting any abnormalities.
  • Nursing Assessment : Identification of health issues or potential complications based on nursing theory.
  • Nursing Diagnosis : Clinical judgement concerning a human response to health conditions.
  • Nursing Interventions and Rationale : Explanation of the actions taken by the nurse to reach the planned outcomes, with a clear rationale behind each intervention.
  • Expected Results and Actual Outcomes : Anticipation of results after interventions and comparison with actual outcomes. Adjustments to interventions may be made based on this comparison.

By giving due importance to each of these components, you ensure that the case study is comprehensive, accurate, and informative. This process aids in the ongoing optimisation of patient care, and shows the continual evidence-based practice in nursing.

Diving into Nursing Case Study Examples

An understanding of nursing case studies is significantly enhanced with the examination of practical examples. Analysis of these examples provides a real-life context to theories and practices, reinforcing their relevance and applicability. It is a great tool for learning by experience and expanding your knowledge in the field.

Reviewing nursing case study examples can spotlight the importance of thorough data collection, patient history compilation, diagnosis determination, and subsequent treatment provisioning. It permits you to appreciate the diversity of patient conditions, honing your skills in managing complex health situations effectively.

Nurse Practitioner Case Studies: Comprehensive Analysis

Nurse Practitioner case studies offer rich insights into the critical role nurse practitioners play within healthcare teams, particularly in primary care settings.

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse with additional education and training in a particular area like family practice or paediatrics allowing them to examine, diagnose, and treat patients.

By looking into nurse practitioner case studies, you can expand your understanding of the advanced critical thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills exercised by NPs in diverse health scenarios. Here are the major steps that are typically followed during case analysis:

  • First Step - Understanding the Patient's Details : The big picture of the patient's background, including their demographics, social, medical and personal history.
  • Second Step - Identification of the Care Gaps : Identifying the issues in the existing care provision and areas of improvement for the Nurse Practitioner.
  • Third Step - Formulation of a Healthcare Plan : The NP devises a robust patient-specific care plan detailing the required interventions.
  • Fourth Step - Execution and Evaluation of the Plan : The plan is implemented, and the results are closely monitored for necessary changes.

Consider a Nurse Practitioner case study involving a 70-year-old female with a history of hypertension . The patient complaints of frequent headaches and tiredness. The NP begins by understanding the patient's overall health background, and then identifies the gaps in care—possibly inadequate control of hypertension. The NP formulates a plan that includes adjustment of antihypertensive drugs, lifestyle changes, and regular blood pressure monitoring . The execution of this plan is followed by a careful analysis of the patient's improvement in symptoms and hypertension control.

Delegation of Nursing Management Case Study: An Overview

Evaluating delegation in nursing management through case studies is an excellent way to understand its significance in nursing practice and learn the best principles for its application.

Delegation in nursing management refers to the process of assigning tasks to subordinates or team members in a way that maximises the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.

Delegation is a crucial skill for every nurse, especially for those in leadership roles. It not only ensures smoother workflow but also empowers less experienced nurses, imparting skill development opportunities. The following points are important when analysing a delegation case study:

  • Assessing the Situation : First, understand the precise patient care scenario and the workforce available.
  • Identifying the Skills Required : After assessing the situation, identify the kind of skills needed for the delegated tasks.
  • Assigning the Task : Delegate the task to the most competent and available person, considering their individual competencies and workload.
  • Monitoring and Feedback : After delegation, it's crucial to supervise the task completion and provide constructive feedback to enhance performance in the future.

For instance, consider a case study highlighting delegation in a busy hospital setting. The nurse manager has to manage the care of 30 patients with only five nurses on duty. After assessing the situation and the individual abilities of the nurses, she assigns roles like medication administration , wound care , and patient education optimally. She then monitors the work and offers feedback after the shift, leading to efficient patient care despite the heavy workload.

Learning from these case studies equips you with efficient strategies for nursing management and ensures streamlined patient care. This knowledge acquisition is essential in modern healthcare settings to establish a patient-centred, coordinated approach.

Case Studies in Nursing Ethics

Examining case studies in nursing ethics is an invaluable way to explore the complex nature of ethical dilemmas in clinical settings. It allows you to conceptualise ethical concepts applied to patient care, while providing robust resources for learning and growth.

These case studies essentially offer an exploration into the intersection of healthcare, morality, philosophy, and social justice, which is represented in daily nursing practice.

Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing: Case Study Illustrations

An 'ethical dilemma' refers to situations where moral obligations conflict or where moral reasoning is not clear-cut. Nurses frequently encounter such dilemmas in their practice, making it crucial to understand how to approach these complex situations.

Ethical dilemma in nursing is a scenario where a decision must be made between two morally correct courses of action, but they are conflicting.

In nursing, the prime focus is always to provide the best possible care for a patient. However, ethical dilemmas arise when the right course of action is unclear, or when different beliefs and values clash. These situations can be stressful and deciding on the course of action can be challenging. Reviewing case study illustrations of ethical dilemmas can be a powerful teaching tool that facilitates a deeper understanding of these challenges.

Here are the most common ethical dilemmas that nurses face:

  • Disclosure : How much information about the patient's health should be shared and with whom?
  • Quality of Life : When a patient is suffering, what measures should be taken to maintain quality of life versus prolonging life itself?
  • Professional Boundaries : How does a nurse maintain the right balance between being professional yet compassionate and empathetic?
  • Cultural Differences : Treatment should be offered based on the patient's cultural beliefs, but what happens when these are in conflict with standard healthcare practices?
  • End of Life Decisions : Addressing issues like euthanasia, Do Not Resuscitate orders and withdrawal or withholding of treatment.

It’s worth remembering that these issues often put a nurse’s professional duty against their personal beliefs, which further increases the complexity of managing them effectively.

For instance, consider a scenario where a patient’s religious beliefs prohibit blood transfusions, but they require one to survive. In carrying out the patient's wishes, the health provider might have to compromise the patient's wellbeing. Conversely, if the nurse ignores the patient's wishes to save their life, it can be considered a disregard for the patient's autonomy and beliefs. Thus, navigating this delicate balance may present an ethical dilemma.

Learning from Ethical Scenarios in Nursing Case Studies

Each ethical scenario in nursing case studies is a profound learning opportunity. Through exploring these intense and complex scenarios, you evolve as a nurse, honing your critical thinking, decision-making and reflection skills.

When analysing an ethical scenario, it's best to follow these steps:

  • Identify the Dilemma : First, identify the ethical issue at hand and why it creates a dilemma.
  • Understand the Context : Ascertain the involved parties, their beliefs or values, and how they relate to the situation.
  • Evaluate the Options : Review the possible actions you could take, bearing in mind ethical guidelines and professional duties.
  • Seek Advice : Consult with colleagues, mentors or your nursing governing body if in doubt. Asking for perspectives helps create a broader view of options.
  • Make an Informed Decision : Based on all the information and advice, make a decision. Always keep the patient's best interest in focus.

Consider a case study where a patient refuses necessary treatment due to their religious beliefs. You first identify the ethical dilemma: respecting the patient's autonomous decision versus ensuring their wellbeing. The context includes the patient's health condition and their deeply-held religious belief. Possible options would be to respect the patient's choice, seek legal advice, discuss alternatives, or try to convince the patient or their family. Seeking advice from senior colleagues or the nurse manager may offer valuable insights into managing such situations. Finally, the decision should be taken considering all perspectives while maintaining the prime focus on the patient's wellbeing and rights.

With each ethical scenario analysed, you gain a deeper understanding of the ethical dimensions of nursing. This understanding fortifies your ability to provide effective, ethical patient care and to handle challenging situations in your nursing journey.

Tips and Techniques for an Effective Nursing Case Study

Nursing case studies are an integral part of nursing education and practice. They provide an in-depth insight into patient care, from diagnosis to treatment, through a practical approach. Understanding how to write them effectively is a vital skill for both nursing students and practicing nurses.

Improving Your Writing Skills for Nursing Case Studies

Improving your writing skills specifically for nursing case studies primarily means honing your ability to accurately document and articulate patient interactions, clinical symptoms, nursing interventions , and treatment results. It’s about refining your observational, analytic, and reporting skills.

Here's a list of techniques you can follow to enhance your case study writing skills :

  • Understand the Format : Familiarise yourself with the structure and formatting of nursing case studies. Standard sections include patient history, diagnosis, nursing assessments, treatment, and evaluation.
  • Be Clear and Precise : Use clear, precise language and mention facts accurately. Avoid unneeded jargon or long sentences.
  • Consistent Clinical Terminology : Utilise the approved clinical language, acronyms, and terminology consistently for clarity and professionalism.
  • Detail-Oriented Observation : Be observant about the smallest details related to a patient's symptoms, behaviours, reactions to interventions, and overall progress. Every tiny detail could be significant.
  • Reflective Thinking : Develop your reflective thinking skills. Reflect on your nursing interventions: what has worked, what hasn't, and potential improvements.

Reflective thinking in nursing is a process where nurses analyse their clinical experiences to learn and improve their practices. It aids in transforming practical experiences into meaningful knowledge.

Suppose you are documenting a case study about a patient with diabetes suffering from recurring cases of hypoglycaemia. You'll need to provide a comprehensive patient history, precise details about their symptoms, and a clear description of your nursing interventions to prevent these episodes. Be sure to use consistent terminology and observe all related factors, like the patient's diet or emotional state, which could impact their sugar levels. The report should include regular evaluations of the patient's condition, and your reflections on the efficacy of your implemented care plan.

Do's and Don'ts in Writing a Nursing Case Study

To ensure you create compelling, informative, and accurate nursing case studies, here are some indispensable do's and don'ts to keep in mind:

Reflective writing in nursing case studies is a process where nurses consider their experiences, actions, feelings, and responses and analyse their impacts on patient outcomes . It includes assessing what was done well, what could be improved, and steps for future development.

If you have handled an incident of rapid patient deterioration in a clinical setting, instead of merely describing the event chronologically in the case study, engage in reflective writing. Discuss the nursing assessments undertaken, the intuitions you had, the quick decisions you made, and the outcomes you achieved. Reflect on your emotions, your learning, and the improvements you would implement in similar future scenarios.

Following these tips will, without a doubt, help you improve the quality of your nursing case studies, either for academic or professional purposes. Understanding the importance of each step, from precise patient details to reflective evaluations, is key to writing an effective nursing case study.

Nursing Case Study - Key takeaways

  • A Nursing Case Study involves gathering patient history, analyzing clinical data, formulating nursing diagnoses, developing a comprehensive care plan, and evaluating progress.
  • Nursing Case Study examples illuminate the process and importance of thorough data collection, patient history compilation, diagnosis determination, and subsequent treatment.
  • The delegation of nursing management Case Study explores the efficient assignment of tasks within a nursing team, maximizing efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.
  • Case studies in nursing ethics provide insight into ethical dilemmas in clinical settings and help to conceptualize ethical concepts applied to patient care.
  • The format of a nursing case study typically includes an introduction, patient history, physical/nursing assessment, nursing diagnosis, nursing interventions and rationale, and expected/actual outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nursing Case Study

--> what is a nursing case study and how does it contribute to patient care, --> how can i develop an effective nursing case study, --> what steps should i follow in conducting a nursing case study, --> what are some important elements to consider while writing a nursing case study, --> what are the potential challenges in creating a nursing case study and how can they be overcome, test your knowledge with multiple choice flashcards.

What is a Nursing Case Study?

What is the significance of case studies in Nursing education and practice?

How does a nurse proceed with a nursing case study?

Your score:

Smart Exams

Join the StudySmarter App and learn efficiently with millions of flashcards and more!

Learn with 30 nursing case study flashcards in the free studysmarter app.

Already have an account? Log in

A nursing case study is an in-depth analysis of a patient or group of patients, involving observations, data collection, diagnosis, planning and implementing interventions, then evaluating outcomes. It incorporates a nurse's clinical reasoning in patient care.

Case studies bridge theoretical learning and actual practice, enabling the application of learned knowledge in real scenarios. They promote critical thinking, decision-making, and enhance clinical skills while providing evidence-based learning.

The nurse analyses patients’ health records, carries out physical assessments, interacts with patients to gain insights into their experiences, symptoms, and responses to treatment, and implements interventions while evaluating the outcomes.

What are nursing case study examples and what do they provide?

Nursing case study examples provide insights into how theoretical nursing knowledge is applied in real-world situations. They equip you with an understanding of different patient conditions and nursing responsibilities.

What does a nursing management case study involving delegation illustrate?

A nursing management case study involving delegation shows the importance of efficient task distribution, quick judgment-making in stressful situations, and careful selection of staff members for specific tasks based on their competence.

What do Nurse Practitioner case studies typically illustrate?

Nurse Practitioner case studies illustrate the comprehensive, patient-centred care provided by NPs, including initial interaction and assessment, diagnosis and treatment, and evaluating outcomes through patient responsiveness over time.

Flashcards

  • Clinical Placement

of the users don't pass the Nursing Case Study quiz! Will you pass the quiz?

How would you like to learn this content?

Free nursing cheat sheet!

Everything you need to know on . A perfect summary so you can easily remember everything.

Join over 22 million students in learning with our StudySmarter App

The first learning app that truly has everything you need to ace your exams in one place

  • Flashcards & Quizzes
  • AI Study Assistant
  • Study Planner
  • Smart Note-Taking

Join over 22 million students in learning with our StudySmarter App

Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free.

This is still free to read, it's not a paywall.

You need to register to keep reading, start learning with studysmarter, the only learning app you need..

Illustration

Create a free account to save this explanation.

Save explanations to your personalised space and access them anytime, anywhere!

By signing up, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy of StudySmarter.

Entdecke Lernmaterial in der StudySmarter-App

Privacy overview.

What is a case study?

Affiliations.

  • 1 School of Nursing, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.
  • 2 School of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, UK.
  • PMID: 29146764
  • DOI: 10.1136/eb-2017-102845

Publication types

  • Case-Control Studies*
  • Nursing Research / organization & administration*
  • Research Design
  • AI Content Shield
  • AI KW Research
  • AI Assistant
  • SEO Optimizer
  • AI KW Clustering
  • Customer reviews
  • The NLO Revolution
  • Press Center
  • Help Center
  • Content Resources
  • Facebook Group

How to Write a Thorough Nursing Case Study

Table of Contents

Case studies are common requirements for nursing schools and healthcare institutions. But learning how to write a nursing case study can be challenging. If you’re stuck on how to get started, we’ve got your back! In this article, we’ll be guiding you through all the necessary elements you should include ensuring your study is clear and thorough. We’ll also share some key tips to make your work more professional. When done right, a case study can enhance your knowledge base and help identify better healthcare practices. And this can greatly improve overall healthcare standards.

What is a Nursing Case Study?

A nursing case study is a detailed assessment of a patient’s medical history, diagnosis, and treatment .   It seeks to identify the causes of an illness or injury and analyze how they have been addressed. This helps assess the overall quality of care given. These case studies aim to understand the cause of certain illnesses, how to prevent them, and how to best treat them. The data gathered from these studies can inform policy changes and develop effective strategies for improving patient outcomes.

A person writing on a notebook with a laptop next to them

How to Write a Nursing Case Study

Writing a nursing case study requires thoughtful consideration of relevant information and resources. You must select a single subject, conduct research on it, interview experts, analyze the data collected, and present your findings. That may seem like a lot, but let us break it down for you. Here’s a look at the key elements that your case study structure should cover:

A title page should be concise yet informative, helping readers understand what the focus of the study is. It includes the following elements:

  • Title of the case study
  • Author’s name
  • Any collaborators or contributors to the work
  • An abstract summarizing the contents

An abstract is a summary of the content of the case study, which outlines its purpose, methods used, results, and conclusions. It aims to provide readers with a clear overview of the studied topic without reading through the entire document.

Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the case study by introducing the main subject and providing background information. It should include the research question(s) or hypothesis that will guide the investigation.

Case Presentation

Your case presentation needs to include as much relevant detail as possible while maintaining clarity and brevity. It details the following:

  • Patient’s history
  • Physical exam findings
  • Laboratory values
  • Imaging studies
  • Treatments received
  • Clinical course

Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology discusses how diseases affect normal body processes and functions. Try to explain the pathology behind the observed symptoms to understand how they can be managed. This may involve discussing anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, pharmacology, immunology, and pathogenesis.

Nursing Care Plan

A nursing care plan should provide an overview of the patient’s current condition, including any pre-existing medical conditions. It should also outline the desired goals for the patient’s health, such as stabilizing vital signs or reducing pain levels. The plan will usually include a list of interventions to be carried out by nurses. It can also outline monitoring steps to evaluate whether these interventions are effective in achieving the desired outcomes.

Discussion and Recommendations

This section provides an opportunity to discuss any issues or suggestions related to the patient’s case study. Experienced professionals can provide valuable input regarding the best strategies to improve the treatment outcome.

The conclusion is where you can summarize all the findings from the study and provide your final thoughts regarding the results. It should draw attention to any successes achieved during the investigation and identify areas for improvement. Your conclusion should also make clear how the results relate to the overall objective of providing quality care for the patient.

The references section is where sources used throughout the case study are listed. These may include textbooks, reports, journal entries, and other forms of documentation that were consulted for the project. All entries must adhere to proper citation standards (e.g., APA style) and appear alphabetically according to the author’s name.

Final Words

Learning how to write a nursing case study has far more applications than just fulfilling a course requirement. These case studies can be invaluable tools in advocating for improved healthcare for individuals and communities. Hopefully, this quick guide has helped you better understand how to write a more comprehensive and clearer work. Good luck!

How to Write a Thorough Nursing Case Study

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

Explore All Write A Case Study Articles

How to write a leadership case study (sample) .

Writing a case study isn’t as straightforward as writing essays. But it has proven to be an effective way of…

  • Write A Case Study

Top 5 Online Expert Case Study Writing Services 

It’s a few hours to your deadline — and your case study college assignment is still a mystery to you.…

Examples Of Business Case Study In Research

A business case study can prevent an imminent mistake in business. How? It’s an effective teaching technique that teaches students…

How to Write a Multiple Case Study Effectively

Have you ever been assigned to write a multiple case study but don’t know where to begin? Are you intimidated…

How to Write a Case Study Presentation: 6 Key Steps

Case studies are an essential element of the business world. Understanding how to write a case study presentation will give…

How to Write a Case Study for Your Portfolio

Are you ready to showcase your design skills and move your career to the next level? Crafting a compelling case…

Reference Point Software

How to Write a Case Study Paper for Nursing

A well-written case study paper for a nursing program requires some planning and consideration. All too often, students begin writing before they complete appropriate, preliminary steps. Ideally, before you start a paper, you should already have determined the focus and format of it. You will then follow this up with a fact-gathering step in which you will gather and collate the content of your paper. Finally, there is the construction/execution step in which you will write the paper in a standard format (such as the APA style) and edit it.

A nursing case study paper contains several sections that fall into three categories:

1. The status of the patient

  • Demographic data
  • Medical History
  • Current diagnosis and treatment

2. The nursing assessment of the patient

  • Vital signs and test results
  • Nursing observations (i.e., range of motion, mental state)

3. Current Care Plan and Recommendations

  • Details of the nursing care plan (including nursing goals and interventions)
  • Evaluation of the current care plan
  • Recommendations for changes in the current care plan

Patient Status

The first portion of the case study paper will talk about the patient — who they are, why they are being included in the study, their demographic data (i.e., age, race), the reason(s) they sought medical attention and the subsequent diagnosis. It will also discuss the role that nursing plays in the care of this patient.

Next, thoroughly discuss any disease process. Make sure you outline causes, symptoms, observations, and how preferred treatments can affect nursing care. Also, describe the history and progression of the disease. Some important questions for you to answer are: 1) What were the first indications that there was something wrong, and 2) What symptoms convinced the patient to seek help?

Nursing Assessment

When you are discussing the nursing assessment of the patient, describe the patientΓÇÖs problems in terms of nursing diagnoses. Be specific as to why you have identified a particular diagnosis. For example, is frequent urination causing an alteration in the patientΓÇÖs sleep patterns? The nursing diagnoses you identify in your assessment will help form the nursing care plan.

Current Care Plan and Recommendations for Improvement

Describe the nursing care plan and goals, and explain how the nursing care plan improves the quality of the patientΓÇÖs life. What positive changes does the nursing care plan hope to achieve in the patientΓÇÖs life? How will the care plan be executed? Who will be responsible for the delivery of the care plan? What measurable goals will they track to determine the success of the plan?

The final discussion should be your personal recommendations. Based on the current status of the patient, the diagnosis, prognosis, and the nursing care plan, what other actions do you recommend can be taken to improve the patientΓÇÖs chances of recovery? You must support your recommendations with authoritative sources and cite appropriately per APA style guidelines.

Creating a well-written nursing case study paper doesnΓÇÖt need to be a grueling challenge. It can be gratifying, and itΓÇÖs good practice for assessing patients while out in the field, too. Keep in mind that your instructor will not only grade you on the quality of the content of your paper but by how you apply the APA style, as well. If you find that you are spending too much time formatting your paper, consider using formatting software as a helpful tool to ensure accuracy, so you donΓÇÖt lose points on a well-written paper because of some formatting errors.

For more information about APA or MLA formats, contact us today.

David Plaut

David Plaut is the founder of Reference Point Software (RPS). RPS offers a complete suite of easy-to-use formatting template products featuring MLA and APA style templates, freeing up time to focus on substance while ensuring formatting accuracy. 

Reference Point Software is not associated with, endorsed by, or affiliated with the American Psychological Association (APA) or with the Modern Language Association (MLA).

Tags: medical writing tips , nurse writing tips , reference point software

Comments are closed.

Online Nursing Essays

Online Nursing Essays

Top Quality Nursing Papers

Main Tips On How To Write a Case Study Analysis

NRS 430 Assignment Contemporary Nursing Practice

A nursing case study analysis is like an in-depth exploration. It acts as the lifeline connecting theoretical knowledge to its real-world implications, bridging the gap between understanding symptoms and improving the quality of patient care.

Why is a case study analysis so significant? Case studies are types of essays that breathe life into nursing principles, making them more than abstract concepts. They provide context, create connections, and highlight the real-world impact of nursing decisions. Furthermore, they foster empathy, allowing nursing professionals to perceive each patient as unique with distinctive healthcare needs. This comprehensive guide will serve as your roadmap for how to write a nursing case study analysis.

What is a Case Study Analysis in Nursing?

In the 5th century BC, the philosopher Lao-Tse (also Lao-tzu) wrote, “If you tell me, I will listen. If you show me, I will see. But if you let me experience, I will learn.” And so began one of the first active learning philosophies.

A nursing case study analysis is an immersive journey into a patient’s health scenario. It’s like a detective story, where the nurse or nursing student acts as the investigator, and the patient’s condition is the mystery waiting to be solved. Each patient’s story is unique and requires a thorough examination to extract useful insights. But what exactly does this process involve?

A nursing case study analysis begins with a comprehensive exploration of a patient’s health situation. This includes their health history , current symptoms, and previous treatments. This exploration phase involves collecting data from patient interviews, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests. Each data point could be the key to better understanding the patient’s condition.

The next step is to diagnose the issues. This involves understanding the complexities of the patient’s condition—the root causes, contributing factors, and potential risks. The nurse then moves on to planning and implementing interventions. This might involve developing a care plan , suggesting lifestyle modifications, or coordinating with other healthcare professionals for specialized care. These interventions aim to address the diagnosed issues and improve the patient’s health outcomes.

The nurse then moves on to planning and implementing interventions. This might involve developing a care plan, suggesting lifestyle modifications, or coordinating with other healthcare professionals for specialized care. These interventions aim to address the diagnosed issues and improve the patient’s health outcomes.

What is the Purpose of a Case Analysis?

Why do nurses engage in the elaborate process of a case study analysis? What purposes does it serve, and how does it contribute to the broader nursing field?

  • Enhancing Patient Care: A nursing case study analysis aims to improve patient care. When a nurse begins analyzing a patient’s case, they are honing their ability to provide effective, personalized care.
  • Refining Critical Thinking Skills: A case analysis requires active engagement, thoughtful consideration, and deliberate analysis. Nurses must interpret data, make diagnoses, and plan interventions, all of which demand a high degree of cognitive ability.
  • Bridging Theory and Practice: A case study allows nurses to apply theoretical concepts to real-world contexts, demonstrating the practical implications of nursing principles. This deepens their understanding of these concepts and reinforces their learning.
  • Fostering Reflective Learning: As nurses evaluate their interventions’ outcomes, they reflect, assessing their actions and learning from their experiences. This cultivates an attitude of continuous learning and promotes personal and professional growth.

Difference Between a Nursing Research Paper and a Case Study

Here are the differences between these two important facets of nursing literature:

Research Paper

A nursing research paper explores a particular topic or concept in depth. Its purpose is to contribute new insights or validate or challenge existing theories. It seeks to add to the collective understanding of a topic and often aims to solve a larger problem or answer a complex question.

A research paper often employs a systematic and structured approach. This might involve a literature review, an experimental study, a survey, or a qualitative investigation, depending on the nature of the research topic . The methodology is often rigorous and has strict guidelines to ensure the validity and reliability of the results.

A research paper generally follows the IMRaD format—Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. Each section has a specific role, contributing to the overall narrative of the paper.

A case study takes a single patient situation or a unique medical scenario and delves into it with microscopic attention. The primary aim is to apply theoretical knowledge to practical, real-life scenarios, enhancing understanding and application.

The case study method employs a more focused approach. It concentrates on a single instance or scenario, using interviews, observations, and medical records review to gain insights. Its strength lies in its detail and specificity.

A case study begins with an introduction of the patient or the situation, followed by a detailed account of the patient’s history , diagnosis, treatment, and the nurse’s role. The focus is on presenting a chronological and detailed narrative of the patient’s journey.

Types of Nursing Case Studies

Here are the five primary types of case studies :

  • Problem-Oriented Case Studies: These studies focus on a specific problem encountered in nursing practice. Whether it’s a challenging patient condition, a complex care scenario, or an organizational issue, problem-oriented case studies zero in on the problem. They detail the problem’s context, dissect its causes, and evaluate the solutions implemented.
  • Critical Case Studies: They delve into cases with significant implications for nursing practice. These could be landmark cases, rare medical conditions , or novel nursing interventions. A critical analysis case study aims to illuminate the unique aspects and derive valuable lessons. They often lead to advancements in nursing knowledge, influencing nursing practices and policies.
  • Historical Case Studies: As the name suggests, historical case studies delve into past nursing scenarios. They offer a retrospective analysis of a patient case, nursing intervention, or healthcare event. They allow for reflecting on past actions, evaluating their outcomes, and extracting lessons for future practice.
  • Illustrative Case Studies: Descriptive or illustrative case studies are designed to ‘illustrate’ or ‘describe’ a particular nursing situation or condition. These case studies provide a detailed narrative of the case, painting a vivid picture for the reader. They serve to familiarize the readers with the case’s intricacies, enhancing their understanding and empathy. They are useful for educating patients or the general public about specific health conditions or nursing procedures.
  • Collective Case Studies: Multiple case studies involve the analysis of more than one case. The goal is to derive insights from a collective analysis, recognizing patterns, differences, and similarities across the cases. This type of case study is especially useful for comparing different nursing approaches, understanding the variability in patient responses, or evaluating the impact of a particular nursing intervention across multiple scenarios.

6 Steps for Writing a Case Study Analysis

Writing a nursing case study analysis requires a systematic approach to ensure all necessary details are covered and accurately presented. The case study approach allows in-depth, multi-faceted explorations of complex issues in real-life settings. Here is a step-by-step guide to facilitate this process:

Preparation

Preparation means collecting, collating, and comprehending all available patient case information. First, take the patient’s medical history to understand the current health situation. It may include details about previous diagnoses, treatments, hospitalizations, allergies, and family history of diseases.

Check nursing assessments that were conducted. These assessments serve as a foundation for nursing care, offering vital clues about the patient’s health status at different times. Information about the patient’s vital signs, physical examination findings, lab results, and psychosocial assessments can help unravel the case’s complexity.

Review the treatment plans initiated to have insights into the healthcare team’s approach to managing the patient’s condition. Lastly, include the outcomes. What was the response to the treatments initiated? How did the patient’s condition evolve over time? Outcomes, both expected and unexpected, offer a reality check. They help understand the interventions’ effectiveness and provide opportunities for reflection and learning.

Introduction

Introducing your case study analysis is a gateway to the patient’s story, providing crucial initial details and laying the groundwork for in-depth exploration. Present a snapshot of the patient’s background that involves sharing key details, such as the patient’s age and gender, which can influence disease prevalence, presentation, and response to treatment.

Next, share why the patient sought medical care for a first clue to their health status. Was it a routine check-up that led to an unexpected discovery? Or perhaps the patient presented with specific symptoms, causing them concern? Then, outline the primary health concerns. What were the initial diagnoses or suspicions based on the assessments done? Were there any significant risks identified?

Finally, mention the challenges encountered during care, the strategies to address them, or the valuable lessons gleaned from the case. However, don’t give away too much – just enough to pique their interest and keep them reading.

Background Information

A key element of the background information is the patient’s medical history which sheds light on the patient’s health journey. Past medical diagnoses, treatments, lifestyle habits, and familial health patterns can explain the current health problem and guide future healthcare decisions.

The initial nursing assessments form an integral part of the background information. They include observations about the patient’s symptoms and vital signs and depict their health status at the point of care. Key details such as the patient’s blood pressure , heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, pain level, and overall physical and mental state provide crucial baseline data against which progress can be measured.

Diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, imaging studies, or biopsies, offer objective insights into the patient’s condition. The results of these tests can confirm or rule out diagnoses, guide the choice of interventions, and help assess the effectiveness of treatments.

Lastly, highlight significant observations made during the care process. Did the patient’s condition improve or worsen over time? Were there any unexpected reactions or complications? How did the healthcare team respond? These observations offer a real-world view of the patient’s journey, providing an opportunity to reflect on the decisions made and the outcomes achieved.

Proposed Solutions

First, present the nursing interventions proposed to address the patient’s health concerns. Nursing interventions refer to nurses’ actions to improve patient outcomes, such as administering medication, providing health education, or coordinating care with other healthcare professionals.

Then, discuss the rationale behind each intervention. The rationale is the ‘why’ that justifies the ‘what.’ It explains why a particular intervention was chosen over others and how it is expected to contribute to the patient’s recovery or well-being.

Lastly, determine how each intervention was incorporated into the patient’s care plan . How was the medication administered? What teaching strategies were used for health education? How was care coordination achieved? These details help bring the care process to life, giving readers a peek into the realities of nursing practice.

Recommendations

Recommendations derive from carefully evaluating the patient’s journey, considering the outcomes observed, the challenges encountered, and the lessons learned. These recommendations aim to refine and optimize care processes, ensuring that nursing practice evolves and improves continually.

One common type of recommendation involves suggesting alternative interventions. Despite the best efforts, not all interventions yield the desired outcomes. In such cases, it’s beneficial to explore other potential solutions. These alternatives, informed by the latest evidence and expert opinion, can provide fresh approaches to the problem, opening up new avenues for patient recovery.

Another type of recommendation focuses on enhancing the implementation of interventions. Sometimes, the choice of intervention is sound, but the execution may fall short. Here, the recommendations may address areas such as improving the timing or technique of intervention delivery, enhancing patient education and engagement, or strengthening coordination among the healthcare team.

The review begins with a concise summary of the case. It revisits the patient’s background, the identified health concerns, the nursing interventions implemented, the outcomes observed, and the recommendations proposed. This brief recounting of the case helps anchor the detailed analysis in the reader’s mind.

Following the summary, it’s time for reflection. Reflective essay writing encourages practitioners to learn from their experiences and continuously improve their practice. Discuss the lessons learned from the case, the insights gained, and the challenges faced. This reflective dialogue enriches the case study analysis, transforming it from a simple narrative to a springboard for professional development and growth.

Lastly, the review addresses the case’s broader implications for nursing practice. How does this case contribute to our understanding of patient care? What does it reveal about the application of nursing theory in real-world scenarios? How can the insights from this case inform future nursing practice? By exploring these questions, the review extends the relevance of the case beyond its specific context, connecting it to the larger discourse on nursing care.

Nursing Case Study Analysis Example

This fictitious case involves a patient named “John,” who presents with Type 2 Diabetes and related complications.

Introduction John, a 63-year-old male, presented to the clinic complaining of persistent fatigue, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss . As a nurse practitioner, I evaluated John’s condition and formulated a care plan. This case study analysis will explore John’s health journey, his health issues, the interventions undertaken, and the lessons gleaned from his case. Background Information John was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes five years ago. His medical history reveals that he has struggled to maintain his blood glucose levels within the recommended range. Despite being prescribed oral hypoglycemic agents and advised lifestyle modifications, he found adhering to the recommended regimen challenging. A recent HbA1c test showed a level of 9.5%, indicating poorly controlled diabetes. Proposed Solutions Given John’s condition, the mainstay of his management involved rigorous blood glucose control. His existing medication regimen was reviewed and adjusted to improve glycemic control. Simultaneously, a comprehensive diabetes self-management education  (DSME) program was designed to enhance John’s understanding of diabetes and empower him to manage his condition effectively. The DSME covered essential topics such as the nature of diabetes, the importance of regular monitoring and medication adherence, diet and exercise guidelines, and coping strategies for managing stress and preventing complications. Recommendations Despite best efforts, John’s struggle with diabetes control highlights the need for individualized and holistic care approaches in managing chronic conditions like diabetes. In retrospect, introducing a more intensive support system early on, including regular follow-ups and mental health support, might have helped John better manage his condition. This case underlines the importance of comprehensive patient education and the need for healthcare professionals to recognize and address the psychosocial factors that can impact chronic disease management. Review John’s case provides valuable insights into the challenges of managing chronic conditions like diabetes. It underscores the need for a holistic and personalized approach to patient care beyond medical interventions. The lessons from this case highlight the importance of ongoing patient education, the need for mental health support in chronic disease management, and the value of early and proactive interventions. I hope that the experiences and reflections from this case will inform and enrich nursing practice, especially in chronic disease management.

Final Thoughts on Case Study Analysis

Writing a nursing case study analysis demands a keen understanding of nursing concepts, critical thinking skills, and the ability to apply theory to practice. But, with a structured approach and thorough preparation, it is a rewarding and educational process that enhances nursing practice, contributes to better patient outcomes, and facilitates lifelong learning.

If you’re a nursing student or professional seeking assistance with your own case study analysis, research summary , argumentative essay , or academic writing, look no further. Our dedicated professional writers are well-versed in nursing principles, theories, and practices, making them perfectly equipped to craft high-quality, insightful, and personalized nursing case study analyses.

Ready to experience the difference? Place your order today, and let us support your journey to academic excellence and professional development. Let’s craft a nursing case study analysis that earns you high grades and enriches your nursing practice.

FAQs on How To Write a Case Study Analysis

What is a case study analysis.

A case study analysis critically evaluates a specific instance or event, often focused on a person or a small group. It helps in applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

How do you structure a case study assignment?

A case study format has an introduction, background information, proposed solutions, recommendations, and a review.

What is an example of case analysis?

Case analysis examples could involve examining a patient’s journey through a specific health condition. It would involve analyzing the patient’s health history, symptoms, treatment, and response to the care provided. An in-depth review of all these elements helps to understand the situation better, gain insights, and improve future patient care.

What is the difference between a case study and a case analysis?

A case study is an in-depth investigation of a single individual, group, or event to explore causation and find underlying principles. On the other hand, a case analysis often refers to examining and interpreting the data from the case study to formulate solutions or extract insights.

What are the stages of a case study?

A case study generally involves five stages: preparation, data collection, analysis, formulation of solutions, and essay conclusions or recommendations.

What is the purpose of a case study?

A case study aims to investigate a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, especially when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not evident.

What are the qualities of a good case study?

A good case study is relevant, detailed, focused, provides a learning opportunity, and can generate useful results or insights contributing to the broader field of study.

what is nursing case study

Don’t wait until the last minute

Fill in your requirements and let our experts deliver your work asap.

Examples logo

12+ Nursing Case Study Examples in PDF | DOC

Nursing Case Study Examples

ScienceDirect posted a nursing ethics case study where an end-stage prostate cancer patient, Mr. Green, confided to nursing staff about his plan to commit suicide. The patient asked the nurse to keep it a secret. The ethical problem is whether the nurse should tell the health care team members about the patient’s thought without his permission. The best ethical decision for this nursing case study was to share this critical information with other health care professionals, which was the action the nurse took. The team adhered to the proper self-harm and suicide protocol. The appropriate team performed a palliative therapy. As a result, the patient didn’t harm himself and died peacefully a few months after he was discharged.

What Is a Nursing Case Study?

A nursing case study is a detailed study of an individual patient. Through this type of research, you can gain more information about the symptoms and the medical history of a patient. It will also allow you to provide the proper diagnoses of the patient’s illness based on the symptoms he or she experienced and other affecting factors. Nursing students usually perform this study as part of their practicum, making it an essential experience because, through this research methodology , they can apply the lessons they have learned from school. The situation mentioned above was an excellent example of a nursing case study.

Nursing Case Study Segments

Typically, a nursing case study contains three main categories, such as the items below.

1. The Status of a Patient

In this section, you will provide the patient’s information, such as medical history, and give the current patient’s diagnosis, condition, and treatment. Always remember to write down all the relevant information about the patient. Other items that you can collect in this stage are the reasons for the patient to seek medical care and the initial symptoms that he or she is experiencing. After that, based on the gathered information, you will explain the nature and cause of the illness of the patient.

2. The Nursing Assessment of the Patient

In this stage, you will need to prepare your evaluation of the patient’s condition. You should explain each observation that you have collected based on the vital signs and test results. You will also explain each nursing diagnosis that you have identified and determine the proper nursing care plan for the patient.

3. The Current Care Plan and Recommendations

Describe the appropriate care plan that you can recommend to the patient based on the diagnosis, current status, and prognosis in detail, including how the care plan will affect his or her life quality. If needed, you can also evaluate the patient’s existing care plan and give recommendations to enhance it. It is also crucial to cite relevant authoritative sources that will support your recommendations .

12+ Nursing Case Study Examples

Now that you know what a nursing case study is and its stages, take a look at its actual samples by downloading the following documents. You can also use these files as a reference for creating your research paper.

1. Nursing Case Study Template

nursing case study template

  • Google Docs

Size: 77 KB

2. Free Nursing Student Care Plan Template

free nursing student care plan template

  • Apple Pages

Size: 27 KB

3. Nursing Action Case Study Example

nursing action case study example

Size: 75 KB

4. Hospital Nurseing Care Case Study Example

hospital nursein care case study example

Size: 558 KB

5. Nursing Health Case Study Example

nursing health case study example

Size: 71 KB

6. Fundamentals of Nursing Case Study Example

fundamentals of nursing case study example

Size: 217 KB

7. Sample Nursing Case Study Example

sample nursing case study example

Size: 105 KB

8. Nursing Research Case Study Example

nursing research case study example

Size: 267 KB

9. Standard Nursing Case Study Example

standard nursing case study

Size: 248 KB

10. Nursing Disability Case Study Example

nursing disability case study example

Size: 36 KB

11. Nursing care Patients Case Study Example

nursing care patients case study

Size: 113 KB

12. School of Nursing Case Study Example

school of nursing case study example

Size: 97 KB

13. Evaluation of Nursing Care Case Study Example

evaluation of nursing care case study example

Size: 18 KB

Steps on Nursing Process

Whether you are handling a patient with schizophrenia, pneumonia, diabetes, appendicitis, hypertension, COPD, etc, you will need to follow specific steps to ensure that you are executing the critical nursing process.

1. Assess the Patient

The first step of the nursing process requires critical thinking skills as it involves gathering both subjective and objective data. Subjective data includes verbal statements that you can collect from the patient or caregiver. In contrast, objective information refers to measurable and tangible data, such as vital signs, height, weight, etc. You can also use other sources of information, such as electronic health records, and friends that are in direct contact with the patient.

2. Diagnose the Patient

This critical step will help you in the next steps, such as planning and implementation of patient care. In this step, you will formulate a nursing diagnosis by applying clinical judgment. As a nurse, the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA) will give you an up-to-date nursing diagnosis list, which will allow you to form a diagnosis based on the actual health problem.

3. Plan for a Proper Patient Care Plan

This part is where you will plan out the appropriate care plan for the patient. You will set this goal following the evidence-based practice (EDP) guidelines. The goal you will set should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely ( SMART ).

4. Implement the Plan

In this stage, you can execute the plan that you have developed in the previous step. The implementation may need interventions such as a cardiac monitor, medication administration, etc.

5. Evaluate the Results

It is crucial to remember that every time the team does an intervention, you must do a reassessment to ensure that the process will lead to a positive result. You may need to reassess the patient depending on his progress, and the care plan may be modified based on the reassessment result.

Carrying out a nursing case study can be a delicate task since it puts the life of a person at stake. Thus, it requires a thorough investigation. With that said, it is essential to gain intensive knowledge about this type of study. Today, we have discussed an overview of how to conduct a nursing case study. However, if you think that you are having problems with your writing skills , we recommend you to consider looking for an essay writing service from the experts in the nursing department to ensure that the output follows the appropriate writing style and terminology.

what is nursing case study

AI Generator

Text prompt

  • Instructive
  • Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

This website is intended for healthcare professionals

British Journal of Nursing

  • { $refs.search.focus(); })" aria-controls="searchpanel" :aria-expanded="open" class="hidden lg:inline-flex justify-end text-gray-800 hover:text-primary py-2 px-4 lg:px-0 items-center text-base font-medium"> Search

Search menu

Akhtar N, Lee L Utilization and complications of central venous access devices in oncology patients. Current Oncology.. 2021; 28:(1)367-377 https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol28010039

BD ChloraPrep: summary of product characteristics.. 2021; https://www.bd.com/en-uk/products/infection-prevention/chloraprep-patient-preoperative-skin-preparation/chloraprep-smpc-pil-msds

Chloraprep 10.5ml applicator.. 2022a; https://www.bd.com/en-uk/products/infection-prevention/chloraprep-patient-preoperative-skin-preparation/chloraprep-patient-preoperative-skin-preparation-product-line/chloraprep-105-ml-applicator

Chloraprep 3ml applicator.. 2022b; https://www.bd.com/en-uk/products/infection-prevention/chloraprep-patient-preoperative-skin-preparation/chloraprep-patient-preoperative-skin-preparation-product-line/chloraprep-3-ml-applicator

Website.. 2021; https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/preventinfections/providers.htm

Ceylan G, Topal S, Turgut N, Ozdamar N, Oruc Y, Agin H, Devrim I Assessment of potential differences between pre-filled and manually prepared syringe use during vascular access device management in a pediatric intensive care unit. https://doi.org/10.1177/11297298211015500

Clare S, Rowley S Best practice skin antisepsis for insertion of peripheral catheters. Br J Nurs.. 2021; 30:(1)8-14 https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2021.30.1.8

Caguioa J, Pilpil F, Greensitt C, Carnan D HANDS: standardised intravascular practice based on evidence. Br J Nurs.. 2012; 21:(14)S4-S11 https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2012.21.Sup14.S4

Easterlow D, Hoddinott P, Harrison S Implementing and standardising the use of peripheral vascular access devices. J Clin Nurs.. 2010; 19:(5-6)721-727 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2009.03098.x

Florman S, Nichols RL Current approaches for the prevention of surgical site infections. Am J Infect Dis.. 2007; 3:(1)51-61 https://doi.org/10.3844/ajidsp.2007.51.61

Gorski LA, Hadaway L, Hagle M Infusion therapy standards of practice. J Infus Nurs.. 2021; 44:(S1)S1-S224 https://doi.org/10.1097/NAN.0000000000000396

Guenezan J, Marjanovic N, Drugeon B Chlorhexidine plus alcohol versus povidone iodine plus alcohol, combined or not with innovative devices, for prevention of short-term peripheral venous catheter infection and failure (CLEAN 3 study): an investigator-initiated, openlabel, single centre, randomised-controlled, two-by-two factorial trial [published correction appears in Lancet Infect Dis. 2021 Apr 6]. Lancet Infect Dis.. 2021; 21:(7)1038-1048 https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(20)30738-6

Gunka V, Soltani P, Astrakianakis G, Martinez M, Albert A, Taylor J, Kavanagh T Determination of ChloraPrep® drying time before neuraxial anesthesia in elective cesarean delivery: a prospective observational study. Int J Obstet Anesth.. 2019; 38:19-24 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijoa.2018.10.012

Ishikawa K, Furukawa K Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia due to central venous catheter infection: a clinical comparison of infections caused by methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible strains. Cureus.. 2021; 13:(7) https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.16607

Loveday HP, Wilson JA, Pratt RJ Epic3: national evidence-based guidelines for preventing healthcare-associated infections in NHS hospitals in England. J Hosp Infect.. 2014; 86:(S1)S1-70 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0195-6701(13)60012-2

Promoting safer use of injectable medicines.. 2007; https://healthcareea.vctms.co.uk/assets/content/9652/4759/content/injectable.pdf

Standards for infusion therapy. 4th edn.. 2016; https://www.rcn.org.uk/clinical-topics/Infection-prevention-and-control/Standards-for-infusion-therapy

Taxbro K, Chopra V Appropriate vascular access for patients with cancer. Lancet.. 2021; 398:(10298)367-368 https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00920-X

Case Studies

Gema munoz-mozas.

Vascular Access Advanced Nurse Practitioner—Lead Vascular Access Nurse, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

View articles · Email Gema

Colin Fairhurst

Vascular Access Advanced Clinical Practitioner, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust

View articles

Simon Clare

Research and Practice Development Director, The Association for Safe Aseptic Practice

View articles · Email Simon

what is nursing case study

Intravenous (IV) access, both peripheral and central, is an integral part of the patient care pathways for diagnosing and treating cancer. Patients receiving systemic anticancer treatment (SACT) are at risk for developing infections, which may lead to hospitalisation, disruptions in treatment schedules and even death ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021 ). However, infection rates can be reduced and general patient outcomes improved with the evidence-based standardisation of IV practice, and the adoption of the appropriate equipment, such as peripheral IV cannulas, flushing solutions and sterile IV dressings ( Easterlow et al, 2010 ).

Cancer treatment frequently involves the use of central venous catheters (CVCs)-also referred to as central venous access devices (CVADs)—which can represent a lifeline for patients when used to administer all kinds of IV medications, including chemotherapy, blood products and parenteral nutrition. They can also be used to obtain blood samples, which can improve the patient’s quality of life by reducing the need for peripheral stabs from regular venepunctures ( Taxbro and Chopra, 2021 ). CVCs are relatively easy to insert and care for; however, they are associated with potential complications throughout their insertion and maintenance.

One serious complication of CVC use is catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), which can increase morbidity, leading to prolonged hospitalisation and critical use of hospital resources ( Akhtar and Lee, 2021 ). Early-onset CRBSIs are commonly caused by skin pathogens, and so a cornerstone of a CRBSI prevention is skin antisepsis at the time of CVC insertion. Appropriate antisepsis (decontamination/preparation) of the site for CVC insertion can prevent the transmission of such skin pathogens during insertion, while reducing the burden of bacteria on the CVC exit site ( Loveday et al, 2014 ).

Evidence-based practice for the prevention of a CRBSIs and other healthcare-associated infections recommends skin antisepsis prior to insertion of a vascular-access device (VAD) using a 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% isopropyl alcohol solution. This is recommended in guidelines such as epic3 ( Loveday et al, 2014 ), the Standards for Infusion Therapy ( Royal College of Nursing, 2016 ) and the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice ( Gorski et al, 2021 ). A strong evidenced-backed product such as BD ChloraPrep™ ( Figure 1 ) has a combination of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol that provides broad-spectrum rapid-action antisepsis, while the applicators facilitate a sterile, single-use application that eliminates direct hand-to-patient contact, helping to reduce cross-contamination and maintaining sterile conditions ( BD, 2021 ). The BD ChloraPrep™ applicator’s circular head allows precise antisepsis of the required area, and the sponge head helps to apply gentle friction in back-and-forth motion to penetrate the skin layers ( BD, 2021 ). BD ChloraPrep’s rapidacting, persistent and broad-spectrum characteristics and proven applicator system ( Florman and Nichols, 2007 ) make it a vital part of the policy and protocol for insertion, care and maintenance of CVCs in specialist cancer centres such as the Royal Marsden. Meanwhile, the use of BD PosiFlush™ Prefilled Saline Syringe ( Figure 2 ), a prefilled normal saline (0.9% sodium choride) syringe, is established practice for the flushing regime of VADs in many NHS Trusts.

what is nursing case study

The following five case studies present examples from personal experience of clinical practice that illustrate how and why clinicians in oncology and other disciplines use BD ChloraPrep ™ and BD PosiFlush ™ Prefilled Saline Syringe in both adult and paediatric patients.

Case study 1 (Andy)

Andy was a 65-year-old man being treated for metastatic colorectal cancer at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust specialist cancer service, which provides state-of-the-art treatment to over 60 000 patients each year.

Andy had a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placed at the onset of his chemotherapy treatment to facilitate IV treatment. While in situ, PICCs require regular maintenance to minimise associated risks. This consists of a weekly dressing change to minimise infection and a weekly flush to maintain patency, if not in constant use. For ambulatory patients, weekly PICC maintenance can be carried out either in the hospital outpatient department or at home by a district nurse or family member trained to do so. Patients, relatives, carers and less-experienced nurses involved in PICC care (flushing and dressing) can watch a video on the Royal Marsden website as an aide memoir.

Initially, Andy decided to have his weekly PICC maintenance at the hospital’s nurse-led clinic for the maintenance of CVCs. At the clinic, Andy’s PICC dressing change and catheter flushing procedures were performed by a nursing associate (NA), who, having completed the relevant competences and undergone supervised practise, could carry out weekly catheter maintenance and access PICC for blood sampling.

In line with hospital policy, the PICC dressing change was performed under aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) using a dressing pack and sterile gloves. After removal of the old dressing, the skin around the entry site and the PICC was cleaned with a 3 ml BD ChloraPrep™ applicator, using back-andforth strokes for 30 seconds and allowing the area to air dry completely before applying the new dressing. As clarified in a recent article on skin antisepsis (Clare and Rowley, 2020), BD ChloraPrep™ applicator facilitated a sterile, single-use application that eliminates direct hand-to-patient contact, which help reduce cross-contamination and maintaining ANTT. Its circular head allowed precise antisepsis around the catheter, and the sponge head helped to apply gentle friction in back-and-forth strokes to penetrate the skin layers.

Once the new dressing was applied, the NA continued to clean the catheter hub and change the needle-free connector. Finally, the catheter lumen was flushed with 10 ml of normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) with a pre-filled saline syringe (BD PosiFlush™ Prefilled Saline Syringe). This involved flushing 1 ml at a time, following a push-pause technique, with positive pressure disconnection to ensure catheter patency. The classification of these syringes as medical devices enables NAs and other nonregistered members of the clinical team to support nursing staff with the care and maintenance of PICCs and other CVCs, within local policies and procedures. Using pre-filled syringes can save time and minimise the risk of contamination of the solution ( Ceylan et al, 2021 ).

The use of pre-filled 0.9% sodium chloride syringes facilitates home maintenance of PICCs for patients. When Andy did not need to attend hospital, his PICC maintenance could be performed by a family member. Patients and relatives could access the necessary equipment and training from the day-case unit or outpatient department. Home PICC maintenance is extremely beneficial, not just to providers, but also to patients, who may avoid unnecessary hospital attendance and so benefit from more quality time at home and a reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections. Many patients and relatives have commented on the convenience of having their PICC maintenance at home and how easy they found using the ChloraPrep™ and BD PosiFlush™ Prefilled Saline Syringe ‘sticks’.

Case study 2 (Gail)

Gail was as a 48-year-old woman being treated for bladder cancer with folinic acid, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin (FOLOX). She was admitted for a replacement PICC, primarily for continuous cytotoxic intravenous medication via infusion pump in the homecare setting. Her first PICC developed a reaction thought to be related to a sutureless securement device (SSD) anchoring the PICC. The device was removed, but this resulted in displacement of the PICC and incorrect positioning in the vessel (superior vena cava). Now unsafe, the PICC was removed, awaiting replacement, which resulted in a delayed start for the chemotherapy.

A second PICC placement was attempted by a nurse-led CVC placement team, and a line attempt was made in Gail’s left arm. Skin antisepsis was undertaken using a 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% isopropyl alcohol solution (ChloraPrep™). A BD ChloraPrep ™ 10 ml applicator was selected, using manufacturer’s recommendations, as per best practice guidance for CVC placement ( Loveday et al, 2014 ) and to comply with local policy for the use of ANTT. The BD ChloraPrep™ applicator allowed improved non-touch technique and helped facilitate good key-part and key-site protection, in line with ANTT ( Clare and Rowley, 2021 ).

The inserting clinician failed to successfully position the PICC in Gail’s left arm and moved to try on the right. On the second attempt, Gail noted the use of BD ChloraPrep™ and stated that she was allergic to the product, reporting a severe skin rash and local discomfort. The line placer informed the Gail that she had used BD ChloraPrep™ on the failed first attempt without issue, and she gave her consent to continue the procedure. No skin reaction was noted during or after insertion of the PICC.

BD ChloraPrep™ has a rapid-acting broad-spectrum antiseptic range and ability to keep fighting bacteria for at least 48 hours ( BD, 2021 ). These were tangible benefits during maintenance of the CVC insertion site, in the protection of key sites following dressing change and until subsequent dressing changes. There are reported observations of clinicians not allowing the skin to fully dry and applying a new dressing onto wet skin after removing old dressings and disinfecting the exit site with BD ChloraPrep™. This has been reported to cause skin irritation, which can be mistaken for an allergic reaction and lead the patient to think that they have an allergy to chlorhexidine. In our centre’s general experience, very few true allergic reactions have ever been reported by the insertion team. Improved surveillance might better differentiate between later reported reactions, possibly associated with a delayed response to exposure to BD ChloraPrep ™ at insertion, and local skin irritation caused by incorrect management at some later point during hospitalisation.

Staff training is an important consideration in the safe and correct use of BD ChloraPrep™ products and the correct use of adhesive dressings to avoid irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). It is worth noting that it can be difficult to differentiate between ICD and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Education and training should be multifaceted (such as with training videos and study days), allowing for different ways of learning, and monitored with audit. Local training in the benefits of using BD ChloraPrep™ correctly have been reinforced by adding simple instructions to ANTT procedure guidelines for CVC insertion and maintenance. Education on its own is often limited to a single episode of training, the benefit of using ANTT procedure guidelines is that they are embedded in a programme of audits and periodic competency reassessment. This makes sure that, as an integral part of good practice, skin antisepsis with BD ChloraPrep ™ is consistently and accurately retrained and assessed.

Gail’s case illustrates the importance of correct application of BD ChloraPrep ™ and how good documentation and surveillance are vital in monitoring skin health during the repeated use skindisinfection products. Care should be taken when recording ICD and ACD reactions, and staff should take steps to confirm true allergy versus temporary skin irritation.

Case study 3 (Beata)

Beata was a 13-year-old teenage girl being treated for acute myeloid leukaemia. Although Beata had a dual-lumen skin-tunnelled catheter in situ, a peripheral intravenous cannula (PIVC) was required for the administration of contrast media for computed tomography (CT) scanning. However, Beata had needlephobia, and so the lead vascular access nurse was contacted to insert the cannula, following ultrasound guidance and the ANTT. After Beata and her mother gave their consent to the procedure, the nurse gathered and prepared all the equipment, including a cannulation pack, single-use tourniquet, skin-antisepsis product, appropriate cannula, PIVC dressing, 0.9% sodium chloride BD PosiFlush ™ Prefilled Saline Syringe, sterile gel, sterile dressing to cover ultrasound probe and personal protective equipment.

Prior to PIVC insertion, a 4x5 cm area of skin underwent antisepsis with a 1.5 ml BD ChloraPrep ™ Frepp applicator, with back-and-forth strokes for 30 seconds, and was allowed to air-dry. The vascular access team prefer to use BD ChloraPrep ™ Frepp over single-use wipes, as the former is faster acting and provides the right volume to decontaminate the indicated area using ANTT ( Clare and Rowley, 2021 ).

Following insertion, the PIVC was flushed with a 10 ml BD PosiFlush ™ Prefilled Saline Syringe syringe, using a pushpause pulsatile technique, with positive pressure disconnection. Local policy recommends the use of pre-filled saline syringes, as they save time and minimise infection risk compared with manually drawn saline flushes ( Ceylan et al, 2021 ). The Trust also permits competent non-registered members of staff to perform PIVC insertion, which is more cost-effective than depending on registered nurses.

In Beata’s case, the team considered the use of BD ChloraPrep™ and BD PosiFlush™ Prefilled Saline Syringe to be essential for the prevention of VAD-associated infections, as well as increasing the quality of nursing care by saving time in the day-case and inpatient settings alike.

Case study 4 (Emma)

Emma, a 43-year-old woman diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, was scheduled for an allogenic stem-cell transplant and associated chemotherapy. To facilitate this, she attended the vascular access service at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust for the insertion of a triple-lumen skin-tunnelled catheter. This was identified as the best VAD for her needs, because of its longevity, multiple points of access and decreased infection risk compared with other devices, such as PICCs.

This was Emma’s second advanced VAD insertion, having previously received an apheresis line due to poor peripheral venous access, to facilitate the prior stem-cell harvest. She was yet to receive any treatment, and, therefore, no immunodeficiency had been identified prior to the insertion procedure.

Trust policy for skin disinfection prior to the insertion or removal of PICC lines is a 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% isopropyl alcohol solution, BD ChloraPrep™. There is an exception for patient history of allergy or sensitivity to BD ChloraPrep™, where 10% povidone iodine is used instead. Emma had received BD ChloraPrep™ before, with no sign allergy or sensitivity, and so the vascular access team decided to use this product again for insertion. BD Chloraprep™ was used, in preference of other skin antisepsis options, due to the applicator’s ability to effectively penetrate the layers of the epidermis, as well as the ability to eliminate direct hand-to-skin contact between the operator and patient ( Clare and Rowley, 2021 ).

Insertion of a skin-tunnelled catheter first requires disinfection of a large area, including the neck and upper chest. Following the manufacturer’s coverage recommendations, a 10.5 ml BD ChloraPrep™ applicator was selected as most suitable to cover an area of 25x30 cm ( BD, 2022 a).

The applicator was activated by pinching the wings to allow the antiseptic solution to properly load onto the sponge. To ensure proper release of the solution, the applicator was held on the skin against the anticipated site of insertion until the sponge pad became saturated. Then, a back-and-forth rubbing motion was undertaken for a minimum of 30 seconds, ensuring that the full area to be used was covered. The solution was then left to dry completely, prior to full-body draping, leaving the procedural area exposed for the procedure. Generally, drying time takes from 30 to 60 seconds, but local policy is not restrictive, as allowing the solution to fully dry is of paramount importance ( Gunka et al, 2019 ). BD Chloraprep™ is effective against a wide variety of microorganisms and has a rapid onset of action ( Florman and Nichols, 2007 ). Therefore, it was felt to be the best option for procedural and ongoing care skin asepsis in a patient anticipated to be immunocompromised during treatment.

It is the normal policy of the Trust’s vascular access service to flush VADs using BD PosiFlush™ Prefilled Saline Syringes with 0.9% sodium chloride. Likewise, BD PosiFlush™ Prefilled Saline Syringes Sterile Pathway (SP) are used to prime all VADs prior to insertion and to check for correct patency once inserted. BD PosiFlush ™ Prefilled Saline Syringe were used in preference of other options, such as vials or bags, due to the absence of requirement for a prescription in the local organisation. They are treated as a medical device and, therefore, can be used without prescription. The advantage of this is that flushes can be administered in a nurse-led clinic, where prescribers are not always available. Aside from the logistical advantages, the use of pre-filled syringes reduces the risk of microbial contamination through preparation error and administration error through correct labelling ( National Patient Safety Agency, 2007 ) In Emma’s case, three BD PosiFlush™ SP Prefilled Saline Syringes were used to check patency and/or ascertain venous location following the insertion of the skin-tunnelled catheter.

In this case, both BD ChloraPrep ™ and BD PosiFlush ™ Prefilled Saline Syringe proved simple to use and helped achieve a successful procedural outcome for the patient.

Case study 5 (Frank)

Frank was a 47-year-old man who had been diagnosed with infective endocarditis following a trans-oesophageal echo. A few days later, to facilitate his planned treatment of 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics to be administered 4-hourly every day, he was referred to the vascular access service for insertion of longterm IV access. To facilitate this administration, the decision was made to place a PICC.

Frank’s referral included a history of illegal intravenous drug use and details of the consequent difficulty the ward-based team had in finding suitable veins to obtain vascular access. His medical history also included infected abscesses in the left groin and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonisation.

First, Frank was administered suppression therapy for MRSA decolonisation. Following this and prior to PICC insertion, the skin antisepsis procedure was undertaken using a 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% isopropyl alcohol solution, BD ChloraPrep™, in adherence to Trust policy ( Loveday et al, 2014 ). Specifically, BD ChloraPrep™ applicators are selected for their single-use application. They have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of infectious complications (catheter colonisation and local infection) by 92% compared with 5% povidone iodine (PVI) 69% ethanol ( Guenezan et al, 2021 ). A 3 ml BD ChloraPrep™ applicator was considered suitable to decontaminate an area sufficient for the intended PICC insertion procedure, as recommended by the manufacturer ( BD, 2022 b). It was applied using a back-and-forth motion for a minimum of 30 seconds and left to fully dry ( Loveday et al, 2014 ). Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia’s have a mortality rate of 20-40% and are predominantly caused by VAD insertion ( Ishikawa and Furukawa, 2021 ), and, therefore, the need to reduce this risk was of particular importance for this patient due to the history of MRSA colonisation.

In Frank’s case, the use of BD ChloraPrep™ during the insertion procedure and for each subsequent dressing change episode participated in an uneventful period of treatment. The clinical challenges posed by the patients’ presentation of MRSA colonisation meant the risk of infection was increased but, through correct antisepsis, no adverse events were noted, and the full course of treatment was successfully administered through the PICC.

what is nursing case study

How to write a Nursing Case Study Analysis Paper

what is nursing case study

Writing a nursing case study is not something most nursing students look forward to. This is because it is a somewhat difficult process that is often overwhelming for nursing students. Nevertheless, by reading this guide prepared by our best nursing students, you should be able to easily and quickly write a nursing case study that can get you an excellent grade.

How different is this guide from similar guides all over the internet? Very different!

This guide provides all the pieces of information that one would need to write an A-grade nursing case study. These include the format for a nursing case study, a step-by-step guide on how to write a nursing case study, and all the important tips to follow when writing a nursing case study.

This comprehensive guide was developed by the top nursing essay writers at NurseMyGrade, so you can trust that the information herein is a gem that will catapult your grades to the next level. Expect updates as we unravel further information about writing a nursing case study.

Now that you know you’ve discovered a gold mine, let’s get right into it.

What Is a Nursing Case Study?

A nursing case study is a real or imagined patient scenario designed to test the knowledge and skills of student nurses. Nursing case study assignments usually focus on testing knowledge and skills in areas of nursing study related to daily nursing practice.

As a nursing student, you must expect a nursing case study assignment at some point in college. The fact that you are reading this post means that point is now.

While there is no standard structure for writing a nursing case study assignment, there are some things or elements that must be present in your nursing assignment for your professor to consider it complete.

In the next section, you will discover these things that your instructor n expects in your nursing case study analysis.

The Nursing Case Study Template

  • • Title page
  • • Introduction
  • • Case presentation (Patient info, history and medical condition)
  • • Diagnosis/Nursing assessment
  • • Intervention/Nursing care plan
  • • Discussion and recommendations
  • • Conclusion
  • • References

The Structure of a Nursing Case Study Analysis

You now know what nursing professors expect in a nursing case study analysis. In this section, we will explain what exactly to include in each section of your nursing case study analysis to make it an excellent one.

1. Title page

The title page is important in all types of academic writing. You must include it when writing your nursing case study analysis or any other type of essay or paper. And you must include it in the format recommended by your college.

If your college has no specific title page format, use the title page format of the style requested in the assignment prompt. In nursing college, virtually all assignments are supposed to be written either in Harvard or APA format.

So, check your assignment prompt and create your title page correctly. The typical title page should include the topic of your paper, your name, the name of your professor, the course name, the date you are submitting the paper, and the name of your college.

2. Abstract

Most nursing professors require you to include an abstract in your nursing case study analysis. And even when you are not specifically required to write one, it is good to do so. Of course, you should consult with your professor before doing so.

When writing an abstract for your paper, make sure it is about 200 words long. The abstract should include a brief summary of the case study including all the important information in the patient presentation such as the history, the age, and the current diagnosis.

The summary should also include the nursing assessment, the current interventions, and recommendations.

3. Introduction

After writing the title page and the abstract, start writing the introduction. The introduction of a nursing case study analysis must briefly include the patient presentation, the patient’s current diagnosis and medication, and the recommendations. It must also include a strong thesis statement that shows what the paper is all about.

You shouldn’t just write an introduction for the sake of it. If you do so, your introduction will be bland. You need to put in good effort when writing your introduction. The best way to do this is to use your introduction to show you understand the case study perfectly and that you are going to analyze it right.

You can always write your introduction last. Many students do this because they believe writing an introduction last makes it more precise and accurate.

4. Case presentation

After introducing your nursing case study analysis, you should present the case. It is usually very easy to present a case. You simply need to paraphrase the patient scenario. When doing this, do not forget to include all the important details in the patient scenario including the description of the patient, patient history, complaints, medical history, family history, and so on.

In short, everything important in the patient scenario should be in your case presentation. The only thing you need to avoid when writing your case presentation is copying the patient scenario or case study word-for-word.

5. Diagnosis

After case presentation, you should explain the diagnosis. In other words, you should explain the condition, disease, or medical situation highlighted in the case presentation. For example, if the patient is a heavy smoker and he has COPD, it is at this point that you explain how COPD is linked to heavy smoking.

And when explaining the condition, go deep into the pathophysiology. Focus specifically on the patient’s risk factors. Make sure you get your explanation from recent nursing literature. And do not forget to cite all the literature you get your facts from.

In short, this section should explain the patient’s condition or suffering.

6. Intervention

After the diagnosis section, your nursing case study analysis should have an intervention section. This section is also known as the nursing care plan section. What you are supposed to do in this section is to present a nursing care plan for the patient presented in the patient scenario.

A good nursing care plan is one that details the patient’s chief complaints or critical problems. It then describes the causes for these problems using evidence from recent medical or nursing literature. It then details the potential intervention for each problem. Lastly, it includes goals and evaluation strategies for the measures.

Some nursing professors regard the intervention section (or nursing care plan section) as the most important part of a nursing case study. This is because this part details exactly how the student nurse will react to the patient scenario (which is exactly what the nursing professors want to know). So make sure you put in good effort when developing this section to get an excellent grade in this section.

7. Discussion and recommendations

The intervention section in a nursing case study is followed by a discussion and recommendations section. In this section, you are supposed to expound on the patient scenario, the diagnosis, and the nursing care plan. You are also supposed to expound on the potential outcomes if the care plan is followed properly. The rationale for the care plan or its important bits should also be explained in the discussion.

The discussion should be followed by recommendations. Recommendations usually everything important that can be done or changed to manage patient condition or prevent its reoccurrence. Basically, anything that enhances the patient’s well-being can be a recommendation. Just make sure your key recommendations are supported by evidence.

8. Conclusion

This is the second last section of a typical nursing case study. What you need here is to summarize the entire case study. Make sure your summary has at least the case presentation, the nursing assessment/diagnosis, the intervention, and the key recommendations.

At the very end of your conclusion, add a closing statement. The statement should wrap up the whole thing nicely. Try to make it as impressive as possible.

9. References

This is the last section of a nursing case study. No nursing case study is complete without a references section. You should make sure your case study has both in-text citations and a references page.

And you should make sure both are written as recommended in the assignment. The style section is usually Harvard or APA. Follow the recommended style to get a good grade in your essay.

Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Nursing Case Study

You now know all the key sections you need to include in a nursing case study. You also know what exactly you need to do in each section. It is now time to know how exactly to write a nursing case study. The process detailed below should be easy to follow because you now know the typical structure of nursing case studies.

When given a nursing case study assignment, the first thing you need to do is to read. You need to read two pieces of information slowly and carefully.

First, you need to read the prompt itself slowly and carefully. This is important because the prompt will have important bits of information that you need to know, including the style, the format, the word count, and the number of references needed. All these bits of information are important to know to ensure what you are writing is the right thing.

Second, you need to read the patient scenario slowly and carefully. You should do this to understand it clearly so that you do not make any mistakes in your analysis.

  • Create a rough outline

Failure to plan is a plan to fail. So do not fail to plan. In other words, do not fail to create an outline for your case study analysis. Use the template provided in this essay to create a rough outline for your nursing case study analysis.

Make sure your outline is as detailed as it can be at this stage. You can do light research to achieve this aim. However, this is not exactly necessary because this is just a rough outline.

  • Conduct thorough research

After creating a rough outline, you should conduct thorough research. Your research should especially focus on providing a credible and evidence-based nursing assessment on the patient problem(s). The evidence you should use should only be from recent nursing or medical literature.

You will also need to conduct thorough research to come up with an effective intervention or nursing care plan. So when researching the patient’s problem and its diagnosis, you should also research the most suitable intervention or you should do it right after.

When conducting research, you should always note down your sources. So for every piece of information you find and what to use, you should have its reference.

After conducting thorough research, you should enhance your rough outline using the new pieces of information you have discovered. Make sure it is as comprehensive as possible.

  • Write your nursing case study

At this stage, you simply need to follow your comprehensive outline to write your case study analysis. If you created a good outline, you should find it very easy to write your nursing case study analysis.

If you did not, you will find it difficult to write your nursing case study. Whenever you are stuck when writing your case study analysis paper, you should re-read the part of this article where we explain what to include in every section of your analysis. Doing so will help you know what exactly to write to continue with your essay. Writing a nursing case study analysis usually takes only a few hours.

  • Reference your case study

After writing your case study, make sure you add all in-text citations if you had not added them already. And when adding them, you should make sure you follow the style/format recommended in the assignment prompt (usually APA or Harvard style).

After adding in-text citations exactly where they need to be and in the right format, add all the references you have used in a references page. And you should add them correctly as per the rules of the style you were asked to use.

Do not forget to organize your references alphabetically after you are done creating your references page.

  • Thoroughly edit your case study

After STEP 5 above, you need to edit your case study. You should edit it slowly and carefully. Do this by proofreading it twice. Proofread it slowly each time to discover all the grammar, style, and punctuation errors. Remove all the errors you find.

After proofreading your essay twice, check it one more time to make sure every sentence is very easy to understand. This is what will transform your ordinary case study into an A-grade case study. Of course, it must also have all the standard sections expected in a case study.

Just to make sure your case study is absolutely perfect, check it one more time using a grammarly.com or a similar computer grammar checker. Doing this will help you catch and eliminate all the remaining errors in your work.

  • Submit your case study analysis

After you are done proofreading and editing your case study analysis, it will be 100% ready for submission. Just convert it into the format it is required in and submit it.

Nursing Case Study Tips and Tricks

The guide above and other pieces of information in this article should help you to develop a good nursing case study analysis. The tips and tricks in this section should help you to ensure that your nursing case study analysis you create is an excellent one.

  • Begin early

The moment you see a nursing case study assignment prompt, identify a date to start writing it and create your own deadline to beat before the deadline stated in the prompt.

If you do this and then start writing your case study analysis early before your deadline, you will have plenty of time to do excellent research, to develop an excellent paper, and to edit your final paper as thoroughly as you want to.

Most student nurses combine work and study. So if you decide to leave a nursing case study assignment until late to complete it, something could come up and you could end up failing to submit it or submitting a rushed case study analysis.

  • Use the right terminology

When writing an essay or any other academic paper, you are always encouraged to use the simplest language possible to make your work easy to understand. However, this is not the case when writing a nursing case study analysis. While your work should certainly be easy to understand, you are required to use the right nursing terminology at every point where it is necessary. Failure to do this could water down your work or make it look less professional or convincing.

  • Avoid copying and pasting

If you are a serious nursing student, you obviously know that copying and pasting is not allowed or tolerated in assignments. However, sometimes copying and pasting can seem okay in nursing case study. For example, it can seem okay to copy-paste the patient presentation. However, this is not okay. You are supposed to paraphrase the verbatim when presenting the patient presentation in your essay. You should also avoid copy pasting information or texts directly. Every fact or evidence you research and find should be paraphrased to appear in your work. And it should be cited correctly.

  • Always ask for help if stuck

This is very important. Students are usually overwhelmed with academic work, especially a month or two to the end of the semester. If you are overwhelmed and you think you will not have the time to complete your nursing case study analysis or to submit a quality one, ask for help. Ask for help from an assignment help business like ours and you will soon have a paper ready that you can use as you please. If you choose to get help from us, you will get a well-researched, well-planned, well-developed, and fully edited nursing case study.

  • Format your paper correctly

Many students forget to do proper formatting after they are done writing their nursing case study analyses. Before you submit your paper, make sure you format it correctly. If you do not format your paper correctly, you will lose marks because of poor formatting. If you feel you are not very confident with your APA or Harvard formatting skills, send your paper to us to get it correctly formatted and ready for submission.

Last words - where to get help if overwhelmed

In the last few years, our company has been one of the best-rated nursing assignment help companies . Thousands of students have benefitted from our many academic writing guides. Many more have benefitted from direct help given by our experts.

We’ve got dozens of nursing experts available every day of the week to provide nursing assignment help. They can easily research and write virtually any type of nursing assignment, including a nursing case study. So, if the information provided in this article isn’t making you feel any optimistic about writing an excellent nursing case study, get help from us.

Get help by ordering a custom nursing case study through this very website. If you do so, you will get a 100% original paper that is well-researched, well-written, well-formatted, and properly referenced. Since the paper is totally original, you can use it anywhere without encountering any problem.

Thousands of students trust our company every, week, month, and year. Be like them! Trust us for 100% confidentiality and speedy delivery.

Waste 5 Hours

Or Spend $29 ?

Related Articles

what is nursing case study

How to Create an Effective Poster Presentation (A Nurse Student�s Guide)

what is nursing case study

PICOT Question Examples for Nursing Research

what is nursing case study

Persuasive Speech Topics and Ideas About Healthcare

NurseMyGrades is being relied upon by thousands of students worldwide to ace their nursing studies. We offer high quality sample papers that help students in their revision as well as helping them remain abreast of what is expected of them.

College of Nursing

Driving change: a case study of a dnp leader in residence program in a gerontological center of excellence.

View as pdf A later version of this article appeared in Nurse Leader , Volume 21, Issue 6 , December 2023 . 

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) published the Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Practice Nursing in 2004 identifying the essential curriculum needed for preparing advanced practice nurse leaders to effectively assess organizations, identify systemic issues, and facilitate organizational changes. 1 In 2021, AACN updated the curriculum by issuing The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education to guide the development of competency-based education for nursing students. 1 In addition to AACN’s competency-based approach to curriculum, in 2015 the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL) released Nurse Leader Core Competencies (updated in 2023) to help provide a competency based model to follow in developing nurse leaders. 2

Despite AACN and AONL competency-based curriculum and model, it is still common for nurse leaders to be promoted to management positions based solely on their work experience or exceptional clinical skills, rather than demonstration of management and leadership competencies. 3 The importance of identifying, training, and assessing executive leaders through formal leadership development programs, within supportive organizational cultures has been discussed by national leaders. As well as the need for nurturing emerging leaders through fostering interprofessional collaboration, mentorship, and continuous development of leadership skills has been identified. 4 As Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) nurse leaders assume executive roles within healthcare organizations, they play a vital role within complex systems. Demonstration of leadership competence and participation in formal leadership development programs has become imperative for their success. However, models of competency-based executive leadership development programs can be hard to find, particularly programs outside of health care systems.

The implementation of a DNP Leader in Residence program, such as the one designed for The Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence, addresses many of the challenges facing new DNP leaders and ensures mastery of executive leadership competencies and readiness to practice through exposure to varied experiences and close mentoring. The Csomay Center , based at The University of Iowa, was established in 2000 as one of the five original Hartford Centers of Geriatric Nursing Excellence in the country. Later funding by the Csomay family established an endowment that supports the Center's ongoing work. The current Csomay Center strategic plan and mission aims to develop future healthcare leaders while promoting optimal aging and quality of life for older adults. The Csomay Center Director created the innovative DNP Leader in Residence program to foster the growth of future nurse leaders in non-healthcare systems. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the development and implementation of the Leader in Residence program, followed by suggested evaluation strategies, and discussion of future innovation of leadership opportunities in non-traditional health care settings.

Development of the DNP Leader in Residence Program

The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle has garnered substantial recognition as a valuable tool for fostering development and driving improvement initiatives. 5 The PDSA cycle can function as an independent methodology and as an integral component of broader quality enhancement approaches with notable efficacy in its ability to facilitate the rapid creation, testing, and evaluation of transformative interventions within healthcare. 6 Consequently, the PDSA cycle model was deemed fitting to guide the development and implementation of the DNP Leader in Residence Program at the Csomay Center.

PDSA Cycle: Plan

Existing resources. The DNP Health Systems: Administration/Executive Leadership Program offered by the University of Iowa is comprised of comprehensive nursing administration and leadership curriculum, led by distinguished faculty composed of national leaders in the realms of innovation, health policy, leadership, clinical education, and evidence-based practice. The curriculum is designed to cultivate the next generation of nursing executive leaders, with emphasis on personalized career planning and tailored practicum placements. The DNP Health Systems: Administration/Executive Leadership curriculum includes a range of courses focused on leadership and management with diverse topics such as policy an law, infrastructure and informatics, finance and economics, marketing and communication, quality and safety, evidence-based practice, and social determinants of health. The curriculum is complemented by an extensive practicum component and culminates in a DNP project with additional hours of practicum.

New program. The DNP Leader in Residence program at the Csomay Center is designed to encompass communication and relationship building, systems thinking, change management, transformation and innovation, knowledge of clinical principles in the community, professionalism, and business skills including financial, strategic, and human resource management. The program fully immerses students in the objectives of the DNP Health Systems: Administration/Executive Leadership curriculum and enables them to progressively demonstrate competencies outlined by AONL. The Leader in Residence program also includes career development coaching, reflective practice, and personal and professional accountability. The program is integrated throughout the entire duration of the Leader in Residence’s coursework, fulfilling the required practicum hours for both the DNP coursework and DNP project.

The DNP Leader in Residence program begins with the first semester of practicum being focused on completing an onboarding process to the Center including understanding the center's strategic plan, mission, vision, and history. Onboarding for the Leader in Residence provides access to all relevant Center information and resources and integration into the leadership team, community partnerships, and other University of Iowa College of Nursing Centers associated with the Csomay Center. During this first semester, observation and identification of the Csomay Center Director's various roles including being a leader, manager, innovator, socializer, and mentor is facilitated. In collaboration with the Center Director (a faculty position) and Center Coordinator (a staff position), specific competencies to be measured and mastered along with learning opportunities desired throughout the program are established to ensure a well-planned and thorough immersion experience.

Following the initial semester of practicum, the Leader in Residence has weekly check-ins with the Center Director and Center Coordinator to continue to identify learning opportunities and progression through executive leadership competencies to enrich the experience. The Leader in Residence also undertakes an administrative project for the Center this semester, while concurrently continuing observations of the Center Director's activities in local, regional, and national executive leadership settings. The student has ongoing participation and advancement in executive leadership roles and activities throughout the practicum, creating a well-prepared future nurse executive leader.

After completing practicum hours related to the Health Systems: Administration/Executive Leadership coursework, the Leader in Residence engages in dedicated residency hours to continue to experience domains within nursing leadership competencies like communication, professionalism, and relationship building. During residency hours, time is spent with the completion of a small quality improvement project for the Csomay Center, along with any other administrative projects identified by the Center Director and Center Coordinator. The Leader in Residence is fully integrated into the Csomay Center's Leadership Team during this phase, assisting the Center Coordinator in creating agendas and leading meetings. Additional participation includes active involvement in community engagement activities and presenting at or attending a national conference as a representative of the Csomay Center. The Leader in Residence must mentor a master’s in nursing student during the final year of the DNP Residency.

Implementation of the DNP Leader in Residence Program

PDSA Cycle: Do

Immersive experience. In this case study, the DNP Leader in Residence was fully immersed in a wide range of center activities, providing valuable opportunities to engage in administrative projects and observe executive leadership roles and skills during practicum hours spent at the Csomay Center. Throughout the program, the Leader in Residence observed and learned from multidisciplinary leaders at the national, regional, and university levels who engaged with the Center. By shadowing the Csomay Center Director, the Leader in Residence had the opportunity to observe executive leadership objectives such as fostering innovation, facilitating multidisciplinary collaboration, and nurturing meaningful relationships. The immersive experience within the center’s activities also allowed the Leader in Residence to gain a deep understanding of crucial facets such as philanthropy and community engagement. Active involvement in administrative processes such as strategic planning, budgeting, human resources management, and the development of standard operating procedures provided valuable exposure to strategies that are needed to be an effective nurse leader in the future.

Active participation. The DNP Leader in Residence also played a key role in advancing specific actions outlined in the center's strategic plan during the program including: 1) the creation of a membership structure for the Csomay Center and 2) successfully completing a state Board of Regents application for official recognition as a distinguished center. The Csomay Center sponsored membership for the Leader in Residence in the Midwest Nurse Research Society (MNRS), which opened doors to attend the annual MNRS conference and engage with regional nursing leadership, while fostering socialization, promotion of the Csomay Center and Leader in Residence program, and observation of current nursing research. Furthermore, the Leader in Residence participated in the strategic planning committee and engagement subcommittee for MNRS, collaborating directly with the MNRS president. Additional active participation by the Leader in Residence included attendance in planning sessions and completion of the annual report for GeriatricPain.org , an initiative falling under the umbrella of the Csomay Center. Finally, the Leader in Residence was involved in archiving research and curriculum for distinguished nursing leader and researcher, Dr. Kitty Buckwalter, for the Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, the University of Pennsylvania Barbara Bates Center for the Study of the History of Nursing, and the University of Iowa library archives.

Suggested Evaluation Strategies of the DNP Leader in Residence Program

PDSA Cycle: Study

Assessment and benchmarking. To effectively assess the outcomes and success of the DNP Leader in Residence Program, a comprehensive evaluation framework should be used throughout the program. Key measures should include the collection and review of executive leadership opportunities experienced, leadership roles observed, and competencies mastered. The Leader in Residence is responsible for maintaining detailed logs of their participation in center activities and initiatives on a semester basis. These logs serve to track the progression of mastery of AONL competencies by benchmarking activities and identifying areas for future growth for the Leader in Residence.

Evaluation. In addition to assessment and benchmarking, evaluations need to be completed by Csomay Center stakeholders (leadership, staff, and community partners involved) and the individual Leader in Residence both during and upon completion of the program. Feedback from stakeholders will identify the contributions made by the Leader in Residence and provide valuable insights into their growth. Self-reflection on experiences by the individual Leader in Residence throughout the program will serve as an important measure of personal successes and identify gaps in the program. Factors such as career advancement during the program, application of curriculum objectives in the workplace, and prospects for future career progression for the Leader in Residence should be considered as additional indicators of the success of the program.

The evaluation should also encompass a thorough review of the opportunities experienced during the residency, with the aim of identifying areas for potential expansion and enrichment of the DNP Leader in Residence program. By carefully examining the logs, reflecting on the acquired executive leadership competencies, and studying stakeholder evaluations, additional experiences and opportunities can be identified to further enhance the program's efficacy. The evaluation process should be utilized to identify specific executive leadership competencies that require further immersion and exploration throughout the program.

Future Innovation of DNP Leader in Residence Programs in Non-traditional Healthcare Settings

PDSA Cycle: Act

As subsequent residents complete the program and their experiences are thoroughly evaluated, it is essential to identify new opportunities for DNP Leader in Residence programs to be implemented in other non-health care system settings. When feasible, expansion into clinical healthcare settings, including long-term care and acute care environments, should be pursued. By leveraging the insights gained from previous Leaders in Residence and their respective experiences, the program can be refined to better align with desired outcomes and competencies. These expansions will broaden the scope and impact of the program and provide a wider array of experiences and challenges for future Leaders in Residency to navigate, enriching their development as dynamic nurse executive leaders within diverse healthcare landscapes.

This case study presented a comprehensive overview of the development and implementation of the DNP Leader in Residence program developed by the Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence. The Leader in Residence program provided a transformative experience by integrating key curriculum objectives, competency-based learning, and mentorship by esteemed nursing leaders and researchers through successful integration into the Center. With ongoing innovation and application of the PDSA cycle, the DNP Leader in Residence program presented in this case study holds immense potential to help better prepare 21 st century nurse leaders capable of driving positive change within complex healthcare systems.

Acknowledgements

         The author would like to express gratitude to the Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence for the fostering environment to provide an immersion experience and the ongoing support for development of the DNP Leader in Residence program. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

  • American Association of Colleges of Nursing. The essentials: core competencies for professional nursing education. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/42/AcademicNursing/pdf/Essentials-2021.pdf . Accessed June 26, 2023.
  • American Organization for Nursing Leadership. Nurse leader core competencies. https://www.aonl.org/resources/nurse-leader-competencies . Accessed July 10, 2023.
  • Warshawsky, N, Cramer, E. Describing nurse manager role preparation and competency: findings from a national study. J Nurs Adm . 2019;49(5):249-255. DOI:  10.1097/NNA.0000000000000746
  • Van Diggel, C, Burgess, A, Roberts, C, Mellis, C. Leadership in healthcare education. BMC Med. Educ . 2020;20(465). doi: 10.1186/s12909-020-02288-x
  • Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Plan-do-study-act (PDSA) worksheet. https://www.ihi.org/resources/Pages/Tools/PlanDoStudyActWorksheet.aspx . Accessed July 4, 2023.
  • Taylor, M, McNicolas, C, Nicolay, C, Darzi, A, Bell, D, Reed, J. Systemic review of the application of the plan-do-study-act method to improve quality in healthcare. BMJ Quality & Safety. 2014:23:290-298. doi: 10.1136/bmjqs-2013-002703

Return to College of Nursing Winter 23/24 Newsletter

Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Pathophysiology — A Comprehensive Case Study and Nursing Care Approach

test_template

A Comprehensive Case Study and Nursing Care Approach

  • Categories: Pathophysiology

About this sample

close

Words: 2153 |

11 min read

Published: Feb 13, 2024

Words: 2153 | Pages: 5 | 11 min read

Table of contents

Lab reports (case reports on prostate cancer, 2004), pathophysiology (alyssa v.), history (alyssa v.), nursing physical assessment (jasmine r.), related treatments (jasmine r.), nursing diagnosis and patient goals (ellie le. -also formatting, editing, flow, apa), nursing interventions (alyssa y.), evaluation (sam s.), references:.

  • Bowel problems: Radiation may irritate the bowel and cause diarrhea, blood in the stool, and rectal leakage. A diet plan may be assigned to reduce these problems. Most of these problems resolve on their own over time.
  • Urinary problems: Radiation may irritate the bladder and cause frequent urination, a burning sensation during urination, or blood in the urine. These problems may or may not improve over time.
  • Erection problems: Problems with erections may develop slowly over time.
  • Fatigue: Fatigue may last weeks to months after treatment is completed.
  • Lymphedema: Radiation may damage the lymph nodes around the prostate and may cause swelling or pain. Lymphedema can be treated with physical therapy, although it may not resolve completely.
  • Urine management: Encourage fluid intake to 3000 mL per day (Vera, 2019). Monitor urine output and specific gravity.
  • Infection: Maintain a clean environment in the patient’s room and ensure that every visitor washes their hands before interacting with the patient. Emphasize personal hygiene (Vera, 2019).
  • Pain: Assess the patient’s level of pain on a numeric rating scale of 0-10 (Vera, 2019).
  • Sexual function: Explain to the patient and patient’s partner that sexual function and/or desire may decrease or be impaired. Reassure the patient that this side effect is common and recommend assistance such as medicine or a sex therapist (Vera, 2019).

Recommendations (Alyssa Y.) (ACS, 2019)

  • Follow-up appointments that may consist of exams or lab tests to monitor cancer or side effects of treatment
  • PSA tests every 6 months for the first 5 years after treatment, and once a year thereafter
  • Maintain a healthy weight and diet
  • Participate in regular physical activity
  • Establish a support group (friends, family, counselors, etc.)
  • Long term gonadal suppression drugs
  • Abdominal sounds: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved January 16, 2020, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003137.htm
  • Alkaline Phosphatase. (n.d.). Retrieved January 16, 2020, from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=alkaline_phosphatase
  • Anatomical Chart Company. (2002). Atlas of Pathophysiology. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse
  • Banasik J.L. & Copstead L.E. (2019). Pathophysiology. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
  • Case reports on prostate cancer. (2004). Retrieved from
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1472886/.
  • Leslie, S.W., Soon-Sutton, T.L., Sajjad, H., Siref, L.E. (2019, October 8). Prostate Cancer.
  • Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470550/
  • Liver function tests. (2019, June 13). Retrieved January 16, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liver-function-tests/about/pac-20394595
  • NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms. (n.d.). Retrieved January 16, 2020, from https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/gleason-score
  • PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. (2019, June 12). Prostate cancer treatment (PDQ)-Patient
  • version. National Cancer Institute. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/patient/prostate-treatment-pdq
  • Prostate Cancer Risk Factors. (2019, August 1). Retrieved from
  • https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
  • Tennant, F. (n.d.). Treat the Pain... Save a Heart. Retrieved January 16, 2020, from https://www.practicalpainmanagement.com/pain/other/co-morbidities/treat-pain-save-heart
  • The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team (ACS). (2019, August 1).
  • Living as a prostate cancer survivor. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/after-treatment/follow-up.html
  • Radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treating/radiation-therapy.html
  • The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team (ACS). (2019, December 18).
  • Hormone therapy for prostate cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treating/hormone-therapy.html
  • Treating Prostate Cancer Spread to Bones. (2019, August 1). Retrieved from
  • https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treating/treating-pain.html
  • Wood, C. K., & Lockhart, J. S. (2000, April). Prostate Cancer : AJN The American Journal of Nursing. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/ajnonline/Abstract/2000/04001/Prostate_Cancer.11.aspx.
  • Vera, M. (2019, June 1). 13 cancer nursing care plans. Retrieved
  • from https://nurseslabs.com/cancer-nursing-care-plans/#Risk-for-Altered-Sexuality-Patterns

Image of Alex Wood

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

  • 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
  • Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

author

Prof Ernest (PhD)

Verified writer

  • Expert in: Nursing & Health

writer

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 924 words

2 pages / 909 words

1 pages / 446 words

3 pages / 1352 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Pathophysiology

The case of the 10 year old boy, who experienced symptoms of abdominial pain, starving frequently but still does not gain any weight. He was then given a dipstick test. This is for urine and glucose test. After obtaining the [...]

The scenario presents a 4-month pregnant female with Phenylketonuria (PKU). Due the teratogenic effects that phenylalanine has on a foetus, her GP has advised her to go on a low-protein diet. The distress that this caused to [...]

Anaerobic bacteria do not replicate in the presence of oxygen. Three categories of anaerobic bacteria include obligate anaerobes, aerotolerant anaerobes, and facultative anaerobes. While most species are obligate anaerobes, some [...]

The article called “Frontiers in the Bioarchaeology of Stress and Disease: Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives From Pathophysiology, Human Biology, and Epidemiology” by Haagen D. Klaus (2014) reviews a few different aspects of a [...]

Psoriasis is a chronic, complex, inflammatory, autoimmune condition that causes the rapid build-up of skin cells (epidermal keratinocytes). It affects 2-3% of the population, and the involvement frequently occurs in 5-10% of [...]

Humans, since the dawn of time, have been interested in what lies outside of Earth. People were curious what zero gravity would feel like, and what it would do to the human body. Valerie Neal, curator and chair of space history [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

  • Instructions Followed To The Letter
  • Deadlines Met At Every Stage
  • Unique And Plagiarism Free

what is nursing case study

IMAGES

  1. Nursing Case Study: Examples & How-to Guide for Students

    what is nursing case study

  2. Nursing Case Study Template in Word, Google Docs

    what is nursing case study

  3. PPT

    what is nursing case study

  4. 10+ Nursing Case Study Examples in PDF

    what is nursing case study

  5. Nursing Case Study Example

    what is nursing case study

  6. Case study report for nursing part 1: What is it and why?

    what is nursing case study

VIDEO

  1. Tuberculosis Nursing Case Management Policy

  2. 🔥FREE Nursing Clinical ✨essential✨ instructors don’t tell you about…#nursingstudent #nursingschool

  3. Nursing care plan & Case study :basic format

  4. FUNDAMENTAL OF NURSING II TOPIC

  5. 2nd year Medical surgical nursing (case study Topic -Liver Cancer ) #medical #likeforlikes #study

  6. Nursing Case Study of Hypertension #nursing #nursingstudent #king #motivation

COMMENTS

  1. What is a case study?

    There is no one definition of case study research. 1 However, very simply… 'a case study can be defined as an intensive study about a person, a group of people or a unit, which is aimed to generalize over several units'. 1 A case study has also been described as an intensive, systematic investigation of a single individual, group, community or s...

  2. Nursing Case Study Analysis [10 Examples & How-To Guides]

    A case study analysis requires you to investigate a nursing scenario, examine the alternative solutions, and propose the most effective solution using supporting evidence. (Nursing Case Study Analysis) Nurses have to constantly make decisions that affect the lives of their patients.

  3. Nursing Case Studies: Diagnosis, Rationales, Fundamentals

    Nursing Case Studies: Diagnosis, Rationales, Fundamentals Test your knowledge and clinical investigative skills in trying to diagnose what is going on with the patients presented in each of the Case Study Investigations. Can you come up with the right diagnosis? Case Studies Articles 1 2 Next Articles Care Plans Medicine Knowledge Toons Pediatric

  4. Lessons learnt: examining the use of case study methodology for nursing

    Method Drawing on examples from nursing and palliative care studies, this paper clarifies case study research, identifies key concepts and considers lessons learned about its potential for nursing research within the unique and complex palliative and end of life context. Conclusion

  5. Free Nursing Case Studies & Examples

    The case studies are intended to be used as a "low fidelity" replacement for clinical activities or as an exercise to improve nursing students ability to "think like a nurse".

  6. 5 Nursing Case Study Examples + Answer Guide

    5 Nursing Case Study Examples + Answer Guide — smart'n - NextGen Learning Support for Nurses NGN Discover real-life nursing case studies with different patient scenarios and diagnoses, and learn from their outcomes and solutions.

  7. Nursing Case Study: Examples & How-to Guide

    A nursing case study is an in-depth analysis of the health situation of an individual patient. The analysis is based on: symptoms, medical history, mood, other relevant criteria. In most cases, you will be asked to diagnose to suggest the first aid measures.

  8. Use of Case Studies provides Critical Thinking for Patient Care

    Most nurses are familiar with patient case studies as a teaching strategy for nurses and other healthcare professionals. This type of clinical case study discusses a patient with specific background, situation and presenting symptoms and often includes some initial laboratory values.

  9. What Is a Case Study in Nursing?

    What Is a Case Study in Nursing? Lauren Griffin A case study gives an in-depth look at an individual patient. In the realm of nursing, case studies focus on specific patients and provide information about their symptoms, their medical history and their diagnoses. Uses of Case Studies

  10. How to Present a Nursing Case Study

    A nursing case study is an in-depth examination of a situation that a nurse encounters in her daily practice. The case study offers a safe way for the nurse to apply theoretical and actual knowledge to an actual or potential patient scenario.

  11. Case Study Research Methodology in Nursing Research

    Case Study Research Methodology in Nursing Research | ONS Oncology Nursing Forum Number 6 / November 2015 Methods & Meanings Case Study Research Methodology in Nursing Research Diane G. Cope case study, methodology, research ONF 2015, 42 (6), 681-682. DOI: 10.1188/15.ONF.681-682 Preview

  12. 7 steps to successful nursing case study writing

    Writing a successful nursing case study can be a challenging task. However, by following the steps provided in this blog that is, first defining the problem, gathering information, developing alternatives., analyzing the alternatives, selecting the best alternative, implementing the solution and evaluating the outcome.

  13. Nursing Case Study: Ethics, Format & Examples

    A nursing case study is an in-depth analysis of a patient or group of patients, involving observations, data collection, diagnosis, planning and implementing interventions, then evaluating outcomes. It incorporates a nurse's clinical reasoning in patient care. A nursing case study is a theoretical teaching method that disregards practical ...

  14. How To Complete A Nursing Case Study With An Actual Patient Scenario

    Nursing case studies are an integral part of a nurse's education and practice. They provide valuable insights into real-world patient care scenarios, helping nurses develop critical thinking skills and gain practical experience. In this article, we will explore the process of completing a nursing case study with an actual patient scenario. ...

  15. What is a case study?

    What is a case study? What is a case study? 2018 Jan;21 (1):7-8. doi: 10.1136/eb-2017-102845. Case-Control Studies* Nursing Research / organization & administration* What is a case study?

  16. How to Write a Thorough Nursing Case Study

    A nursing case study is a detailed assessment of a patient's medical history, diagnosis, and treatment. It seeks to identify the causes of an illness or injury and analyze how they have been addressed. This helps assess the overall quality of care given.

  17. How to Write a Case Study Paper for Nursing

    A nursing case study paper contains several sections that fall into three categories: 1. The status of the patient. Demographic data. Medical History. Current diagnosis and treatment. 2. The nursing assessment of the patient. Vital signs and test results.

  18. The Ultimate Guide To Writing An A+ Case Study Analysis

    A nursing case study analysis is an immersive journey into a patient's health scenario. It's like a detective story, where the nurse or nursing student acts as the investigator, and the patient's condition is the mystery waiting to be solved. Each patient's story is unique and requires a thorough examination to extract useful insights.

  19. Nursing Case Study

    Nursing Case Study Your patient is a 48-year-old premenopausal, multiparous female suffering from urinary stress incontinence. She has been doing pelvic floor exercises on her own, following instructions on a patient education handout she got from her doctor, to improve the symptoms, but she is not happy with the results and isn't sure if she is doing the exercises correctly.

  20. PDF What is a case study?

    There is no one definition of case study research.1 However, very simply... 'a case study can be defined as an intensive study about a person, a group of people or a unit, which is aimed to generalize over several units' .1 A case study has also been described as an inten-sive, systematic investigation of a single individual, group, community or...

  21. Nursing Case Study Examples

    A nursing case study is a detailed study of an individual patient, which allows you to gain more information about the symptoms and the medical history of a patient and provide the proper diagnoses of the patient's illness based on the symptoms he or she experienced and other affecting factors. Learn more about this type of research by reading the article.

  22. British Journal of Nursing

    British Journal of Nursing - Case Studies Vascular Access/IV Case Studies 02 April 2023 Case Studies Gema Munoz-Mozas Colin Fairhurst Simon Clare References Intravenous (IV) access, both peripheral and central, is an integral part of the patient care pathways for diagnosing and treating cancer.

  23. How to Write a Nursing Case Study that Scores an Excellent Grade

    A nursing case study is a real or imagined patient scenario designed to test the knowledge and skills of student nurses. Nursing case study assignments usually focus on testing knowledge and skills in areas of nursing study related to daily nursing practice.

  24. Driving change: a case study of a DNP leader in residence program in a

    The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of the development and implementation of the Leader in Residence program, followed by suggested evaluation strategies, and discussion of future innovation of leadership opportunities in non-traditional health care settings.Development of the DNP Leader in Residence ProgramThe Plan-Do-Study ...

  25. A Comprehensive Case Study and Nursing Care Approach

    The patient is a 63-year-old, African-American retired firefighter and whose brother was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. As a former firefighter, he has been able to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular vitamin intake and no past medical history.