Activity 3 – Clinical Reasoning, Recognition and Management of Patient Deterioration

Introduction: Alterations in fluid status are common in post-operative patients; they manifest rapidly and can have potentially fatal consequences, particularly in an older person with multiple co-morbidities. This activity focuses on clinical reasoning and the recognition and management of adverse patient outcomes.

Instructions: In this activity, you will meet Mr Derek Brown, a 73-year-old man who is day 2 post op following a bowel resection for colon cancer. You will be presented with a series of short videos and linked questions. Your answers will be graded automatically, and you will receive feedback before proceeding to the final Activity.

In the table below, identify whether an increase or decrease in the clinical parameter would indicate that Mr Brown’s condition had improved following initiation of appropriate nursing actions?