Case Study Analysis: Foundations of Clinical Practice

In the La Trobe University Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Midwifery and Bachelor of Nursing / Bachelor of Psychological Science programs, clinical success depends on moving beyond simple task-oriented care. This assignment focuses on the Clinical Reasoning Cycle, requiring you to demonstrate how a clinician “thinks” rather than just what they “do.” By integrating evidence-based interventions with cultural safety, you will prove your readiness for professional clinical placement.

Assessment Task 2: Clinical Case Analysis

• Subject: HBS109 / MID1MWC: Foundations of Clinical Practice

• Word Count: 1,500 words

• Weighting: 40%

• Framework: Levett-Jones Clinical Reasoning Cycle

Assessment Instructions

1. Case Selection and Initial Assessment

Choose one of the case studies provided in your LMS. You must identify the “patient cues”—the specific observations, vital signs, or psychological symptoms—that indicate the patient’s condition is changing. Focus on the first two stages of the cycle: Consider the Patient and Collect Cues.

2. Analysis of Cues and Interpretation

Apply pathophysiology or psychological theory to explain why these cues are occurring. For example, if your patient is experiencing postpartum hemorrhage, you must explain the physiological process of uterine atony. If your patient is experiencing a psychological crisis, apply a relevant behavioral framework. This section satisfies the Process Information and Identify Problems stages.

3. Evidence-Based Interventions

Propose two priority interventions. These must be supported by the current 2023–2025 literature provided in your bibliography. Your goals must be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound), addressing the Establish Goals and Take Action stages.

4. Professional Reflection

Conclude with a reflection on Cultural Safety or Ethical Practice as defined by the NMBA Standards (2025). Use Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle to evaluate how your personal assumptions might influence your care of a diverse patient population.

Grading Rubric (Summary)

Criteria	High Distinction (80%+)	Pass (50-69%)
Clinical Reasoning	Deep synthesis of all 8 stages of the Levett-Jones cycle; identifies complex cues.	Identifies obvious cues; basic application of the reasoning cycle.
Evidence Application	Seamlessly integrates 2023-2025 peer-reviewed sources into care rationales.	Uses relevant sources but with limited explanation of how they apply to the case.
Cultural Safety	Critical analysis of self and systemic bias in relation to NMBA 2025 standards.	Acknowledges cultural safety but lacks deep self-reflection or specific application.
Academic Quality	Professional tone; flawless Harvard referencing; logical structural flow.	Generally clear; minor referencing errors or informal phrasing.

Learning Materials and References

• Best, O. (2024) ‘Talking b[l]ack to the whiteness of nursing: utilising cultural safety as a decolonising framework for nursing’, Nursing Philosophy, 25(4), p. e12496. doi: 10.1111/nup.12496.

• COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence) (2023) Mental Health Care in the Perinatal Period: Australian Clinical Practice Guideline. Melbourne: COPE. https://www.cope.org.au/.

• Levett-Jones, T. (2023) Clinical Reasoning: Learning to think like a nurse. 3rd edn. Melbourne: Pearson Australia.

• Mackay, J., Clapham, K., Molloy, L., Smith, K. and Best, O. (2025) ‘Bridging historical understanding with culturally safe nursing and midwifery care for indigenous people: a scoping review’s telling gap in literature’, Contemporary Nurse, 61(1). doi: 10.1080/10376178.2025.2469564