Assessment Task 2: Case Study Analysis in Advanced Mental Health Nursing

This assessment is designed for postgraduate students enrolled in programs such as the Master of Mental Health Nursing (HMMN), Master of Nursing Science (HMNUSC / 098367C), or Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner). It focuses on applying advanced knowledge to a complex mental health case, emphasizing critical analysis, evidence-based interventions, and the role of the advanced practice nurse.

Assessment Overview

Task Type: Written Case Study Report

Word Count: 2500 words (±10%)

Weighting: 50% of total course grade

Due Date: To be confirmed by course coordinator

Submission: Online via learning management system

Learning Outcomes Assessed

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of mental health assessment, diagnosis, and management across the lifespan.
• Critically analyze complex mental health presentations using evidence-based frameworks.
• Develop comprehensive, person-centered care plans incorporating pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
• Evaluate the role of the nurse practitioner or advanced mental health nurse in interprofessional care.
• Apply ethical and cultural considerations in mental health nursing practice.

Task Description

You are required to analyze a provided clinical case scenario involving an adult patient presenting with a complex mental health issue (e.g., major depressive disorder with comorbid anxiety and risk factors). Using the nursing process and relevant standards (e.g., Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia standards), construct a detailed case study report.

The report must integrate pathophysiology, pharmacology, diagnostics, and therapeutic interventions appropriate for advanced practice in mental health nursing or nurse practitioner roles.

Case Scenario

A 45-year-old patient presents to a community mental health service with persistent low mood, insomnia, and suicidal ideation following recent life stressors. Background includes previous episodes of depression and limited engagement with services.

Report Structure

1. Introduction (300 words)
   Use the ISBAR framework to handover the patient and provide an overview of the case.
2. Comprehensive Assessment (600 words)
   Conduct a thorough mental health assessment, including risk evaluation, mental status examination, and relevant history.
3. Diagnosis and Prioritized Issues (500 words)
   Identify primary and differential diagnoses using DSM-5 criteria. Prioritize 3-4 nursing problems.
4. Care Planning and Interventions (700 words)
   Develop evidence-based interventions, including pharmacological options, psychotherapy, and interprofessional referrals. Justify choices for advanced practice.
5. Evaluation and Reflection (300 words)
   Discuss outcome measures and reflect on ethical/cultural implications.
6. Conclusion (100 words)
   Summarize key findings and implications for practice.

Reference list (not included in word count). Use Harvard referencing style.

Marking Criteria

• Depth of assessment and analysis (30%): Comprehensive and critical use of frameworks.
• Evidence-based interventions (30%): Appropriate, justified, and advanced-level recommendations.
• Structure and clarity (20%): Logical flow, academic writing.
• Referencing and scholarship (10%): Accurate Harvard style, recent sources.
• Reflection and ethics (10%): Insightful consideration of advanced practice role.

Master of Mental Health Nursing case study assignments help students develop advanced skills in psychiatric assessment and nurse practitioner interventions. This 2025 assessment task aligns with Australian postgraduate nursing standards for mental health and nurse practitioner programs. Ideal for HMMN or Master of Nursing Science students preparing evidence-based reports.

 References

Bernstein, K.S. and Kaplan, R. (2022) Psychiatric Mental Health Assessment and Diagnosis of Adults for Advanced Practice Mental Health Nurses. 1st edn. Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003137597

Yu, H., Bauermeister, J.A. and Flores, D.D. (2023) ‘LGBTQ+ health education interventions for nursing students: A systematic review’, Nurse Education Today, 121, p. 105661. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105661

Espeland, K., et al. (2021) ‘Nurses’ perceptions of facilitating patient participation in suicidal crisis care’, International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 30(5), pp. 1185-1195. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.12867

Vandewalle, J., et al. (2020) ‘The attitudes of nurses towards patients with suicidal ideation’, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 27(4), pp. 399-410. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12592

American Nurses Association (2014) Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice. 2nd edn. Silver Spring, MD: Nursesbooks.org.