NUR 300: Pathophysiology — Assessment 2

Assignment Title: Clinical Case Study on Altered Physiological Function

Weight: 40% of course grade

Length: 1,800–2,200 words

Submission Format: Turnitin (APA 7th Edition)

Due Date: Week 8 of Semester

Overview

This assessment requires you to apply your understanding of pathophysiological processes to a selected clinical condition. You will analyze a patient case study, identify underlying physiological disruptions, explain diagnostic reasoning, and link evidence-based interventions to the condition’s progression. The goal is to demonstrate integrative knowledge between theory and practice in nursing pathophysiology.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of cellular and systemic alterations in disease states.
• Analyze clinical data to explain underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
• Integrate evidence-based literature to justify nursing management strategies.
• Communicate clinical reasoning in clear, professional academic writing.

Assignment Tasks

1. Case Selection: Choose one condition from the following categories:
   • Cardiovascular (e.g., Heart failure, Myocardial infarction)
   • Respiratory (e.g., COPD, Asthma exacerbation)
   • Endocrine (e.g., Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus)
   • Renal (e.g., Acute Kidney Injury)
2. Case Analysis:
   1. Summarize the patient scenario and key presenting symptoms.
   2. Explain the underlying pathophysiology leading to these symptoms.
   3. Discuss relevant diagnostic tests and their significance.
   4. Identify and justify nursing interventions based on pathophysiological reasoning.
3. Evidence Integration:Use current, peer-reviewed literature (2019–2025) to support all explanations and interventions. Include at least five credible academic sources.
4. Writing and Structure:
   • Introduction: Brief overview of the case and rationale.
   • Main Body: Pathophysiological analysis, evidence integration, and nursing implications.
   • Conclusion: Summarize insights and clinical relevance.

Discussion Board Component (15%)

Students will post a 250-word summary of their case findings and respond to two peers’ posts (minimum 100 words each). Discussions should highlight clinical reasoning and encourage peer feedback.

Assessment Criteria

• Depth of pathophysiological understanding (30%)
• Application of evidence-based literature (25%)
• Critical analysis and reasoning (25%)
• Clarity, structure, and APA formatting (20%)

Academic Integrity

All submitted work must comply with the university’s academic honesty policy. Use APA 7th Edition for referencing and citation. Plagiarism will result in penalties as outlined in the course handbook.

For improved discoverability, this assignment brief aligns with common search phrases such as “NUR 300 Pathophysiology assignment 2025,” “nursing case study analysis,” and “pathophysiology nursing assessment guide.” The structure and keywords are optimized for visibility on Google, Yahoo, Bing, and AI-based educational platforms.

Recommended References

1. Huether, S.E. & McCance, K.L. (2023). Understanding Pathophysiology (8th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.
2. Craft, J., Gordon, C. & Tiziani, A. (2021). Understanding Pathophysiology: Australia and New Zealand Edition (3rd ed.). Elsevier.
3. Lewis, S.L., Bucher, L., Harding, M.M. & Heitkemper, M.M. (2020). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems (11th ed.). Elsevier.
4. Ignatavicius, D.D. & Workman, M.L. (2024). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care (11th ed.). Elsevier.
5. Jarvis, C. (2019). Physical Examination and Health Assessment (8th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.