Writing Sub-Test: Nursing

Time allowed: Reading time: 5 minutes

Writing time: 40 minutes
Read the case notes and complete the writing task which follows.

Notes

Hospital: The Royal Adelaide Hospital

Patient Details: Name: Mr Robert
DOB: 02/06/52
Marital Status: Married
Next to kin: Wife
Admission Date: 1 October 2011
Discharge Date: 26 November 2011
Reason for admission: Chronic cough, hoarseness, difficulty
breathing upon exertion
Diagnosis: Squamous Cell Carcinoma of left lung
confirmed by CT scan
Past Medical History: HT diagnosed June 2008
Frequent episodes of bronchitis
Heavy smoker-40 years (1-1 ½ pack/day)
Non- drinker
Social History: Lawyer
Supportive wife
2 married daughters in regular contact. One
is 6 months pregnant
Medical Progress: Resection of the lung
 Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Ineffective treatment: metastases in liver
and spine
Cancer in terminal stages-Mr Jones wishes
to return home
Nursing Management: Fluid management
Oxygen therapy
Patient comfortable
Pain management: Morphine sulfate 40mg 4 hourly / 20mg
dose as needed.
Discharge Plan: Monitor pain status
Manage symptoms
Check need for assistance with mobility /
bathing
Daughters want father to stay in hospital for
further treatment
- provide family with emotional support

Writing Task
Using the information given in the case notes, write a letter to Marry
Watson, Palliative Care Manager, Royal District Nursing Service (RDNS)
about the patient.
In your answer:
• expand the relevant case notes into complete sentences
• do not use note form
• use letter format
The body of the letter should be approximately 180-200 words.
Answe r
Answer