Treated for repeated episodes of streptococcal pharyngitis
Using evidence specific case study, address the following two :
1. Describe the pathophysiology of the presenting complaint in the case study.
(300-500 words)
2. Evaluation of the nurse’s role to deliver developmentally appropriate nursing care in
relation to
chosen case study. Address following 3 points:
0 growth and developmental theories,
0 family centred care and,
0 the effects of hospitalisation of the child, on the child and family. (1100-1300 words)
Case Study
Sue is a 14-year-old indigenous girl who lives in a remote community in rural Australia.
Sue has been treated for repeated episodes of streptococcal pharyngitis and impetigo
over the last 2 years. The local health clinic has registered Sue and her siblings for a
secondary prophylaxis program where she receives Benzathine Penicillin (3 IM
routinely to aid in reducing risk of developing ARF/ RHD. However, Sue has failed to
attend the clinic on multiple occasions to receive her IM antibiotics.
Sue has presented to the remote area health clinic complaining of a 4-day history of
acute joint pain in her knees, ankles, elbows and shoulders.
A health history taken by the remote area nurse on arrival reveals that Sue reports
having a sore throat 2- 3 weeks ago, migratory joint pain starting with her knees and
ankles and which now includes other joints. Her temperature is 3800.
When Sue is M by the remote clinic medical officer, a diagnosis of Acute
Rheumatic Fever is suspected. The doctor at the clinic attending to Sue informs her
mother that she needs to be transferred to a hospital for cardiology review and
echocardiogram. The closest hospital that provides these services is 80okm away-
Sue lives with her mother and 6 younger brothers and sisters.