Open RN Nursing Scenarios
These free nursing scenarios and virtual reality experiences are being created as part of the Open RN™ project, funded by a $2.5 million dollar grant from the Department of Education, and designed to compliment 5 OER Nursing Textbooks.
Each simulation can be visited freely through the Acadicus Commons, and Scene Templates are available for modification using the Scene Editing tools to create an unlimited range of additional scenarios.
Scenarios by Open RN are licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Administering Medications to a Patient With Dementia
Miles Johnson is an 87 year old resident of Shady Acres rehabilitation facility. He was admitted for daily physical therapy after undergoing surgery for a hip fracture. He has a past medical history of dementia, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and chronic renal failure. He has no medication allergies. He experiences worsening dementia symptoms in the evening but is generally pleasant. He was a farmer for 63 years and is married with 4 children and many grandchildren. His wife visits him daily during lunch. He walks with the assistance of one with a walker and requires assistance with ADLs.
During this scenario, students must perform appropriate assessments prior to safely administering cardiac medication while also communicating therapeutically with a patient with dementia.
Learning Objectives:
- Obtain vital signs and interpret findings.
- Administer cardiac medications safely.
- Communicate therapeutically with a patient with dementia.
Administering Nitroglycerin to a Client with Chronic Angina
Bjorn McClelland is a resident who was admitted to a Long-Term Care (LTC) setting yesterday. He has a history of chronic stable angina, hypertension, and heart failure. As his morning medications are prepared to be administered, he complains of chest pressure.
Students must perform appropriate focused assessments, apply the nursing process, and use clinical judgment to provide safe, effective care.
Learning Objectives:
- Obtain and interpret vital signs
- Perform a focused assessment for chest pain
- Administer nitroglycerin safely and effectively
- Apply the nursing process to a client experiencing chronic chest pain
- Communicate therapeutically with a client experiencing chest pain
Caring for a Client with Chronic Heart Failure
Hector Fernandez is a 62 year-old Hispanic male recently admitted to a long term care facility due to recent falls. He has a history of chronic heart failure.
Students must assess Hector while communicating therapeutically regarding his concerns. Any new or unexpected findings should be communicated to the provider and cardiac medications administered safely.
Learning Objectives:
- Assess a client with chronic heart failure and distinguish between expected findings and findings indicating a change in condition
- Analyze lab work results
- Safely administer cardiac medications
- Communicate therapeutically
- Communicate with the provider using SBAR format
Caring for a Pediatric Patient Experiencing Pain
Ella Peterson is a 7 year-old patient who underwent a tonsillectomy this morning. She tolerated the surgery well but was unable to swallow fluids during the post-op recovery period so has been admitted for overnight observation. Her mother was at Ella’s bedside all day, but recently went home.
The student should assess and safely manage Ella’s pain while communicating therapeutically with her.
Learning Objectives:
- Interpret vital signs for a pediatric patient
- Perform an appropriate pain assessment for a pediatric patient
- Safely administer analgesics to a pediatric patient using accurate math calculations
- Tailor therapeutic communication for a pediatric patient
- Encourage non-pharmacological pain interventions
Addressing Safety Hazards
Miles Johnson is an 87 year old resident of a rehabilitation facility who was admitted for daily physical therapy after undergoing surgery for a hip fracture. He has a past medical history of dementia, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, and chronic renal failure. He walks with the assistance of one with a walker and requires assistance with ADLs.
Students must identify and resolve safety hazards in Miles’ room while also communicating therapeutically with him.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify common safety hazards in a patient care environment.
- Communicate therapeutically with clients regarding safety concerns.
Capabilities
Collaborators and Contributors
The OpenRN project is led by Chippewa Valley Technical College, and the textbooks are being collaboratively written with faculty from Wisconsin technical colleges. The books will be reviewed by statewide nursing faculty, deans, healthcare alliance members, and other industry representatives to ensure the content is current and accurate.
The OER Nursing textbooks are written based on the State Nursing curriculum established by the Wisconsin Technical College System, and include: Pharmacology, Skills, Nursing Fundamentals, Mental Health & Community Concepts, and Management & Professional Concepts.
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