During a simulation in Week 7, I was tasked with managing a patient experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation

QUESTION

Reflective practice is a conscious act in which individual examines their experiences, beliefs, values, behaviour, and knowledge and then identifies areas for the change and improvement.  It is a process that requires critical thinking and critical reflectivity.

The college uses the acronym LEARN to guide the reflective practice process. Each reflection should be maximum 2 pages long and must contain 5 areas.

1. Look back
2. Elaborate
3. Analyze
4. Revise
5. New perspective

Look back: Briefly describe the events

• Look back at an experience in lab Week 1-10 or Simulation Week 7
• You should be reflecting on your own actions/inactions
• Keep it brief
• 1-2 Sentences

Elaborate: 

• Concisely describe what happened in the situation, your response, and the response of others
  • What happened during the event?
  • Who was involved?
  • How did you feel?
  • How do you think others felt?
  • What were the outcomes?

Analyze: what is your interpretation of the event? 

• Support your new learning with references, research to support your practice (textbook, lecture/lab, research papers)
• Break down the situation into its parts and describe what you learned from the Situation
• Clear detailed identification of relationship between theory / practice established.

Revise: how would you change/improve your practice

ANSWER

Look Back

During a simulation in Week 7, I was tasked with managing a patient experiencing an acute asthma exacerbation. As the primary nurse, I was responsible for assessing the patient’s condition, administering medications, and implementing appropriate interventions to improve the patient’s respiratory status.

Elaborate

In the simulation, the patient presented with severe shortness of breath, wheezing, and increased respiratory rate. As I assessed the patient, I noticed that I was feeling anxious and overwhelmed due to the urgency of the situation. I quickly administered the prescribed bronchodilator and corticosteroid inhalers but failed to provide adequate education to the patient about their use. Additionally, I did not fully involve the patient in the decision-making process, which may have contributed to their apprehension and fear during the procedure. The response of others, including the simulation facilitator and my peers, was supportive, but they noted that I could have been more organized and confident in my approach.

Analyze

Upon reflection, I realize that my anxiety and lack of confidence impacted my ability to provide patient-centered care effectively. I should have taken a few deep breaths and collected my thoughts before initiating the interventions. By doing so, I could have approached the situation with more clarity and confidence, which would have likely reassured the patient and facilitated better communication. Furthermore, I missed an opportunity to educate the patient about the importance of using the inhalers correctly, which could have improved their self-management and adherence to the treatment plan.

In analyzing the situation, I understand that my actions were influenced by the stress and pressure of the simulation environment. I also recognize the importance of applying evidence-based practice in managing asthma exacerbations. Research suggests that effective patient education on inhaler technique and self-management can lead to improved outcomes and reduced hospitalizations in asthma patients (McCormack et al., 2019). Therefore, incorporating patient education into my practice is essential for providing holistic and patient-centered care.

Revise
To improve my practice in similar situations, I would take the following steps

Self-awareness: I would work on managing my anxiety and stress during critical situations by implementing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and mindfulness exercises. This would help me approach the situation with a clear mind and improved decision-making abilities.

Patient Education: I would prioritize patient education in my practice, ensuring that I provide clear and concise instructions on inhaler use and self-management. Additionally, I would involve the patient in the decision-making process, considering their preferences and concerns.

Evidence-based Practice: I would consistently refer to evidence-based guidelines and research papers to inform my practice. Staying updated on the latest advancements in asthma management would enable me to provide the best possible care for my patients.

Conclusion

Reflective practice is a valuable tool for enhancing nursing skills and improving patient care. By looking back, elaborating on the events, analyzing my actions, and identifying areas for improvement, I can revise my practice to become a more confident and competent nurse. The incorporation of evidence-based practice and patient-centered care is crucial for providing high-quality nursing care that positively impacts patient outcomes.