Academic Writing Skills Assessment

This assignment focuses on assessing students' understanding and application of academic writing principles. It provides a detailed rubric outlining expectations for learning strategies, expression & reflection, referencing, and academic integrity at different proficiency levels (ranging from An exceptional high level to 0-39% - poor). The rubric details what constitutes 'High', 'Sound', 'Satisfactory', 'Minimal' and 'Reflection' levels of achievement across various aspects of academic writing.

Assessment 3 – Case Study (Updated 2017)
Using an Inquiry Based Learning Approach
Learning strategy
What you need to do
to critically analyse
the Case Study
Thought processes
What you need to demonstrate to your lecturer
in terms of your critical thinking about this
Case Study
Learning Outcomes Section
Demonstrate your learning in each section by presenting the information that
you have examined to improve your knowledge and understanding of this
particular Case Study
STEP 1 - CONNECT
Analyse each of the
case study documents
Think about what are some of the key issues
or information that you consider are important
in this Case Study?
There are some key points in the case study that
provide insights of the condition. In the letter, it
was mentioned that the patient think the
medications provided to her act as a poison and
killing her. This shows the presence of
hallucinations, which is often experienced by
schizophrenic patients. The presence of multiple
wounds on her abdomen and suicidal tendency
helps to under the severity of the case. Different
symptoms such as depression, paranoia, stress,
distress, anxiety, alcohol and drug abuse shows
the presence of psychiatric comorbidity with
schizophrenia (Kelly, Daley & Douaihy 2012).
Document what you consider are the key issues in this Case Study here.
Do not rewrite the case history from the case study documents.
It was mentioned that the patient had past instances of self-harm and suicidal
tendency. However, the condition was better and she was recovering with the
medication provided to her. The sudden relapse of the disorder is very intriguing
and is a key issue in the case study. She was working as a primary school teacher
when the relapse occurred. It is important to understand occurrence of any such
events in the school or in her social environment that have triggered the disorder.
STEP 2 - QUESTION
What are some of the
questions about this
Case Study that you
want to know more
information?
Document your questions here
1. There is no information provided
regarding the genetic background of the
patient.
2. There is little information provided
Provide a rationale - Why are these questions relevant to your learning about
this Case Study?
There are evidences that show that genes and environment play a significant role
in the development of schizophrenia. Environmental factors such as psychosocial
factors, malnutrition, complications during birth and the interaction between
these factors and genes are reported to trigger schizophrenia (Rasic et al. 2013).

Identify the additional
information you need to
know about so that you
can plan your care
regarding the medical history of the
patient. It is important to understand any
physiological disorder suffered by the
patient in the past apart from asthma.
3. There is insufficient information provided
regarding the reason behind the relapse
of the disorder. It was observed that the
patient was doing well until recently
when the relapse started to occur. It is
important to know the occurrence of any
such events or condition that has
triggered the relapse.
4. The patient was suffering from asthma
problem. However, no information is
provided regarding the medication
prescribed to her.
5. Insufficient information is provided
regarding her social life or any such
occurrences in the school where she
teaches that might have triggered the
relapse.
In most of the patients, some past unhappy events triggers mental disorders. It
was observed that the patient shows aggressive behaviour on mention of Code
Black. However, no details are provided regarding the event. It is important to get
relevant information of any such unhappy occurrences in the past as to carefully
analyze the disorder.
As observed in the case study that the patient has suffered from asthma before,
but there is lack of information in the medications administered to the patient. It is
important to know the different medications administered to the patient to
understand the interactions between the drugs as it many increase the risk of side
effects.
STEP 3 -
INVESTIGATE
Review your current
knowledge about the
clients mental illness in
this Case Study
Research this disorder further. Record the
references at the end of this template
Answer the questions in the
Learning Outcomes Section on the right
Describe the disorder presented in this scenario – include in-text referencing
Comorbidity refers to the presence of more than one clinical condition in a patient
at the same time. Psychiatric comorbidities are quite common in psychiatry (Tsai &
Rosenheck 2013). In the present case study, the patient was diagnosed with
schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorders, comorbid alcohol abuse, and
schizoaffective disorder. The patient showed the symptoms of paranoia, distress,
low self-esteem, depression, and suicidal attempt was observed. This showed the
presence of psychiatric comorbidity and schizophrenia. Drug and alcohol abuse,
depression, anxiety are some of the disorders that accompany schizophrenia (Frith

2014). Psychiatric comorbidities are frequent in patients suffering from
schizophrenia, with the comorbid alcohol abuse being the most common (Kelly,
Daley & Douaihy 2012). Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder in which the
person loses touch with the reality. There are episodes of delusions and
hallucinations and the person experiences agitated, paranoid, and anxiety issues
(Frith 2014).
What are the clinical manifestations associated with this disorder? – include
in-text referencing
Schizophrenic patient displays a host of symptoms and each person present
different types of symptoms. Sometimes the symptom changes drastically for the
same person over time. Schizophrenic patient presents many positive and negative
symptoms. In the present case study, the patient exhibited all the positive
symptoms of schizophrenia. She was agitated and delusional and thus had
difficulty in providing information. She had severe mood disorders and was under
the hallucination that the medications provided to her acts as a poison and death
is the only option to attain freedom from all her problems. Apart from this, the
patient also presented negative symptoms, such as lack of energy, apathy, low
motivation and expressiveness, dull, distress, and decline in the mental ability
(Frith 2014). Inflicting harm to oneself and suicidal tendencies are highly observed
in schizophrenic patients, as seen in our case study (Hardcastle 2017).
What are the common treatment options for this disorder? – include in-text
referencing
The exact cause and mechanism for the occurrence of schizophrenia has not been
discovered. Hence, the treatment focuses on eliminating the symptoms observed
in the disorder. The most common treatment method for the disorder includes
antipsychotic medications (Bruijnzeel, Suryadevara & Tandon 2014). A number of
antipsychotic drugs such as chlorpromazine, perphenazine, asenapine, quetiapine,
and others are available for the treatment. In the present case study, the patient
was given quetiapine, which is a second-generation antipsychotic drug. Sodium
valproate is a medication provided to treat bipolar disorder and epilepsy, which is

prescribed to the patient. These drugs are taken either orally daily in the form of
pill or liquid form or injected once a month (Bruijnzeel, Suryadevara & Tandon
2014).
Psychosocial treatment methods are also helpful for the patient suffering with
schizophrenia and other mental illness. This treatment helps the patient to cope
up with the disease and perform everyday tasks and challenges. This prevents the
relapse of the disorder. The combination of pharmacological and psychosocial
treatment helps in the faster recovery of the patient and prevents the progression
of the disorder (Mueser et al. 2013).
Emotional support also acts as a remedy in the disorder (Derntl et al. 2012). As the
patient suffer from hallucinations and delusional thoughts, it is important to make
them understand that the hallucinations are not real and encourage them to
continue the treatment.
STEP 4 - CONSTRUCT
Using a recovery and
person-centred
approach, explore the
issues raised in this
case study and how you
can support this person
during your early shift
Consider the NMBA Registered Nurse Standards
for Practice
You do not need to write anything here
Consider the nursing interventions and clinical
skills that are required for this Case Study
You do not need to write anything here
Consider the patient safety concerns related to
this Case Study
You do not need to write anything here
Identify the appropriate NMBA Registered Nurse Standards for Practice
that would be applicable for you as an RN in supporting the person in this
Case Study
It is important to analyse the patient condition critically with the help of
information available and make use of the research findings and evidence to
provide quality treatment to the patient as stated in the Standard 1 of NMBA
Registered Nurse Standards for Practice. It is necessary to use person-centred
approach to deal with the patient in the present case study (Moxham 2012).
As stated in Standard 2, it is effective for the nurse to develop therapeutic
relationship while treating the patient. It was necessary to communicate
effectively with the patient and provide emotional support. It is very important to
develop a good rapport with the patient suffering from mental disorders. A safety
environment should be established so that the patient feels comfortable in
discussing the issues troubling them (Moxham 2012).
Provide an outline of how you would support this person during your shift

It is a nerve-wracking task to deal with a patient suffering from mental illness.
Moreover, during early shift there are no health care professionals available for
guidance. It is necessary to devise a proper plan in order to deal with an urgent
situation if the condition arises. Firstly, I will try to build a good rapport with the
patient with the help of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) so that she becomes
comfortable in discussing issues troubling her. After monitoring the medication
provided to her, I will employ psychological treatment to deal with the patient. It
involves communicating with the patient with the help of verbal as well as non-
verbal means (Walther et al. 2015). I will assess the medical history of the patient
to understand the condition better. In order to deal with the hallucinations, I will
be patient towards her and avoid arguing with her. It is necessary to make her
believe that you trust and understand them. I will evaluate the level of functioning
of the patient and document the signs and symptoms noticed, as it will later help
the doctor to determine the progress of the patient. It is of utmost importance to
be patient and careful while dealing with such patient.
Provide justification for your chosen interventions
CBT is a useful intervention to deal with patient suffering from mental illness as it
allows directly connecting with patient in order to understand and analyze the
reason behind their thoughts and action and relate the signs and symptoms with it.
This therapy also allows building a good relationship with the patient so that it
becomes easier on extracting information from the patient related to the disease
(Hofmann et al. 2012). Psychotherapy is another intervention used by me to
understand the medical condition of my patient (Lysaker & Roe 2012). In my case
study, the patient has gone through psychotic attacks from a very early age and
drugs and alcohol abuse was observed. It is necessary to understand the reason
behind her addiction to alcohol and drugs. This is achieved with the help of
psychotherapy as it helps in communicating with the patient. In order to
understand any past events that have triggered the disorder, it is very important to
communicate and talk freely with the patient (Lysaker & Roe 2012).
For a patient suffering from schizophrenia, it is difficult for them to understand the
real world and they live a delusional life. Arguing with the patient regarding bizarre
hallucinations will only worsen the situation. It is necessary to make the patient

believe that you understand their hallucination and gain trust in order to make
them realize the difference between reality and hallucinations. Sometimes
hallucinations also contain key details embedded in them as it may be related to
any past event that have triggered the disorder (Sommer et al. 2012). Hence, it is
necessary to give attention to minute details and link together the different
aspects of the disorder.
Identify the safety concerns for the patient in this Case Study
In the present case study, it was observed that the patient reported to the
emergency department in an agitated state. I was recommended to not to provide
medications unless severely agitated. However, there are chances for her to
become highly agitated and distressed over the next few hours. This can pose a
threat, as the consultation team will review her condition only later that morning.
Due to agitation, it is possible for the hallucinations to re-occur and there are
chances for her to inflict self-harm again. It is necessary for me to be very careful
and alert and watch her every movement carefully to understand her feelings and
notice any thought-provoking actions.
STEPS 5 and 6
Reflect on the parting
comments made by the
night duty RN
STEP 5 - EXPRESS
Document your thoughts about these
comments made by the night duty RN below
As told by night duty RN, it is better to invest time
and money on patient who are willing to live than
on patients who want to kill themselves.
However, I differ from her opinion. Schizophrenic
patients need special care and attention. As there
is no cure available for the disorder, it is very
challenging for the person to cope up with the
illness. Emotional support and self-help is very
much necessary in order to overcome the
challenge, as it will help the patient to gain self-
confidence (Hardcastle 2017).
STEP 6 - REFLECT
Provide a justification for your thoughts using the professional literature to
support your argument here – include in-text referencing
There are evidences that strongly link emotions and symptoms of schizophrenia
(Kring & Elis 2013). Moreover, the negative symptoms are in direct relation with
emotion and feeling (Derntl et al. 2012). It is necessary to morally boost
schizophrenic patients and make them understand the benefits of living.
Individual’s presence during hallucinations episode can help the patient to
overcome it (Sommer et al. 2012). A support system is very much required, which
is provided by a nurse. It is the duty of the nurse to help the patients socialize
better as it will prevent the onset of depression.

References – Please include a list of all your references used in this case study
Bruijnzeel, D, Suryadevara, U & Tandon, R 2014, ‘Antipsychotic treatment of schizophrenia: an update’, Asian journal of psychiatry, vol. 11, pp. 3-7.
Derntl, B, Seidel, EM, Schneider, F & Habel, U 2012, ‘How specific are emotional deficits? A comparison of empathic abilities in schizophrenia, bipolar and
depressed patients’, Schizophrenia research, vol. 142, no. 1, pp. 58-64.
Frith, CD 2014, The cognitive neuropsychology of schizophrenia, Psychology Press.
Hardcastle, VG 2017, ‘Predicting the self: lessons from schizophrenia’, Review of philosophy and psychology, pp. 1-20.
Hofmann, SG, Asnaani, A, Vonk, IJ, Sawyer, AT & Fang, A 2012, ‘The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses’, Cognitive therapy
and research, vol. 36, no. 5, pp. 427-440.
Kelly, TM, Daley, DC & Douaihy, AB 2012, ‘Treatment of substance abusing patients with comorbid psychiatric disorders’, Addictive behaviors, vol. 37, no. 1,
pp. 11-24.
Kring, AM & Elis, O 2013, ‘Emotion deficits in people with schizophrenia’, Annual review of clinical psychology, vol. 9, pp. 409-433.
Lysaker, PH & Roe, D 2012, ‘The processes of recovery from schizophrenia: The emergent role of integrative psychotherapy, recent developments, and new
directions’, Journal of psychotherapy integration, vol. 22, no. 4, p. 287.
Moxham, L 2012, Fundamentals of nursing, Pearson, London.
Mueser, KT, Deavers, F, Penn, DL & Cassisi, JE 2013, ‘Psychosocial treatments for schizophrenia’, Annual review of clinical psychology, vol. 9, pp. 465-497.
Rasic, D, Hajek, T, Alda, M & Uher, R 2013, ‘Risk of mental illness in offspring of parents with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder:
a meta-analysis of family high-risk studies’, Schizophrenia Bulletin, vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 28-38.
Sommer, IE, Slotema, CW, Daskalakis, ZJ, Derks, EM, Blom, JD & van der Gaag, M 2012, ‘The treatment of hallucinations in schizophrenia spectrum
disorders’, Schizophrenia bulletin, vol. 38, no. 4, pp. 704-714.
Tsai, J & Rosenheck, RA 2013, ‘Psychiatric comorbidity among adults with schizophrenia: A latent class analysis’, Psychiatry research, vol. 210, no. 1, pp. 16-
20.

Walther, S, Stegmayer, K, Sulzbacher, J, Vanbellingen, T, Müri, R, Strik, W & Bohlhalter, S 2015, ‘Nonverbal social communication and gesture control in
schizophrenia’, Schizophrenia bulletin, vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 338-345.

Assessment 3 (Case Study) – Feedback Rubric
Course objectives being assessed = 3 and 5
Learning Strategy HD = 85-100% D = 75-84% C = 65-74% P1 = 55-64% P2 = 50-54% F1= 40-49% F2 = 0-39%
Step 1 Connect
Analysis of the
case study
documents
The student has
demonstrated a high
level of critical
analysis and synthesis
of the key issues
indicating original
insights
The student has
demonstrated a
critical analysis and
synthesis of the key
issues
The student has
demonstrated a
detailed analysis of
highly relevant key
issues
The student has
provided an
adequate
identification of
relevant key issues
The student has
identified some
relevant key
issues
The student has
identified key
issues of limited
relevance
Mostly
regurgitated
information
without analysis
The student has
not identified
relevant key
issues
Regurgitation of
documents is
evident
Step 2 Question
Developing critical
questions about
this Case Study
The student has
identified highly
relevant questions
with persuasive
justifications
demonstrating an
exceptional level of
understanding of the
case study to
stimulate their
further learning
The student has
identified highly
relevant questions
with thorough
justifications
demonstrating a
sound
understanding of the
case study
The student has
identified relevant
questions with
appropriate
justifications
demonstrating a
sound
understanding of the
case study
The student has
identified relevant
questions and
justification
demonstrating a
satisfactory level of
understanding of the
case study
The student has
identified some
relevant
questions and
justification
demonstrating a
minimal level of
understanding of
the case study
The student has
identified
inadequate
questions with
limited
justification,
demonstrating a
lack of
understanding of
the case study
The student has
not identified
relevant
questions
Step 3 Investigate
Demonstration of
further research
The student has
demonstrated an
exceptionally high
level of critical
analysis and synthesis
of the available
literature
The student has
demonstrated a high
level of analysis of
the available
literature
The student has
demonstrated a
sound level of clinical
knowledge and
understanding
The student has
demonstrated a
adequate level of
clinical knowledge
and understanding
The student has
demonstrated a
minimal level of
clinical
knowledge and
understanding
The student has
demonstrated an
inadequate level
of clinical
knowledge and
understanding of
the case study
and care
requirements
The student has
demonstrated a
poor level of
clinical
knowledge and
understanding of
the case study
and care
requirements

Learning Strategy HD
85-100%
D
75-84%
C
65-74%
P1
55-64%
P2
50-54%
F1
40-49%
F2
0-39%
Step 4 Construct
Linking NMBA
Registered Nurse
Standards for
Practice
Nursing skills and
interventions
Patient safety
Standards are specific
Plan of care is
exemplary of the
“recovery and person
centred” approach
and is exceptionally
well justified
Safety concerns are
specific
Standards are
specific
Plan of care
encapsulates
recovery and person
centred approach
and is very well
justified
Safety concerns are
specific
Standards are
identified at a
satisfactory level
Plan of care is
accurate and clear
with convincing
justification
Safety concerns are
appropriate
Standards are
adequately identified
Plan of care is
satisfactory with
justification
Safety concerns are
appropriate
Standards are
identified at a
minimal level
Plan of care is
minimal with
limited
justification
Safety concerns
are identified
Standards are
inadequately
identified or are
incorrect
Plan of care is
inadequate with
little justification
provided
Safety concerns
are inadequate
Standards are not
identified
Plan of care is not
identified
Justification not
provided
Safety concerns
are not identified
Steps 5 and 6
Express & Reflect
Professional
reflection
An exceptionally high
level of professional
reflection and
synthesis of the
available professional
literature
High level of
professional
reflection and
analysis of the
available professional
literature
Sound level of
professional
reflection and use of
the professional
literature
Satisfactory level of
professional
reflection and
justification using the
professional
literature
Minimal level of
professional
reflection and
justification using
the professional
literature
Reflection is
inadequate,
justification is
poorly supported
using the
professional
literature
Reflection is poor
and not
supported using
the professional
literature
REFERENCING
AND ACADEMIC
INTEGRITY
Adherence to
UniSA (2011)
Harvard author-
date system
Extensive sources
correctly referenced
as per UniSA Harvard
System Guidelines.
No evidence of
plagiarism
Multiple sources
correctly referenced
as per UniSA Harvard
System Guidelines.
No evidence of
plagiarism.
Range of sources all
correctly referenced
as per UniSA Harvard
System Guideline. No
evidence of
plagiarism
Correct use of UniSA
(2011) Harvard
author-date system
for in-text
referencing, with no
evidence of
plagiarism.
Reference list
correctly written
Mostly correct
use of UniSA
(2011) Harvard
author-date
system for in-text
referencing, with
no evidence of
plagiarism.
In-text
referencing is
insufficient.
Reference list is
incorrect or
incomplete. OR
some evidence of
plagiarism.
Possibly refer to
AIO*
Many statements
not referenced.
No reference list.
OR evidence of
extensive
plagiarism
Possibly refer to
AIO*