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Solutions

 

Solutions

This section evaluates potential solutions for the identified key problems. Often there is more than one solution, so it is useful to evaluate each solution in terms of its advantages and disadvantages. This will also assist in determining your recommendations. Things that may need to be considered are:

  • effectiveness
  • costs
  • time
  • resources.

Structure

This section should be clear and concise. Recommended structure:

  • use headings and subheadings where possible
  • bullet points or numbered lists can also be used to list a recommended course of action and/or the advantages and disadvantages.

Example 1: Management solution

Communication and leadership were two of the major issues identified in this case study. Potential solutions to improve the communication issue could be:
Solution 1 Involve staff in the change management process.
Advantages It is important that staff are consulted regarding any proposed changes to the operations of the hotel. Staff input into changes need to be factored into any final decisions as their practical experience provides management with valuable knowledge and information regarding implementation issues and indeed the feasibility of any changes. Further, staff consultation therefore allows collective ownership of any changes and hence increases commitment to making the changes work.
Disadvantages A possible disadvantage is that consultation requires substantial time commitment. Staff need to be paid to attend staff meetings and therefore this can incur costs. In addition, open consultation requires tolerance and the ability to manage conflict from all stakeholders. This can be 'messy' and can take considerable time to develop in any organisation.
Solution 2 Timetable regular staff meetings.
  (Advantages and disadvantages need to be evaluated)

Example 2: Nursing solution

Please note: In nursing case studies the solutions section focuses on identifying and evaluating nursing interventions for the identified key problems. Often there is a range of interventions. It is necessary to include the rationale by discussing the interventions in terms of their benefits and limitations.

The most serious problem associated with Mrs. Kennedy's ARDS is impaired gas exchange. Nurses should monitor her respiratory function closely, such as breath sounds, the movement of the chest, respiratory patterns and rate regular ABG, tidal volume and pulse oximetry in order to ensure respiration. Additionally, it is important to relieve her pain and anxiety to decrease oxygen consumption (Saunders, 2011), and to maintain effective airway clearance, such as through suction and postural drainage (Dormann et al., 2010). A prone positioning is effective in improving Pao2 because the diaphragm and abdominal content are shifted (Dormann et al., 2010). Moreover, nurses should maintain CPAP and mechanical ventilation as is ordered. Generally, a Fio2 up to 1.0 can be tolerated for up to 48 hours after which it should be lowered to less than 0.6 to prevent additional lung damage (Dennison cited in Saunders 2010). Jones (2010) has stated that a high concentration of oxygen produces an overabundance of oxygen-free radicals, which can damage the alveolar-capillary membrane. This condition can lead to pulmonary oedema and severe gas exchange impairment, and possible pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, it is essential to treat Mrs Kennedy with as low oxygenation as possible to prevent these damages.

Issues
Rationale
Limitations
Student analysis
[Topic sentence: The most serious problem associated with Mrs. Kennedy's ARDS is impared gas exchange. Nurses should monitor her respiratory function closely, such as breath sounds, the movement of the chest, respiratory patterns and rate regular ABG, tidal volume and pulse oximetry in order to ensure respiration.] [Rational: Additionally, it is important to relieve her pain and anxiety to decrease oxygen consumption (Saunders, 2011), and to maintain effective airway clearance, such as through suction and postural drainage (Dormann et al., 2010). A prone positioning is effective in improving Pao2 because the diaphragm and abdominal content are shifted (Dormann et al., 2010). Moreover, nurses should maintain CPAP and mechanical ventilation as is ordered. Generally, a Fio2 up to 1.0 can be tolerated for up to 48 hours after which it should be lowered to less than 0.6 to prevent additional lung damage (Dennison cited in Saunders 2010).] [Limitations: Jones (2010) has stated that a high concentration of oxygen produces an overabundance of oxygen-free radicals, which can damage the alveolar-capillary membrane. This condition can lead to pulmonary oedema and severe gas exchange impairment, and possible pulmonary fibrosis.] [Student analysis: Therefore, it is essential to treat Mrs Kennedy with as low oxygenation as possible to prevent these damages.]