Date of Learning: 17/09/25

Time: 09:00-16:30

Title of learning activity: AM: Decision Making in care for NA PM: Understanding Complex Needs

Diary of Learning activity

In today’s learning activity, I gained a deeper understanding of the NEWS (National Early Warning Score) chart, which includes seven important parameters: alertness, temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and respiration. This tool is very useful in identifying early signs of patient deterioration.

We also studied the ABCDE assessment. I learned that:

• A (Airway): It is important to check for any airway blockage.

• B (Breathing): We assess for normal breathing patterns and identify conditions such as bradypnea or tachypnea.

• C (Circulation): This involves checking blood pressure and heart rate to ensure they are within normal ranges.

• D (Disability): This focuses on neurological assessment, checking the level of consciousness, and monitoring blood sugar levels to ensure they remain in the normal range.

• E (Exposure): This includes checking body temperature, which should normally be between 36–37.7°C.

We also learned about ABG (Arterial Blood Gas) and BBG (Venous Blood Gas), including the differences between them and how they are used to evaluate a patient’s condition.

In the afternoon, we shifted to the topic of the immune system. I learned the difference between innate immunity (the body’s first line of defense) and adaptive immunity, which can be either active (developed after exposure or vaccination) or passive (received through antibodies from another source, such as maternal antibodies).

This session helped me connect theoretical knowledge with practical clinical skills. I realized the importance of systematic patient assessment using the NEWS chart and ABCDE approach, and how understanding immunity strengthens my ability to apply these concepts in patient care. Moving forward, I aim to practice interpreting these assessments more confidently and to strengthen my clinical judgment in identifying abnormal findings early.

KSBs

K16: Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care

K24: Know how to support people with commonly encountered symptoms including anxiety, confusion, discomfort and pain

K39: Understand the principles and processes involved in supporting people and families with a range of care needs to maintain optimal independence and avoid unnecessary interventions and disruptions to their lives

S1: Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements

S2: Keep complete, clear, accurate and timely records

S3: Recognise and report any factors that may adversely impact safe and effective care provision

S4: Take responsibility for continuous self-reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills

S8: Recognise signs of vulnerability in self or colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health

S28: Support people with commonly encountered symptoms including anxiety, confusion, discomfort and pain

S30: Recognise when a person’s condition has improved or deteriorated by undertaking health monitoring, interpreting, promptly responding, sharing findings and escalating as needed

S42: Support, supervise and act as a role model to nursing associate students, health care support workers and those new to care roles, review the quality of the care they provide, promoting reflection and providing constructive feedback

S43: Contribute to team reflection activities to promote improvements in practice and services