Read the case notes below and complete the writing task which follows. 

Time allowed: 40 minutes 

Today’s date: 10/07/12 

Notes: Betty Olsen is a resident at the Golden Pond Retirement Village. She needs urgent admission to hospital. You are the night nurse looking after her. 

Patient Details: Address: Golden Pond Retirement Village,83 Waterford Rd, Annerley, 4101, Phone: (07) 3441 3257 

Date of Birth: 29/01/1929 

Marital Status: Widowed 

Country of birth: Australia 

Social History: Moved to a retirement village following the death of husband in December 2010. 

Next of kin: Son, Nicholas Olsen, 53 Palmer Street, Warwick 4370 Ph (07) 4693 6552. 

Retired triple certificate nurse – was the matron of a small country hospital for 15 years. Very aware of and interest in health issues. Likes to discuss and be kept fully informed of any changes to her medication or treatment. 

Normally alert and orientated. Enjoys bridge, bingo and reading. 

Medical History:   Hypothyroidism since 2000 

Hypertension since 2007 

Glaucoma since 2007 

Allergic to penicillin 

Prescription Medications: Karvea 150mg 1 daily 

Oroxine 0.1mg 1 daily am 

Timoptol Eye Drops 0.5% 1drop each eye am & pm 

Normison 10 mg as required 

Non prescription Medication 

Golden Glow Glucosamine Tablet – 1 with breakfast for arthritis 

Vitamin C Complex Sustained Release – 1 with breakfast

Mobility / Aids: Independent with walking stick. Arthritis in hands. Wears glasses 

Continence:Requires continence pad 

Recent Nursing Notes 

16/05/12 

Flu vaccination 

29/06/12 

Complaining of indigestion following evening meal. Settled with Mylanta 

07/07/12 

Unable to sleep – aches in shoulder. Settled following 2 Panadol and 1 Normison 

09/07/12 

Requested Mylanta for indigestion,Panadol for shoulder pain – slept poorly 

10/07/12 am 

Tired and feeling generally weak. BP 180/95. Confined to bed. GP called and will visit 11/7/12 after surgery. 

10/07/12 pm 

Didn’t eat evening meal. Says felt slightly nauseous. Trouble sleeping, complaining of shoulder and neck pain. BP 175/95 Given 1 Normison 2 Panadol at 10pm Rechecked 10.45pm – Distressed, pale and sweaty, complaining of persistent chest pain, 

BP 190/100. Ambulance called and patient transferred 

WRITING TASK 

Write a letter for the admitting doctor of the Spirit Hospital Emergency Department. Give the recent history of events and also the patient’s past medical history and condition. 

Sample letter by Lifestyle Training Centre

Admitting doctor
Emergency Department
Spirit Hospital
10/07/12
Dear Doctor,
Re: Mrs Betty Olsen, 29/01/1929

I am writing to refer Mrs Olsen, who requires urgent admission to your hospital, in the emergency department.

Mrs. Olsen’s condition worsened overnight. She is now bedridden, experiencing nausea, sleep troubles, distress, pallor, sweating, pain in the shoulder, neck, and persistent chest pain. Her BP is 190/100. and she was administered 1 Normison and 2 Panadol.

Mrs Olsen was given Mylanta on 29/06/12 for indigestion. On 7th and 9th of July, Panadol and Normision were given to her on account of shoulder pain and difficulty in sleeping.

Mrs. Olsen has had Hypothyroidism since 2000, Hypertension, and Glaucoma since 2007. She is allergic to penicillin, suffers from Arthritis in hands, uses a walking stick, and requires continence pad. Please find her medication administration record attached.

Mrs Olsen is a widow and a retired triple certificate nurse. Her son, Nicholas Olsen, can be reached at (07)46936552.

Based on the information provided above, I urgently request admission and treatment for Mrs. Olsen. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.

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