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Mary Lou and Rob Brady

Overview

Mary Lou Brady is a 20-year-old female who had a right-sided stroke eight days ago. She was in the hospital for four days and is now in an acute care rehabilitation center, where she is having some difficulty acclimating to her new life and body changes.

Scenario 1 Scenario 2 Scenario 3

Mary Lou is a patient in the medical surgical/rehabilitation center. She is eight days post-stroke and participates in rehabilitation for three hours every morning and afternoon. Her husband and family have been an excellent support system for her, but she is struggling with the demands of her rehabilitation. The nurse will complete a psychosocial and neurologic assessment on Mary Lou before she goes to her physical and occupational therapy for the day.

Mary Lou Brady is now 26 years with residual paralysis of the left upper extremity and her left leg. She is 28 weeks pregnant and is coming into the obstetrical office for a routine second trimester prenatal visit..

Mary Lou had a normal pregnancy, followed by a C-Section with a midline incision two days ago. She is preparing for discharge to go home with her healthy son and first baby. In this scenario, the nurse will carry out a postpartum assessment and an assessments for home and newborn safety in preparation for Mary Lou’s discharge.

Finish the Story Assignment

Learners have now seen Mary Lou at three snapshots in time. What do they think her life will be like three months from now? What about 20 years from now, as she ages?


Author Information

Colleen Meakim, MSN, RN, CHSE, ANEF
Bette Mariani, PhD, RN, ANEF
Susan Meyers, PhD, RN, RNC, CRNP
Suzanne C. Smeltzer, EdD, RN, FAAN, ANEF
Villanova University College of Nursing
Villanova, PA

(Original Maternal Child Health Scenario created by: C. Weingarten, C. H. Meakim, A. McKeever, & M. L. Bradley (2014). Clinical Simulation – Care of the Healthy Postpartum Woman who has a Disability. Villanova, PA: Villanova University College of Nursing)

 

The Mary Lou and Rob Brady unfolding case content was reviewed in 2023.