Case Study

Adam is an active 2½ year old and although he does seem to have regular colds they rarely seem to slow him down. Today Adam has been very quiet, content to just lie in the reading corner with his head on a pillow. Since going out to play Adam has begun coughing. You have been monitoring Adam and his temperature is higher than normal. His coughing has become steadily worse and now every time he has a coughing fit, he goes very red in the face and draws in a very loud breath at the end.

1. Should you be worried about Adam?
2. What might you be able to do to make Adam more comfortable?
3. Should you be worried about Adam?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.