Examining the decision-making theories employed by nurses to diagnose a patient presenting with a rectal bleed

Abstract

As part of advanced practice in colorectal care, advanced nurse practitioners (ANP) and clinical nurse specialists (CNS) increasingly are seeing patients in 2-week wait clinics to meet government targets. The author presents a case history of a patient with rectal bleeding referred via the 2-week wait pathway, and considers the decision-making theories that informed practice and led to a differential diagnosis. An eclectic model provides a comprehensive approach to decision making that encompasses the broader aspects of health; however, accurate judgement is dependent on the theoretical and clinical knowledge of the colorectal nurse specialist.