Survival from a wild animal attack: A case study analysis of adolescent coping

TOPIC: Adolescent coping strategies and long-term effects of a life-threatening event are examined in this retrospective case study. PURPOSE: To describe the hospital care and follow-up support given to an 11-year-old girl who was savagely mauled by a cougar. An in-depth analysis of the patient's significant memories six-and-a-half years after the incident is also presented. SOURCES: Two hour semi-structured, information gathering interviews with the adolescent when she was 16 years old. RESULTS: The outcome of this case study analysis served as a partial debriefing of the experience for the adolescent girl. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: This case study provides a useful resource to practitioners and patients who may experience similar situations. Nurses have a role to play in anticipating and preparing children for later hospital-based, post-trauma interventions and assisting other adolescents who are injured and hospitalized.