vcc.ca
NURS 3262: Pathophysiology of Complex Illness
Effective date
September 2020
Department
Baccalaureate Nursing
School
Health Sciences
Description
This pathophysiology course focuses on high acuity with medical-surgical health conditions requiring complex care. Students build on existing knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology by examining altered functions for selected body systems. Pertinent microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, pharmacology, diagnostic content and nursing interventions are integrated to reflect the interrelated and holistic nature of the body’s responses to illness and healing for clients in acute care. Students use a critical inquiry to support evidence-informed practice as they engage with course material.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
3rd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
NURS 2160, NURS 2162, NURS 2265, NURS 2266, NURS 3160, NURS 3163, NURS 3164.
Corequisites
NURS 3263, NURS 3264, NURS 3266.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Integrate critical inquiry to support evidence-informed care of selected health challenges for the complex, acutely ill adult.
- Describe the pathophysiological processes at the cellular, tissue and organ levels for selected disorders in various body systems.
- Integrate principles of microbiology, immunology, epidemiology, pharmacology, diagnostics and nursing interventions related to health challenges and healing.
- Predict the impact of multiple comorbidities in the care of individuals experiencing complex acute illness.
- Explain the pathophysiology of shock syndromes, trauma, and code management for the complex, acutely ill adult.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Total Hours: 30
Total Hours: 30
Instructional Strategies
This course is delivered through a blend of large group discussions, small group application activities, online activities and case studies. Active participation is a foundation of professional practice, critical thinking and capacity building.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
72%
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
65 |
Quizzes |
|
Final Exam |
35 |
|
Course topics
- - Complex care and impact of multiple comorbidities - Fluid and electrolyte imbalance in the acutely ill adult - Disorders of Ventilation and gas exchange, ABG's advanced, O2 Supply and Demand, V/Q mismatch disorders, alterations in lung compliance and diffusion, oxyhemoglobin disassociation curve - Disorders of Cardiac function - acute ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, electrical disorders - Neoplasms - Disorders of Renal function - acute renal injury, acute on chronic renal disease, ESRD - Multiple Trauma, Code Management - Sepsis and Shock, types of shock - Advanced Case Study presentations - Evidenced based practice in high acuity
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.