HRCA 2140: Common Health Challenges 3
Effective date
January 2023
Department
Health Care Assistant Int'l
Description
This course continues the introduction to the structure and function of the human body and common challenges to health and healing from Common Health Challenges 1 and 2. The course focuses on the continuum of care and the development of knowledge related to health challenges associated with aging and disabilities. Building on knowledge from Term 1 and 2, the role of the Health Care Assistant in the managing of chronic and acute conditions will be further investigated. Cultural diversity in healing approaches will be explored as well as the importance of evidence informed research and practice.
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
HRCA 1140, HRCA 1240, HRCA 1135.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Explain the pathophysiology of common chronic illness related to the aging process.
- Identify signs and symptoms of illnesses in the older adult clients.
- Describe head to toe observations required for clients with common health challenges.
- Describe the management of illnesses associated with aging and the HCA role.
- Provide examples of diversity in traditional healing practices in management of chronic illness.
- Describe how evidence informed practice impacts nursing care of older adults.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 40
Practicum, Self-Paced, Individual Learning: 20
Total Hours: 60
Instructional Strategies
Lecture
Online activities
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Evaluation Plan
Type
|
Percentage
|
Assessment activity
|
Quizzes/Tests
|
40
|
Online graded activities demonstrating the course concepts.
|
Assignments
|
20
|
Projects/presentations
|
Exam
|
40
|
Two Exams
|
Course topics
-
Physiological changes in older adults contributing to common health challenges.
Recognition of the presentation of common health challenges for older adults through head to toe observations.
Introduction to diagnostics
Management of common health challenges for the older adults according to body systems: Integumentary, Musculoskeletal, Gastrointestinal, Genitourinary, Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Neurological, Sensory and Endocrine.
Evidence informed research and practice in therapeutic interventions and treatments
Cultural diversity in health and healing, including end of life
Traditional healing practices (eg. acupuncture, smudging, sweat lodge, reiki)
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.