This course focuses on pathophysiology as it relates to the aging process and selected chronic illnesses. The main focus is on the care of older adults experiencing a health challenge. Cultural diversity in healing practices will be explored as well as evidence-informed research and practice.
Hours: 45 (Lecture Hours: 45)
Total Weeks: 10
Prerequisites:
Successful completion of Level 1 courses and Consolidated Practice Experience 1
Non-Course Prerequisites:
None
Co-Requisites:
PNUR 120: Professional Communication 2
PNUR 121: Professional Practice 2
PNUR 122: Health Promotion 2
PNUR 124: Pharmacology 2
PNUR 125: Integrated Nursing Practice 2
Detailed Course Content, Topics and Sequence Covered:
Course outcomes will be met through examination and exploration of the following:
- Physiological changes in the older adult contributing to disease and illness
- Recognition and presentation of common disease and illness in older adults
- Nursing management of disease and illness for the older adult according to body systems
- Nursing management including assessment (holistic assessment, data collection including lab values and diagnostics); pharmacology; identification of real/potential problems; nursing diagnoses; planning of specific nursing interventions; implementing culturally competent care; evaluation of care; collaborating with other members of the health care team; health promotion; client teaching
- Therapeutic interventions and treatments
- Traditional healing practices (e.g., acupuncture, smudging, sweat lodge, reiki)
- Introduction to diagnostics
- Evidence-informed research and practice
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
1. Explain the pathophysiology of common chronic illness related to the aging process
2. Describe the nursing management of illness associated with aging
3. Identify altered presentations of illnesses in older adult clients
4. Identify common mental health challenges and mental illness experienced by older adults (e.g., differences between normal aging and symptoms of a mental illness in older adults)
5. Give examples of diversity in traditional healing practices in management of chronic illness
6. Describe how evidence-informed practice impacts nursing care of older adults
7. Identify holistic healing practice associated with chronic illness
8. Explain the influence of culture and cultural competency in health and healing
Grading System: Percentage
Passing Grade: 68%
Percentage of Individual Work: 85
Percentage of Group Work: 15
Text Books:
Textbooks are subject to change. Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists.