Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit explores the integration and application of pharmacological principles and associated drug groups underpinned by human pathophysiology related to the body system under review. The interrelationship and symptom specific of the following systems, neurological, musculoskeletal, renal, vascular and haematological and gender issues related to health are studied. Pain management and wound integrity studied in NUR2002 - Nursing practice in Context 1, are explored at an increasing complex level. The clinical practicum component of this unit provides the student the opportunity to develop competency to a year two (2) level in a range of skills learnt in the simulated laboratory environment.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, it is expected that the student will be able to:

1. demonstrate a knowledge of the pathophysiological changes associated with gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, neurological, renal, vascular and hematological dysfunction and gender issues, and their application to the nursing care of patients in medical/surgical settings;
2. demonstrate the basic principles of pharmacology, therapeutic drug administration and monitoring as they relate to nursing practice;
3. analyse the problems associated with drug administration, including drug interactions and the use of drugs across the life-span;
4. understand the nursing application of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventative techniques associated with caring for a person with a body system health breakdown;
5. plan culturally relevant and age specific nursing interventions for acutely ill clients across the lifespan;
6. identify and apply appropriate evidence based nursing interventions when caring for clients with compromised wound integrity, and pain management;
7. critically discuss ethical issues relevant to the nursing care of clients with an alteration in health status;
8. demonstrate safe, evidenced based clinical practice in an acute care setting based on the integration of theoretical principles and practical skills;
9. provide person centred care according to relevant nursing care principles, to clients under the supervision of registered nursing staff and the clinical teacher;
10. conduct and document comprehensive assessments of the needs of clients utlising an appropriate assessment tool, and
11. evaluate self-performance in terms of the delivery of quality nursing care.

Assessment

Examination: 60%
Cast study: 30%
Quizzes: 10%
Skill assessment: Pass/Fail Clinical placement assessment, 100% mastery Calculation hurdle. Students must achieve a pass in the examination, skill assessment and the clinical placement to pass the unit.
Students must attend 100% of all scheduled laboratories unless a medical certificate can be provided- refer to school's clinical policy for details.

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Ainsley James

Contact hours

5 hours lectures per week supported with 2 hours laboratory, 1 hour of tutorial with 2 hours of online guided learning activities per week for 10 weeks plus two (2) weeks of clinical placement at 5 days/week (based on an 8 hour day/40 hour week) and private study over the 13 week semester - a total of 312 hours.

Prerequisites

NUR2002 and BMS1902