It is the faculty’s intent to facilitate student learning by focusing on ways of knowing about pathophysiology in relation to a wide variety of health challenges. Learning activities include lecture and group discussion, nursing case study analysis and group work, group or individual research and presentation. Students derive knowledge by actively engaging in learning activities, by relating course content to clinical practice situations and by critically reflecting on the application process.
An outline of the concepts and mechanisms relative to homeostasis that are addressed in this course is presented below. Each of these is elaborated in relation to the foundational concepts, i.e., context/cultural, time/transitions, ways of knowing and personal meaning. Etiology, pathogenesis, growth and development variations, complications, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment are presented for each of the selected health challenges.
Change in the Respiratory System
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Acid – Base Imbalances
- respiratory acidosis
- respiratory alkalosis
- metabolic acidosis
- metabolic alkalosis
- mixed disturbances
Change in the Endocrine System
- type I diabetes mellitus
- type II diabetes mellitus
Change in the Reproductive System
- sexually transmitted diseases
- benign prostatic hyperplasia
- cancer of the prostate
- cancer of the breast
Change in Cell Growth and Differentiation
- classification, characteristics and examples of neoplasms
- grading and staging
- causes
- tumor – host interactions
- factors influencing development
- complications of cancer and cancer treatment
- treatment
Immunology
- Immunodeficiency
- primary
- secondary
- hypersensitivity
- type I
- type II
- type III
- type IV
- autoimmunity
Inflammation
- chronic
Change in Hepatic Function
- hepatitis
- cirrhosis
Change in the Central Nervous System
- head injury
- cerebral vascular accident
- multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s disease
Change in the Renal System
- urinary tract infections
- renal failure
In this course students study pathophysiology concepts and their application to nursing practice. Students have opportunities to:
- Develop an understanding of the basic concepts and mechanisms involved in alterations in homeostasis and the ability to apply these concepts to a variety of health challenges
- Develop an understanding of the interrelatedness and relationships among a variety of health challenges
- Develop an understanding of the impact of a variety of health challenges on clients
- Integrate theory and apply concepts to client situations and clinical practice
- Recognize individual differences in homeostasis and presentation of disease in clients
- Develop the ability to use a variety of resources to facilitate independent study of health challenges
Evaluation is consistent with Douglas College Curriculum Development and Approval Policy. There will be a minimum of three assessments which will typically include exams, quizzes, papers and/or student presentations. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. Respect for individual choices and an openness to negotiation guide decisions about methods of evaluation.
This is a graded course.
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students
- Planned Praxis Experience
- Personal experience
- Resource family
- Generative family
- Family experiencing episodic health challenge
- Nursing practice experience
- A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.
- Other Resources
- Medical-surgical nursing textbook
- Pharmacology textbook
- Pathophysiology textbook
- Diagnostic test textbook
- Nutrition textbook
- Microbiology textbook
- Selected readings from books and journals
- Selected audio-visual and computer resources
Students in the BSN program are required to maintain a passing grade of C in all courses in order to progress in the program.