NURS 448
Nursing of the Adult II

1. Catalog Entry

NURS 448. Nursing of the Adult II
Three hours lecture; six hours practicum (5).

Prerequisites: NURS 360, 362, 364, 366

Semester offered: Fall and Spring

This Level 3 Course focuses on nursing care for adult clients with complex health problems incorporating clinical experiences in a variety of community settings. Previously gained knowledge as well as new knowledge is emphasized to promote the acutely ill client’s holistic health. Theoretical knowledge and clinical application facilitate transition from student to professional nurse.

2. Detailed Description of Content of the Course

Topic Outline:

Emphasis is placed on nursing care of the client experiencing critical illness in the following areas:

• Respiration and Ventilation
  a. Respiratory Process
  b. Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
  c. Mechanical Ventilation
  d. Nursing Care of the Patient with Altered Respiratory Function
• Perfusion
  a. Determinants of Cardiac Output
  b. Altered Cardiac Dysfunction and Electrocardiographic Monitoring
  c. Hemodynamic Monitoring
• Shock States
  a. Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
• Neurologic
  a. Consciousness
  b. Acute Cerebral Dysfunction
  c. Spinal Cord Injury
• Metabolic
  a. Altered Glucose Metabolism
  b. Acute Renal Dysfunction
• Injury
  a. Acute Burn Injury
  b. Trauma Assessment and Resuscitation
  c. Organ Transplantation
• Gastrointestinal
  a. Acute Hepatic Dysfunction
  b. Acute Pancreatic Dysfunction

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The following teaching strategies may be employed:

This web-enhanced course may include lectures and discussion based on case studies and problem-based learning, data clustering and concept mapping, videotapes, DVDs, overheads , guest lectures, written projects, guided clinical practice, clinical conferences, and student presentations.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Apply the nursing process in an independent manner to provide holistic nursing care to critically ill adult individuals and families.
• Employ safe, therapeutic, and caring nursing interventions for individuals and families representing diverse populations, and make clinical decisions based on theory and evidence.
• Utilize critical thinking, standards of nursing practice, effective communication
  skills and research findings in the provision of nursing care and as part of a multidisciplinary team in an acute care setting.
• Adhere to the established standards of professional nursing practice, accepting individual responsibility for nursing interventions.
• Assume responsibility for ongoing learning through the examination and selection of personal and professional goals and the methodology for attainment.
• Demonstrate increasing accountability for words and actions and apply leadership skills to enhance the delivery of professional nursing care to clients in the critical care setting.
• Refine skills for effective written, oral, and nonverbal communications with individuals, families, and aggregates.
• Apply health care information technology skills interdependently in the critical care setting
• Interact with clients from various cultural backgrounds and in collaboration with members of the health care team to advocate for and to provide culturally sensitive nursing care.

5. Assessment Measures

May include:

• Tests; Exam; Quiz
• Written Projects
• Project, Individual or Group
• Oral Presentations
• Class Participation
• Clinical Performance
  

The course grade is determined by an evaluation of the extent to which the student meets the stated course objectives. Students must have a minimum of 75% (“C”) in theory, measured through testing. Other written or class participation work will be included in the final grade after the minimum 75% (“C”) has been attained through testing.

Final Grades are a combination of at least 75% (“C”) on both theory and clinical/lab components. Clinical performance must be satisfactory to pass the course.

6. Other Course Information

Honor Code: By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. This class will be conducted in strict observance of the Honor Code. Refer to your Student Handbook for details.

Students with Disabilities: If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act, you are required to register with the Disability Resource Office (DRO). The DRO website is www. radford.edu/~dro-web or email dro-web@radford.edu or telephone 540-831-6350. To receive academic accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper DRO forms and meet with your faculty no later than the second week of the semester.

Attendance: For Attendance policies and other course-related requirements, see School of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook and Course Description.

7. Review and Approval:

Date Action Reviewed by
May 2001 Undergraduate Curriculum Janet Hardy Boettcher, Revision Director
April 2004 Review/Approval Undergraduate Curriculum Committee