Nursing 710

NURS 710: Advanced Pathophysiology

Prerequisite: Graduate standing

Cross-Listed: NURS 628

Credit Hours: (3) Three hours seminar

This course is designed for the study of physiological alterations underlying disease entities and relating knowledge to interpret changes in normal function that result in symptoms indicative of illness. Students will examine current research in pathophysiology. The course provides the student with an essential theoretical basis for advanced nursing practice.

Detailed Description of Content of the Course

Topical Outline:

1. Physiological alterations in stress, inflammation, and immunity,
2. Physiological alterations in hematology, and neoplasia
3. Physiological alterations in cardiovascular and pulmonary systems
4. Physiological alterations in neurologic and endocrine systems
5. Physiological alterations of gastroenterologic and renal systems
6. Physiological alterations of genetics leading to disease processes.

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This online course may incorporate lectures, faculty/student directed discussions, case studies, class participation, reading assignments, guest speakers, and written work. Because the course is online, audio or video presentations/lectures, discussion boards, chat rooms and other instructional technology strategies may be used.

Goals and Objectives of the Course affect holistic health over the life span:

1. Compare and contrast physiologic changes over the life span.
2. Describe the developmental physiology, normal etiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of commonly found/seen altered health states.
3. Synthesize and apply current research based knowledge and treatment for pathological changes in selected disease states.
4. Synthesize the underlying mechanisms of physiological alterations in order to incorporate these findings into advanced nursing practice.

Clinical Competency Outcomes

After completing this course, the student will demonstrate competency in the areas of pathophysiology when she/he:

1. Analyzes the relationship between normal physiology and specific systems  alteration produced by disease.
2. Describes the etiology, development considerations, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of specific disease processes.
3. Correlates pathophysiology with the client's signs and symptoms.
4. Correlates pathophysiology with diagnostic studies.
5. Demonstrates knowledge of pathophysiology of acute and chronic disease or conditions commonly encountered in diverse practice settings.

Assessment Measures

Assessments may include but are not limited to:

Quizzes, Examinations, Presentations, Written assignments


Other Course Information
None

Review and Approval
Revised April 2010