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NURS 448

I. Course Title: Nursing of the Adult II

II. Course Number: NURS 448

III. Credit Hours: (6) credits hours: (4) hours lecture, (2) hours clinical

IV. Prerequisites: NURS 341, NURS 362, NURS 364

V. Course Description:

This 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 a 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.  

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

The objectives and content of this Level 3 course facilitate achievement of the College’s program outcomes as well as the Essentials of Baccalaureate Education (AACN). Additionally, the major topics and skills covered in this course represent content covered on standardized achievement examinations and the NCLEX-RN test plan. Current research, advanced nursing theory, and evidence based clinical practice guide content development and course design. 
 
Topical Outline: 

  1. Respiratory and Ventilation 
    1. Respiratory Process 
    2. Arterial Blood Gas Analysis
    3. Mechanical Ventilation 
    4. Nursing Care of the Client with Altered Respiratory Function 
  2. Perfusion                            
    1.  Determinants of Cardiac Output
    2. Altered Cardiac Dysfunction and Electrocardiograph Monitoring  
    3. Hemodynamic Monitoring 
  3. Shock States 
    1. Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome 
  4. Neurologic 
    1. Consciousness 
    2. Acute Cerebral Dysfunction 
    3. Spinal Cord Injury 
  5. Metabolic 
    1. Altered Glucose Metabolism 
    2. Acute Renal Dysfunction Injury 
    3. Acute Burn Injury 
    4. Trauma Assessment and Resuscitation 
    5. Organ Transplantation 
    6. Gastrointestinal 
    7. Acute Hepatic Dysfunction 
    8. Acute Pancreatic Dysfunction 

 

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

The following teaching strategies will be employed but not limited to: lectures and discussion based on case studies and problem-based learning, data clustering and concept mapping, guest lectures, written projects, guided clinical practice, clinical conferences, and student presentations. 



VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

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

  1.  Develop the knowledge and methods of a variety of disciplines to informed decision making in the high acuity setting. 
  2. Demonstrate increasing skill in applying frameworks for ethical decision-making and advocate for high quality patient care. Promotes the image of nursing by modeling the values and articulating the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the nursing profession 
  3. Implement evidence-based nursing interventions as appropriate for managing the acute and chronic care of patients and promoting health across the lifespan in the high acuity setting. 
  4. Apply patient-care technologies as appropriate to address the needs of a diverse patient population. 
  5. Integrate clinical judgment, inter-professional perspectives, and patient preferences in planning, implementing, and evaluating outcomes of care.   
  6. Contribute the nursing perspective to inter-professional teams.  Advocates for high quality safe patient care in the high acuity setting; optimizing outcomes of individuals, families, and aggregates. 
  7. Implement evidence-based state and national regulations and/or prevention strategies that affect populations in the high acuity 
  8. Recognize and report any known or suspected incidences of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of any patient or incapacitated adults. 
  9. Conduct comprehensive and focused assessments of health and illness parameters of patients, using developmentally and culturally appropriate approaches.



VIII. Assessment Measures:

May include, but are not limited to: 

  • Exams; Quizzes 
  • Project, Individual or Group 
  • Presentations 
  • Class Participation 
  • Clinical Performance 
  • Case Studies 
  • Team-Based Learning



Review and Approval

May 2001 Undergraduate Curriculum Janet Hardy Boettcher, Revision Director

April 2004 Review/Approval Undergraduate Curriculum Committee

February 2011, Kim Carter, Director

March 2021, Iris Mullins, Director

June 12, 2025

March 25, 2026

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