Chabot College

Course Outline for Nursing 88, page 1

Fall 2010

Chabot CollegeFall 2010

Course Outline for Nursing 88

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Catalog Description

88 - Pathophysiology3 units

Pathophysiological processes in selected disease states in the following systems of the human body: endocrine, renal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and neurological. Purpose and results of supporting laboratory, radiological, and other appropriate diagnostic studies used in confirming the presence or absence of the selected disease states will be explored. Critical thinking exercises, case studies and examinations. Prerequisites: Satisfactory completion of Human Physiology 1 and Microbiology 1 (or equivalent) and: satisfactory completion of (or concurrent enrollment in) Nursing 70 and possession of a valid California LVN license, or possession of a valid California RN license, or satisfactory completion of all required nursing courses in the first semester of the nursing curriculum (Nursing55, Nursing56, Nursing58, Nursing61, Nursing74 or their equivalents) with a “C” or better and concurrent enrollment in the second semester of the nursing program (Nursing75, Nursing59 or Nursing60A or possession of a valid California LVN or RN license). 3 hours.

[Typical contact hours: 52.5]

Prerequisite Skills:

Before entering the course, the student should be able to:

  1. apply principles of human anatomy, physiology, and microbiology in the care of clients;
  2. demonstrate competency in application of the components of the nursing process;
  3. develop a nursing diagnosis based on physical assessment;
  4. describe principles of administration of medication for clients throughout the life span;
  5. complete an assessment of the thorax, skin, abdomen, oral cavity, and peripheral vascular system, including verbalizing normal physiological changes across the life span;
  6. care for the client with fluid and electrolyte disturbance(s);
  7. incorporate principles and methods of teaching healthy lifestyles to clients.

Expected Outcomes for Students:

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:

  1. identify and describe the major homeostatic processes which occur during inflammatory, immunological, and hematological responses;
  2. identify and explain the pathophysiological basis for the most commonly occurring symptoms in selected disease states of each system studied;
  3. identify the purpose and significance of the results of diagnostic tests used in confirming the presence or absence of selected disease states of each system studied;
  4. demonstrate verbally or in writing an understanding of system integration and interdependence;
  5. apply critical thinking in the utilization of the nursing process and evidence-based nursing in selected disease states of each system studied.

Course Content:

  1. Inflammatory response
  2. Immunological response
  3. allergy, autoimmunity, alloimmunity
  4. immune deficiencies
  5. Hematological response
  6. white blood cell and red blood cell function
  7. the leukemias and lymphomas
  8. multiple myeloma
  9. the anemias
  10. clotting cascade
  11. Conceptual model of the endocrine system
  12. thyroid dysfunction
  13. parathyroid dysfunction
  14. adrenal dysfunction
  15. pituitary dysfunction
  16. Blood pressure regulatory mechanisms
  17. physiological and hormonal controls
  18. hypertension
  19. Peripheral vascular diseases
  20. Cardiac Dysfunctions
  21. acute coronary syndromes
  22. heart failure
  23. valvular disorders
  24. Pulmonary diseases
  25. obstructive lung diseases (COPD)
  26. infectious lung diseases (pneumonia)
  27. Gastrointestinal disorders
  28. cirrhosis and hepatitis
  29. cholecystitis and pancreatitis
  30. Renal disorders
  31. glomerulonephritis
  32. pyelonephritis
  33. calculi
  34. failure—acute and chronic
  35. Neurological disorders
  36. cerebral hemodynamics, increased intracranial pressure
  37. stroke, aneurysm
  38. seizure disorders, chronic neurologic disorders
  39. Pathophysiological bases of shock states
  40. hypovolemic
  41. cardiogenic
  42. septic
  43. neurogenic
  44. Threats to the integument (especially burns)

Methods of Presentation

  1. Lecture/discussion
  2. Audio-visual aids
  3. Guest speakers
  4. Guided independent study

Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:

  1. Typical Assignments
  2. In class or take-home case study relating to the depressed immune system, list the rationale for assessments needed in planning safe and effective nursing care.
  3. Critical thinking assignment: Given a patient in shock, perform an internet search on evidence based practice nursing care
  4. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
  5. Quizzes
  6. Written assignments and/or class projects
  7. Written final examination

Textbook(s) (Typical):

Pathophysiology, McCance and Heuther, 2007

Special Student Materials:

None