s

Field name / Comments/notes
Title / Physical Assessment
Code / NI603
Level / 6
Credit rating / 20
Pre-requisites / Meets Progression Requirements to Year 3 of the Course.
Type of module
Aims / The module aims to :
  1. Develop physical assessment knowledge skills and understanding

Learning outcomes/objectives / By the end of this module the students will be able to:
  1. Carry out a systematic integrated patient assessment
  • Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of systematic patient assessment processes
  • Recognise changes in physical parameters and interpret their significance
  • Prioritise monitoring and care needs in response to the critical analysis assessment findings
  • Critically anlayse the need for effective patient centred assessment and care planning

Content / The module will utilise a systems based approach to enable the student to be able to understand the complexities associated with physical assessment and will include:
  • Revision of vital signs and their meanings
  • Systematic and integrated physical assessments of:
  • Cardiac system
  • Respiratory system
  • Neurological system
  • Fluid balance
  • Psychological assessment
  • Common pathophysiology affecting vital signs
  • Changing care needs in relation to physical parameters
  • Communication responsibilities within the multi -disciplinary team and multi-disciplinary decision making

Teaching and learning strategies / The main theoretical concepts will be introduced, and developed incrementally through teacher led sessions from which student centred learning can then proceed. The use of guided reading prior to sessions will encourage independent learning and enable students to explore concepts related to assessment.
The module will be clinically focused, participative in nature and encourage experiential learning. Methods will include the use of scenarios and simulation exercises; reflective activities; small group work; discussion; lectures; reflection on and in practice; and guided study
Students shall be encouraged to reflect upon and share their own experiences
Taught 24 hours
Experience based learning 4 hours
Guided Study 40 hours
Assessment time 40 hours
Independent study/reading 92 hours
Total 200 hours
Learning support / Students will be provided with an indicative reading list and have access to the University learning resources.
Students will be supported by the module leader and module team in order to facilitate learning and provide support during the duration of the module.
Indicative reading:
Creed, F. and C. Spiers.2010 Care of the acutely ill adult : an essential guide for nurses Oxford: University Press Oxford.
Cox, C. 2004. Physical assessment for nurses. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing
Douglas, G., F. Nicol and C. Robertson. 2009. Macleods Clinical examination. 12th edition Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.
Jarvis, C. 2008.Physical Examination & Health Assessment.5th Ed. St. Louis: Elsevier
Muralitharan, M. and I Peate. 2009. Fundamentals of Applied Pathophysiology: An Essential Guide for Nursing Students. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons
Rawles, Z., B. Griffiths and T. Alexander. 2010. Physical Examination Procedures for Advanced Nurses and Independent Prescribers; Evidence and rationale. London: Hodder Arnold.
Rushforth, H. 2009. Assessment made incredibly easy. London: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Website:

Assessment tasks / A two hour, two part examination (one hour each part) using scenario based exercises to:
  • Identify and prioritise patients’ needs using physical assessment tools demonstrating the ability to carry out a systematic, integrated patient assessment
  • Critically analyse underlying physiological basis for changes in physical assessment findings and their significance in prioritising monitoring and care needs to provide effective patient-centred care.
Weighting 100%
Assesses learning outcomes 1-5
.
Brief description of module content and/or aims (maximum 80 words) / The module focuses on preparing students to undertake a systematic, integrated patient assessment with particular emphasis on identification of normal and abnormal physical parameters. From understanding normal and abnormal assessment findings the student will be able to prioritise monitoring and care needs.
Area examination board to which module relates / BSc (Hons) Nursing
Module team/authors/ coordinator / Fiona Creed (Module leader), Annie Chellel, Eda Hensler, Jane Lovegrove, Sue Dawson ( practice contributor)
Trimester offered, where appropriate / Semester 1 and 2
Year 3, Trimester 1
Site where delivered / Brighton: Eastbourne/Hastings
Date of first approval / 6th April 2011
Date of last revision / N/A
Date of approval of this version / 6th April 2011
Version number / 1
Replacement for previous module / N/A
Field for which module is acceptable and status in that field / Nursing – Adult
mandatory
Course(s) for which module is acceptable and status in course / BSc (Hons) Nursing – Adult
mandatory
School home / SNM
External examiner / Nichola von Fintel