Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 401458

Coordinator Gift Mutsonziwa Opens in new window

Description The primary focus of this subject is the application of the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards related to regional, national and global Health Priorities . This introduction to Alterations in Health utilises an evidence-based approach to develop an understanding of pathophysiology, pharmacological interventions, and justification of appropriate safe nursing care of people across the lifespan who are experiencing acute, but usually resolvable alterations in their health.

School Nursing & Midwifery

Discipline General Nursing

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Co-requisite(s) NURS 3040 - Foundations of Nursing Practice

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in program 4785 - Master of Nursing Practice (Preregistration).

Assumed Knowledge

Primary health care, foundational knowledge of human biological sciences including human body systems, immunity, wound healing, infection control, basic concepts in pharmacology and
pathophysiology and the relationship to nursing practice.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Interpret physiological changes associated with alterations in health across contexts of nursing practice
2. Extrapolate best evidence to support decision making for safe person-centred care
3. Implement appropriate nursing assessment and person-centred care during the perioperative period 
4. Prioritise nursing care for a person experiencing an alteration in health and the ability to justify decision making
5. Substantiate the safe and effective use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for a person experiencing an alteration in health
6. Critical reflect on the Australian National Priority Areas as they relate to person centred care 

Subject Content

1. Pathophysiology and pharmacology related to:
  a. gastrointestinal,
  b. musculoskeletal
  c. reproductive systems
  d. injury prevention and control
2. National Safety and Health Priority areas:
  a. Injury Prevention and Control
  b. Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions
  c. Cancer Control
3. Principles of nursing care related to:
  a. NMBA Registered Nurse standards for practice
  b. Best Practice Guidelines
  c. Hospital policies and procedures
  d. Diversity, culture, inclusion, and cultural safety for all people
  e. Accesses and analyses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality    practice
4. Factors influencing nursing care in the pre and post-operative period:
  a. Deterioration
  b. Complications
  c. Signs and symptoms
5. National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards related to perioperative nursing care
6. Pharmacology in the pre and postoperative period:
  a. Analgesics
  b. Antibiotics
  c. Anti-inflammatory agents
  d. Specific condition related treatments
7. Non-pharmacological comfort measures