Nursing (NURS) 317

Overview

Nursing 317 Review of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for BN Practice ll provides an integrated review of the pathology of disease and pharmacological interventions, and continues the review of body systems from NURS 316. This course includes the foundation of pathophysiology and pharmacology related to: kidney and urinary function; gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary function; the endocrine system; genitourinary and reproductive function; the nervous system; musculoskeletal function; and integumentary function.

Learning Outcomes

After completing Nursing 317: Review of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for BN Practice ll, you will achieve or exceed the following learning outcomes:

• Explain the links between the clinical signs and symptoms of common diseases and the underlying pathophysiological processes;
• Articulate the relationships between pathophysiological processes and tests used to diagnose common diseases;
• Describe variations of pathophysiological processes across the lifespan;
• Describe the principles of homeostasis, compensation and adaptation in ordered and disordered physiology as manifested in the various body systems;
• Identify major classifications of pharmacotherapeutic agents and prototypes of each as used in the treatment of common health alterations;
• Describe the therapeutic actions, indications, pharmacokinetics, contraindications, most common adverse reactions, and important drug-drug interactions associated with drug classifications and specific drugs;
• Identify physiological and pathophysiological differences that must be considered in assessing therapeutic medication dosages administered across the lifespan;
• Describe ethical, legal and professional responsibilities for the Registered Nurse related to safe medication administration.

Course Structure

NURS 317 comprises seven units. Each unit includes recommended readings, and related learning activities.

• Unit 1: Kidney and Urinary Function
• Unit 2: Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Function
• Unit 3: Endocrine System
• Unit 4: Genitourinary and Reproductive Function
• Unit 5: Nervous System
• Unit 6: Musculoskeletal Function
• Unit 7: Integumentary Function

Evaluation

To receive credit for NURS 317, students must complete all of the required assignments, and achieve a composite grade of at least C(64 percent).

The assignments and weighting of the composite grade is as follows:

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.

Course Materials

Textbook

There is no course package for Nursing 317, as required course materials are included with the Nursing 316 course package.