Nursing (NURS) 316
Review of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for BN Practice I (Revision 1)
Delivery Mode: Individualized study online
Credits: 3
Area of Study: Applied Studies
Prerequisite: Post-LPN BN program student, Professor approval required, BIOL 235
Faculty: Faculty of Health Disciplines
Centre: Centre for Nursing and Health Studies
NURS 316 is not available for Challenge.
Overview
Nursing 316 Review of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for BN Practice 1 provides an integrated review of the pathology of disease and pharmacological interventions. This course includes the foundation of pathophysiology and pharmacology related to: cell and tissue function; integrative body functions; hematopoietic function; infection and Immunity; circulatory function; and respiratory function.
Learning Outcomes
After completing Nursing 316: Review of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for BN Practice 1, 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;
- Competently calculate drug dosages;
- Describe ethical, legal and professional responsibilities for the Registered Nurse related to safe medication administration.
Course Structure
NURS 316 comprises seven units. Each unit includes recommended readings, and related learning activities.
- Unit 1: Basic Foundations for Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
- Unit 2: Cell and Tissue Function
- Unit 3: Integrative body Functions
- Unit 4: Hematopoietic Function
- Unit 5: Infection and Immunity
- Unit 6: Circulatory Function
- Unit 7: Respiratory Function
Evaluation
To receive credit for NURS 316, 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:
| Assignments | Weighting |
|---|---|
| Assignment 1 - Medication Calculation Quiz | Pass/Fail (pass required) |
| Assignment 2 - Unit Quizzes | 35% |
| Assignment 3 - Midterm Quiz | 25% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University's online Calendar.
The final examination for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation centre. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation centre can accommodate online exams. For a list of invigilators who can accommodate online exams, visit the Exam Invigilation Network.
Course Materials
Textbook
The course package for Nursing 316 Review of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for BN Practice 1 includes:
Karch, A.M. (2013/2017). Focus on nursing pharmacology (6th/7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.
Porth, C. M. (2015). Essentials of pathophysiology: Concepts of altered health states (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.
- These textbooks contain an electronic code essential to access online textbook resources
Other Materials
A variety of electronic journals and websites are used in the course and paper copies are not included in the course package.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized-study counterparts.
Opened in Revision 1, August 2, 2016.