PN 102A Practical Nursing 2

This course is the second of three terms in the Practical Nursing Program. This course introduces pathophysiological processes that contribute to many different disease states across the lifespan and human responses to those processes. Content continues the application of the nursing process and pharmacological therapies of patients within the practical nursing scope of practice in selected medical-surgical areas. These areas include care of patients with immunological, hematological, neurological, visual/auditory, cardiovascular, endocrine, respiratory, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and renal disorders. Fluid and electrolyte balance and pain management techniques are also included in this course. Cultural, ethical, and health care delivery issues are explored through case scenarios with the application of the nursing process to chronic illness care. Students will learn to make critical thinking-based clinical decisions in the context of nursing by selecting and interpreting focused nursing assessments based on knowledge of pathophysiological processes.

Credits

7

Prerequisite

PN 101A and PN 101B and admission into the Practical Nursing Program

Corequisite

PN 102B 

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Identify potential legal and ethical issues related to client decision-making and informed consent in acute care settings
2. Use therapeutic communication skills in the development of therapeutic relationships with clients and families
3. Describe the pathophysiology, medical management, diagnostic testing, and nursing interventions in caring for clients with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary/renal disorders
4. Describe the pathophysiology, perioperative management, and nursing interventions for the patient who is having or has had surgery
5. Demonstrate competency in performing skills taught in PN 101 and 102
6. Demonstrate ability to calculate medication doses accurately
7. Demonstrate safe and competent clinical application of acquired knowledge and skills when caring for patients