Presents the beginning theoretical concepts related to caring for the critically ill client for the student or practicing nurse who is considering specializing in this area. Emphasizes the nursing responsibilities associated with meeting the needs of clients with disorders of the renal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- Review of advanced medical/surgical nursing theory necessary to care for patients with renal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and endocrine disorders.
- Review normal and abnormal diagnostic tests and their relevance to care.
- Complex nursing interventions including cardiac mentoring, rhythm strip interpretation, dialysis, and ultrafiltration.
- Complex pharmalogical interventions including administration of vasopressors and intravenous drips including insulin.
- Review of care of the patient with complex surgeries such as bypass surgeries, transplants, and TIPS procedure.
- Correlate pertinent theoretical concepts in critical care nursing as they relate to the pathophysiology of varying body systems and care of the patient.*
- Explain diagnostic tests and therapeutic nursing intervention necessary to care for the critically ill patient.
- Use the nursing process as a theoretical framework to guide nursing practice.
- Describe sophisticated nursing skills and techniques necessary to care for a critically ill client.
- Describe complex legal, ethical, and moral issues faced by the critically ill client, the physician, and the nurse in practice.
From old nursing curriculum.
Assessment and Requirements
Grading Scale: A = 90 - 100%
B = 80 - 89%
C = 70 - 79%
D = 60 - 69%
E = Less than 60%
Course syllabus required. Students are expected to attend class regularly, review reading materials, complete assignments, and take tests at the scheduled times. Failure to meet these expectations may affect grade.