NURS70020
Health Assessment and Critical Thinking
Sheridan
 
  I: Administrative Information   II: Course Details   III: Topical Outline(s)  Printable Version
 

Land Acknowledgement

Sheridan College resides on land that has been, and still is, the traditional territory of several Indigenous nations, including the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Wendat, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We recognize this territory is covered by the Dish with One Spoon treaty and the Two Row Wampum treaty, which emphasize the importance of joint stewardship, peace, and respectful relationships.

As an institution of higher learning Sheridan embraces the critical role that education must play in facilitating real transformational change. We continue our collective efforts to recognize Canada's colonial history and to take steps to meaningful Truth and Reconciliation.


Section I: Administrative Information
  Total hours: 42.0
Credit Value: 3.0
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Spring/Summer 2023
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
Equivalents: N/A
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: N/A

Program(s): Healthcare
Program Coordinator(s): N/A
Course Leader or Contact: N/A
Version: 20230508_00
Status: Approved (APPR)

Section I Notes: Access to course materials and assignments will be available on Sheridan's Learning and Teaching Environment (SLATE). Students will need reliable access to a computer and the internet.

 
 
Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
In this course, students utilize critical thinking skills and a systematic and priorities-based approach, combined with key patient data, to effectively perform a comprehensive assessment of an acutely ill adult patient. Students synthesize assessment findings from a client's current complaint and history, diagnostic imaging, and laboratory information to develop a comprehensive problem list and plan of care using a standardized format. Learners demonstrate the ability to interpret and respond appropriately to abnormal assessment findings and integrate accurate physical assessment techniques and principles, and related pathophysiologic and pharmacologic concepts. Successful completion of the course requires the learner to demonstrate an ability to integrate these concepts when performing an effective assessment to develop, implement, communicate, and evaluate an effective plan of care based on clinical priorities.

Program Context

 
Healthcare Program Coordinator(s): N/A
This course is part of the Healthcare cluster of course offerings.


Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

  Critical Performance:
By the end of this course, learners will be able to synthesize various sources of clinical information (physical assessment, current complaint and history, laboratory values, diagnostic imaging) into a client centered plan of care that effectively prioritizes interventions based on the client's clinical status.
 
Learning Outcomes:

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Accurately perform a system-based physical assessment using a standardized format on an acutely ill client to identify expected and unexpected findings.
  2. Analyze information from the client history, physical assessment, laboratory values, and diagnostic imaging to recognize clients who are deteriorating and require immediate care.
  3. Integrate relevant clinical information from all available data sources, including accurate physical assessment results, to formulate a priorities-based nursing problem list.
  4. Utilize a systematic approach to organize and evaluate all relevant sources of clinical information to make decisions and create a comprehensive plan of care.
  5. Communicate a priorities-based assessment, evaluation, and future nursing problem list and plan, both verbally and in written form, in a clear and concise manner.
  6. Evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions based on established client priorities and adjust the care plan as required to maintain client stability.

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

 Evaluation Plan: ONLINE
 Midterm Test20.0%
 Assignments (2 @ 15%)30.0%
 Final examination (includes practical assessment)50.0%
Total100.0%

Evaluation Notes and Academic Missed Work Procedure:
Note: A passing grade is defined as 50%. TEST AND ASSIGNMENT PROTOCOL The following protocol applies to every course offered by Continuing and Professional Studies. 1. Students are responsible for staying abreast of test dates and times, as well as due dates and any special instructions for submitting assignments and projects as supplied to the class by the instructor. 2. Students must write all tests at the specified date and time. Missed tests, in-class/online activities, assignments and presentations are awarded a mark of zero. The penalty for late submission of written assignments is a loss of 10% per day for up to five business days (excluding Sundays and statutory holidays), after which, a grade of zero is assigned. Business days include any day that the college is open for business, whether the student has scheduled classes that day or not. An extension or make-up opportunity may be approved by the instructor at his or her discretion.

Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Colleges and Universities requirements:


 

Essential Employability Skills
Essential Employability Skills emphasized in the course:

  • Communication Skills - Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.
  • Information Management - Locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.
  • Personal Skills - Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR Contact (if course is PLAR-eligible) - Office of the Registrar

  • Not Eligible for PLAR

 
 
Section III: Topical Outline
Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling.
Instruction Mode: Online
Professor: Multiple Professors
Resource(s):
 TypeDescription
RequiredTextbookPhysical examination and health assessment, Jarvis(Eds.), Elsevier Canada, 3rd Cdn. ed, 2018

Applicable student group(s): Continuing Education Students.
Course Details:

Module 1: SBAR and Critical Thinking
Subjective versus objective data
Diagnostic reasoning 
Critical thinking and the nursing process
Interview taking
Components of a survey
Vital signs  

Module 2: Neurological Systems
Anatomy and neurological assessment
Subjective interviewing
Mental health, dementia and delirium
Assessment scales
(Midterm Test 20%)

Module 3: Respiratory System
Anatomical and physiological components
Characteristics of Normal Breath Sounds 
Abnormal findings 
Crackles
ABG and interpretation
(Assignment 1,   15%)

Module 4: Cardiac System
Cardiac Cycle
Subjective and Objective data
Heart Failure
Peripheral Vascular System and Lymphatic System
Shock and Sepsis
Abnormal findings of Cardiovascular System

Module 5: Gastrointestinal/ Genitourinary system
Subjective and Objective assessment
Bedside Swallowing Screen
Bristol Stool Chart
Hyperactive and Hypoactive Bowel sounds
Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines
(Assignment 2,  15%)

Module 6: Comprehensive Assessments
Head to toe assessments
Skin Assessment
Critical thinking scenarios for all systems
Mental health assessments
Developmental considerations for Older Adults
(Practical session 50%)



Sheridan Policies

It is recommended that students read the following policies in relation to course outlines:

  • Academic Integrity
  • Copyright
  • Intellectual Property
  • Respectful Behaviour
  • Accessible Learning
All Sheridan policies can be viewed on the Sheridan policy website.

Appropriate use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools: In alignment with Sheridan's Academic Integrity Policy, students should consult with their professors and/or refer to evaluation instructions regarding the appropriate use, or prohibition, of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for coursework. Turnitin AI detection software may be used by faculty members to screen assignment submissions or exams for unauthorized use of artificial intelligence.

Course Outline Changes: The information contained in this Course Outline including but not limited to faculty and program information and course description is subject to change without notice. Nothing in this Course Outline should be viewed as a representation, offer and/or warranty. Students are responsible for reading the Important Notice and Disclaimer which applies to Programs and Courses.


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