Chabot College
Fall 2004
Course Outline for Nursing 69
GERONTOLOGICAL NURSING
Catalog Description:
69 - Gerontological Nursing
1 unit
Nursing care of the aging client. Physical and psychosocial changes which occur with the aging
process. Focus on successful adaptation to aging with emphasis on maintaining or regaining optimal
health. Strategies for caring for the client who is coping with altered life styles as a result of problems
associated with aging. Theories of aging and cultural influences on the aging process. Corequisite:
Nursing 55, 61, 74 (or satisfactory completion of equivalent) or possession of valid California LVN
license. May be offered in Distance Education delivery format. 1 hour.
Prerequisite skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
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describe biopsychosocial theories of aging;
identify and describe psychosocial concerns common to the elderly client;
discuss the influence of ethnic origin on the client’s adaptation to the aging process;
identify normal physiological changes which occur in the elderly client;
adapt physical assessment skills to the elderly client;
discuss age related changes of sensory loss;
describe nursing interventions which assist the elderly client with adaptation to sensory
losses;
identify precipitating causes, symptoms and collaborative management of the elder who
has been abused;
explain the use of advance directives;
describe the impact of chronic illness on the elderly client and the family support system;
discuss the causes, symptoms and collaborative management of clients with dementia;
list five community resources for assisting the elderly client in adaptations of healthy
living;
adapt health teaching to special needs of the aging client;
discuss ethical considerations in the care of elderly clients;
describe the impact of aging on the pharmacodynamics of medications;
outline concepts of pain assessment and management in the elderly client;
cite causes, consequences and prevention of falls in the elderly client.
Course Content:
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Theories of aging
Psychosocial concerns in the elderly client
Cultural influences on the aging process
Physical changes associated with aging
Physical assessment of the elderly client
Conditions of sensory loss
Management of sensory losses
Elder abuse
Advance directives
Chabot College
Course Outline for Nursing 69, page 2
Fall 2004
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Impact of chronic Illness
Community resources for the elderly
Special health teaching needs
Ethical considerations of gerontological nursing
Pharmacodynamics in the elderly
Pain assessment and management
Falls in the elderly
Methods of Presentation:
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3.
Lecture/discussion
Audio/Visual materials
Small group presentations
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments
a.
Research Paper
1)
Advance Directives
2)
Elder Abuse
3)
Alzheimer’s Disease
b.
Group project
1)
Visit local assisted care facilities and report on services
c.
Viewing of videos
1)
Alzheimer's disease
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a.
Written examinations
b.
Group project
c.
Research paper
d.
Video worksheet
e.
Written final exam
Textbook (Typical):
Gerontological Nursing, Eliopoulos, Lippincott, 2001.
Special Student Materials:
None
N69crostl.worddoc
Rev: 9/03 slj