RNSG 1247: CONCEPTS OF CLINICAL DECISION MAKING
Course Description:
Integration of previous knowledge and skills into the continued development of the professional nurse
as a provider of patient-centered care, patient safety advocate, member of health care team, and
member of the profession. Emphasis is on clinical decision-making for patients in medical-surgical
settings experiencing selected health problems. Discussion of knowledge, judgment, skills, and
professional values within a legal/ethical framework.
Prerequisites: RNSG 1341, 1161, 2301
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of the course the student will be able to:
1. Utilize clinical reasoning and the nursing process guided by evidence based practice as a
framework for clinical decision-making for patients in medical-surgical settings experiencing
selected health problems.
2. Integrate the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, signs and symptoms, complications,
therapeutic interventions for patients in medical-surgical settings experiencing selected health
problems
3. Interpret the four roles of the professional nurse when providing patient-centered care for
patients in medical-surgical settings experiencing selected health problems.
4. Develop teaching plans that assist adult patients and their families to meet their needs for
health maintenance, promotion, and /or restoration.
5. Integrate legal principles from governing and accrediting agencies and ethical guidelines
when planning patient- centered nursing care.
6. Formulate goals and outcomes that promote quality and a risk free, safe environment for all
individuals.
7. Demonstrate competence and safety in the performance of selected nursing skills.
8.
Analyze the role of a health care advocate when collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary
health team determining resources that facilitate continuity of care; health promotion, maintenance,
and restoration.
9. Analyze the principles of therapeutic communication that facilitate interactions with patients and health
care members.
10. Analyze use of technology when communicating and managing information to support decision making to
improve care for individuals and their families.
11. Analyze the guidelines and responsibilities associated with delegation of nursing care.
12. Analyze measures that promote the development and practice of professional nursing.
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COURSE CONTENT
Module – Providing Patient-Centered Care for the Individual with an Infectious Diseases
 HIV/ AIDS
 Bacterial infections
o Gonorrhea, Syphillis, Chlamydia
 Viral infections
o Genital Herpes, Genital warts
Module – Providing Patient-Centered Care for the Individual with a Respiratory Infection

Tuberculosis
Module - Providing Patient-Centered Care for the Individual with a Female Reproductive Disorder
 Breast Cancer
 Breast conditions – fibrocystic breast disorder
 Menstrual Disorders
o Premenstrual syndrome
o Dysmennorrhea;Oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea, menorhagia, metrorrhagia
o Menopause
 Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
 Endometriosis
 Cancers – cervical, endometrial, ovarian, vaginal, vulvar
 Problems with pelvic support - Cystocele/ rectocele
Module - Providing Patient-Centered Care for the Individual with an Endocrine Disorder

Hyperthyroidism / Hypothyroidism

Hyperparathyroidism / Hypoparathyroidism
Module - Providing Patient-Centered Care for the Individual with a Disorder of the Gastrointestinal
Tract/Accessory Organs

Gallbladder diseases – Cholecystitis; Cholelithiasis

Acute pancreatitis
Module – Providing Patient-Centered Care for the Obese Individual

Obestiy
Module – Providing Patient-Centered Care for the Individual with a Disorder of the Musculoskeletal
System

Osteomyelitis, Osteoporosis
 Osteoarthritis / Rheumatoid arthritis
 Gout
 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Skills Labs:

Phlebotomy

Central Line Dressing Change

Tracheostomy Care

Tracheostomy Suctioning
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