Fall 2014
Angelina College
Health Careers Division
RNSG 1343: Complex Concepts
General Syllabus
I.
BASIC COURSE INFORMATION
A. Course Description:
Three hours credit. 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 in the care of adult patients and families with complex medicalsurgical health care needs associated with body systems. Emphasis on complex knowledge, judgment,
skills, and professional values within a legal/ethical framework. Forty-eight classroom hours. Prerequisites:
RNSG 1341, 1114, 1363, and 1301, Psych 2314. Co-requisite: RNSG 2460.
B. Intended Audience:
Sophomore working toward educational requirements for Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.
C. Instructor:
Name
Ellen Duke
Janet King
Sharon Buffalo
Martha Keel
Office Location
HC 210
HC 215
HC 107
HC 211
Phone Number
936-633-5279
936-633-3223
936-633-5445
936-633-5278
Email Address
eduke@angelina.edu
jking@angelina.edu
sbuffalo@angelina.edu
mkeel@angelina.edu
Office Hours: See office posting
Phone: Instructors may also be reached through the main Health Careers telephone number at 936633-5265. If the instructor is not available, please leave a message with Kay Gibbs, the Program
Secretary, and she will relay the message to the instructor.
II. INTENDED STUDENT OUTCOMES:
A. Basic Intellectual Competencies –
1. Critical Thinking Skills (CT) – to include creative thinking, innovation, inquiry, and analysis, evaluation
and synthesis of information.
2. Communication Skills (COM) – to include effective development, interpretation and expression of ideas
through written, oral and visual communication.
3. Empirical and Quantitative Skills (EQS) – to include the manipulation and analysis of numerical data or
observe facts resulting in informed conclusions.\
4. Teamwork (TW) – to include the ability to consider different points of view and to work effectively with
others to support a shared purpose or goal.
5. Personal Responsibility (PR) – to include the ability to connect choices, actions and consequences to
ethical decision-making.
6. Social Responsibility (SR) – to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and
the ability to engage in regional, national, and global communities.
B. Course Objectives for all sections –
Upon completion of this course, the student will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. Applies the use of clinical reasoning, the nursing process, and evidence based practice outcomes as
the basis for decision making for adult medical surgical patients (PLO #1) (DEC 1 & 2).
2. Identifies behaviors that reflect commitment to the growth and development of the role and function of
nursing consistent with the state and national regulations and with ethical and professional standards;
recognizes continuous need to improve the discipline of nursing and its contribution to society; values
self-assessment and the need for life- long learning (PLO #2) (DEC 1 & 4).
3. Determines safe, compassionate nursing care using a systematic process of assessment, analysis,
planning, intervention and evaluation that focuses on the needs and preferences of adult medical
surgical patients and their families (PLO #3) (DEC 2 & 3).
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4. Distinguishes safe practice guidelines for the adult medical surgical patient and family environment by
following scope and standards of nursing practice (PLO #4) (DEC 2).
5. Analyzes best practices for the adult medical surgical patients and their families by collaborating,
coordinating and/or facilitating comprehensive patient centered care with an
interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary healthcare team (PLO #5) (DEC 1,2,3).
C. Course Objectives as determined by the instructor –
Physiologic Mechanisms of Disease: Cancer
1. Discuss the role of the nurse in the prevention and detection of cancer.
2. Discuss diagnostics related to detection of cancer.
3. Identify risk factors associated with cancer.
4. Plan nursing therapies specific to the care of patients with breast cancer.
5. Plan nursing therapies specific to the care of patients with brain tumors.
6. Discuss the use of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and biologic therapy in the treatment of
cancer.
7. Discuss teaching plans for clients related to cancer.
Problems of Oxygenation: Ventilation
8. Discuss the assessment findings for the pulmonary system.
9. Analyze laboratory and diagnostic tests specific to selected problems affecting the pulmonary system.
10. Identify risk factors associated with selected problems affecting the pulmonary system.
11. Plan nursing therapies specific to the care of patients with selected upper respiratory problems. ( head
and neck cancer )
12. Plan nursing therapies specific to the care of patients with lower respiratory problems. (environmental
lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer.
13. Plan nursing therapies specific to the care of patients undergoing chest surgery, thoracotomy, and
laryngectomy.
14. Discuss selected pulmonary medications.
15. Discuss teaching plans for clients regarding selected pulmonary health problems.
Problems of Oxygenation: Transport
16. Discuss the assessment findings for the hematologic system.
17. Analyze laboratory and diagnostic tests specific to health problems affecting the hematologic system.
18. Identify risk factors associated with health problems affecting the hematologic system.
19. Plan nursing therapies specific to the care of patients with hematologic disease.
20. Discuss hematologic medications.
21. Discuss teaching plans for clients regarding hematologic health problems.
Problems of Oxygenation: Perfusion
22. Discuss the assessment findings for the cardiovascular system.
23. Analyze laboratory and diagnostic tests specific to health problems affecting oxygenation perfusion.
24. Identify risk factors associated with health problems affecting oxygen perfusion.
25. Plan nursing therapies specific to the care of patients with selected problems of oxygen perfusion.
(myocardial infarction, sudden death, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, dysrhythmias, inflammatory and
valvular heart disease, aortic aneurysm)
26. Discuss medications affecting oxygenation perfusion.
27. Discuss teaching plans for clients regarding problems with oxygenation perfusion.
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Problems of Digestion, Absorption, and Elimination
28. Discuss the assessment findings for the gastrointestinal system.
29. Analyze laboratory and diagnostic tests specific to selected health problems affecting digestion,
absorption and elimination.
30. Identify risk factors associated with selected health problems affecting digestion, absorption and
elimination.
31. Plan nursing therapies specific to the care of patients with selected problems of digestion, absorption
and elimination. (obstruction, colorectal cancer, ostomy, liver cancer, liver failure, and pancreatic
cancer)
32. Discuss selected gastrointestinal medications.
33. Discuss teaching plans for clients regarding selected problems of digestion, absorption and elimination.
Problems of Urinary Function
34. Discuss the assessment findings for the renal system.
35. Analyze laboratory and diagnostic tests specific to health problems affecting urinary function.
36. Identify risk factors associated with health problems affecting urinary function.
37. Plan nursing therapies specific to the care of patients with selected problems of urinary function. (acute
renal failure, chronic kidney disease)
38. Discuss selected renal medications.
39. Discuss teaching plans for clients regarding selected problems of renal system.
Problems Related to Regulatory Mechanisms
40. Discuss the assessment findings for the endocrine system and female reproductive system.
41. Analyze laboratory and diagnostic tests specific to health problems affecting the endocrine and
reproductive system.
42. Identify risk factors associated with selected regulatory mechanism problems.
43. Plan nursing therapies specific to the care of patients with selected problems related to regulatory
mechanisms. (adrenal crisis, thyrotoxicosis, DKA, HHNS, female reproductive cancers)
44. Discuss selected medications related to regulatory mechanisms.
45. Discuss teaching plans for clients regarding selected problems related to regulatory mechanisms.
Problems Related to Movement and Coordination
46. Discuss the assessment findings for the neurological system.
47. Analyze laboratory and diagnostic tests specific to health problems affecting neurologic function.
48. Identify risk factors associated with selected neurologic health problems.
49. Plan nursing therapies specific to the care of patients with selected health problems affecting
neurologic function.( meningitis, encephalitis)
50. Discuss selected medications related to neurologic function.
51. Discuss teaching plans for clients related to selected health problems affecting neurologic function.(
brain tumors, meningitis, encephalitis)
Problems Related to Movement and Coordination
52. Discuss the assessment findings for the musculoskeletal system.
53. Analyze laboratory and diagnostic tests specific to health problems affecting musculoskeletal function.
54. Identify risk factors associated with selected musculoskeletal health problems.
55. Plan nursing therapies specific to the care of patients with selected health problems affecting
musculoskeletal function both principles and arthritis and connective tissue disease.
56. Discuss selected medications related to musculoskeletal function.
57. Discuss teaching plans for clients regarding selected problems of the musculoskeletal system.
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III. ASSESSMENT MEASURES OF STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
A. Assessments for the Core Intellectual Competencies –
1. Critical Thinking Skills (CT) – Competency in critical thinking is assessed through student's ability to
discuss patient case studies, identify patient care needs and complete written assignments.
2. Communication Skills (COM) Competency in speaking is assessed through oral contribution in smallgroup activities and interpersonal communication with patients, staff, instructors and peers.
3. Empirical and Quantitative Skills (EQS) – Competency in empirical and quantitative skills is assessed
through administration of a dosage calculation exam prior to clinical.
4. Teamwork (TW) – Competency in teamwork is assessed through student's ability to participate in
various group assignments.
5. Personal Responsibility (PR) –Competency in personal responsibility will be assessed through the
student's preparedness for exams and class assignments.
6. Social Responsibility (SR) – Competency in social responsibility will be assessed through the student's
performance on computerized exam questions relating to cultural and global health issues.
B. Assessments for Course Objectives for all sections –
SCANS (Secretary of Labor‘s Commission of Achieving Necessary Skills):
Students are expected to demonstrate basic competency in academic and workforce skills. The following
competencies with evaluation are covered in RNSG 2231:
SCANS Skills
Foundation Skills
Evaluation
Examinations
Required and suggested readings
Critical Thinking Case Studies
Workplace Competencies
Computer assisted Instruction
Completion of Independent Study Projects
C. Assessments for the Course Objectives as determined by the instructor – Same as above.
IV. INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:
A. Methodologies common to all sections
Audio-visual aids
Computer assisted instruction
Educational games
Group discussion
Role playing
Independent study
Lecture
Blackboard instruction
B. Methodologies determined by the instructor
Not applicable for this course.
V. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICIES:
A. Required Textbooks, Materials, and Equipment –
Angelina College. ACNP Student Handbook
Gahart, B.L. (2012). Intravenous medications (28th ed.). St. Louis: Mosby.
Lewis, S., Dirksen, S., Heitkemper, M., Bucher, L., & Camera, I. (2011). Medical-surgical nursing:
Assessment and management of clinical problems. (8th ed.). St.Louis: Mosby.
Lewis, S., Dirksen, S., Heitkemper, M., & Bucher, L. (2014). Medical-surgical nursing: Assessment and
management of clinical problems. (9th ed.). St.Louis: Mosby.
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B. Assignments –
Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) and Blackboard Resources: This is a Blackboard enhanced
course. Students will be expected to log on to Blackboard to receive assignments, calendars, course
information and other materials. The Blackboard agreement will be signed and returned to the
instructor by the end of the first class week.
C. Course Policies – (This course conforms to the policies of Angelina College as stated in the
Angelina College Nursing Program Student Handbook and the Angelina College Student
Handbook.)
Academic Assistance – If you have a disability (as cited in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) that may affect your participation in this class, you
should see Karen Bowser, Room 208 of the Student Center. At a post-secondary institution, you must selfidentify as a person with a disability; Ms. Bowser will assist you with the necessary information to do so.
Angelina College (AC) admits students without regard to race, color, religion, natural origin, sex, disability,
or age. Inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies of AC should be directed to : Dr. Patricia
McKenzie, Vice president and Dean of Instruction, 3500 South First , Lufkin, TX 75904, telephone is 936633-5201
Attendance – See ACNP Student Handbook
Additional Policies –
Tardiness – Tardiness is simply defined as not being in the assigned area at the assigned time. To
prevent class disruptions, tardy students will not be allowed to enter the classroom until a break.
Students who are tardy a total of three (3) times in the clinical area will receive a clinical absence.
Progression Policy –A student must earn a minimum grade of “C” or “P” in all required courses in
order to progress within the nursing program. All nursing courses must be taken in the appropriate
sequence.
Withdrawal and Dismissal –Students who wish to withdraw from the nursing program must do so
with both the Nursing Program Coordinator and the Office of Admissions. If the student does not
officially withdraw in the Office of Admission, an “F” will appear on the transcript for the course in
progress at that time.
Examinations –Students must be present and on time for all examinations which will be
administered on-line in the computer lab or by paper and pencil. You must call on the day of the
exam and make arrangements for a make-up exam or no makeup exam will be scheduled.
See ACNP Student Handbook 2010-2011 for makeup exam policy.
Attendance at the final examination is required and may be rescheduled ONLY with the approval of
the Vice President of Instruction. All exams (and written assignments) become the property of the
Nursing Program.
Additional Policies Established by the Individual Instructor – None
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VI. COURSE CONTENT: RNSG 1343
A. Required Content/ Topics –
Content
1. Problems of Oxygenation:
Perfusion
(Duke, E.)
2. Problems of Oxygenation:
Ventilation
(Buffalo, S.)
Exam 1
3. Physiologic Mechanisms
of Disease: Cancer
(Buffalo, S.)
4. Problems of Oxygenation:
Transport: Hematologic
System
(Duke, E.)
Exam 2
5. Problems of Digestion,
Absorption, and
Elimination
(King, J.)
6. Problems of Urinary
Function
(Keel, M.)
Exam 3
7. Problems Related to
Regulatory Mechanisms
(Keel, M.)
Reading Assignment
Review: Lewis Chapter 32 & 33 (Both editions)
Read: Lewis Chapter 34-37 (Both editions)
Review: Lewis Chapter 26 (Both editions)
Read: Lewis 8th ed Chapter 27 pp. 535-543, Chapter 28 pp. 559574, Chapter 29.
OR
Read: Lewis 9th ed Chapter 27 pp. 512-520, Chapter 28 pp. 535549, Chapter 29.
Read: Lewis 8th ed Chapter 16, Chapter 57, pp. 1445-1451 &
Chapter 52, pp. 1311-1327 OR
Read: Lewis 9th ed Chapter 16, Chapter 57, pp. 1375-1381 &
Chapter 52, pp. 1243-1258
Complete CAIs: www.noeptexas.org (continuing education
studies online).
Review: Lewis Chapter 30 (Both editions)
Read: Lewis Chapter 31 (Both editions)
Review: Lewis Chapter 39 (Both editions)
Read: Lewis 8th ed Chapter 43 pp.1029-1048 &Chapter 44
pp.1072-1085; 1088-1095
OR
Read: Lewis 9th ed Chapter 43 pp.982-996 &Chapter 44 pp.10171027; 1030-1035
Review: Lewis Chapter 45 (Both editions)
Read: Lewis 8th ed Chapter 46 pp 1142-1146; 1155-1160
Chapter 47 omit pp. 1181-1189 (review for clinical)
OR
Read: Lewis 9th ed Chapter 46 pp 1082-1086; 1094-1099
Chapter 47 omit pp. 1117-1124 (review for clinical)
Review: Lewis Chapter 48 (Both editions)
Read: Lewis 8th ed Chapter 49 & 50, Chapter 54 pp. 1361-1370,
Chapter 55 pp.1386-1392
OR
Read: Lewis 9th ed Chapter 49 & 50, Chapter 54 pp. 1290-1300,
Chapter 55 pp.1314-1322
Review: Lewis Chapter 56 (Both editions)
Read: Lewis 8th ed Chapter 57, pp. 1445 -1457
OR
Read: Lewis 9th ed Chapter 57, pp. 1375 -1386
8. Problems Related to
Movement and
Coordination: Neuro
(Buffalo, S. and Keel, M.)
Exam 4
Review: Lewis Chapter 62 (Both editions)
9. Problems Related to
Read: Lewis Chapter 64 and Chapter 65 (Both editions)
Movement and
Coordination:
Musculoskeletal
(King, J.)
Comprehensive Final (including Musculoskeletal Unit)
B. Additional Content – None
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VII. EVALUATION AND GRADING:
A. Grading Criteria: The course grade is based on examination scores
Methods of Evaluation: Written examinations
Grade Distribution:
Unit Exams (4 total)
80%
Final Exam
20%
There will be NO rounding test grades. After averaging, the final grade is the only grade rounded.
B. Determination of Grade
Grading Scale:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 75-79
F = Less than 74.5
VIII. SYLLABUS MODIFICATION:
The instructor may modify the provisions of the syllabus to meet individual class needs by informing the class in
advance as to the changes being made.
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