NUR 325 – Application of Pathophysiology to Advanced
Health Assessment
(Prerequisite: NUR 300, NUR 310)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
As a registered nurse, it is essential that you understand pathophysiology…where pathology meets
physiology. This area of study focuses on the functional changes that come along with a particular
syndrome or disease. In this course, you will build on previous knowledge and skills in order to expand on
the components of a complete physical exam. You will use critical thinking and discovery skills to conduct
a health assessment and health promotion concepts to the care of diverse clients across the lifespan and
along the health and wellness continuum. As interdisciplinary team members, learners are prepared to
make contributions to their patient’s holistic health by recognizing health deviations, formulating a
thorough, individualized plan of care, anticipating treatment outcomes, and demonstrating appropriate
communication skills in promoting patient-centered care. Using ShadowHealth , a computerized
©
simulated health assessment suite, and practical experiences, you will learn to apply advanced health
assessment techniques to improve current and future patients’ health outcomes as defined by The
Baccalaureate Essentials (AACN, 2008).
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
Required Resources
Estes, M. E. . (5th ed.). Cengage Learning. ISBN-13: 978-Health Assessment and Physical Examination
1133610939; ISBN-10: 1133610935
Shadow Health. (2016). . Retrieved 21 June 2016, from Shadowhealth.com
http://www.shadowhealth.com/
Supplemental Resources
Shadow Health Instructor Resources, located in the Instructor Center area of your Blackboard course
shell.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Analyze the relationship between pathophysiological concepts and advanced health-assessment
techniques in persons across the lifespan.
2. Conduct comprehensive and detailed assessments of health and illness in developmentally and
culturally diverse patient populations utilizing cultural awareness, best practices, and evidence-
based practice.
3. Integrate holistic, patient-centered care across the health-wellness continuum that reflects a
comprehensive understanding of pathophysiology and that incorporates evidence-based care.
4. Identify and use caring and healing techniques that promote a therapeutic nurse-patient
relationship in all healthcare delivery settings.
5. Conduct appropriate health histories and detailed physical health assessment.
6. Apply health promotion principles into nursing care of patients across of the lifespan.
7. Apply information derived from patients’ health histories, genetics / genomics within the context of
the health history, genograms, and assessment to formulate an individualized plan of nursing
care that focuses on the patient’s individual health promotion and disease prevention needs.
8. Demonstrate appropriate communication and collaboration as a member of the inter- and intra-
professional healthcare team.
9. Apply quality and safety principles to advanced health assessment.
10. Discuss how technology impacts assessment interactions with patients and families.
© 2017 Strayer University. All Rights Reserved. This document contains Strayer University confidential and proprietary information
and may not be copied, further distributed, or otherwise disclosed in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of
Strayer University.
NUR 325 STUDENT GUIDE 1174 (4-7-2017) Page 1 of 10
NUR 325 – Application of Pathophysiology to Advanced
Health Assessment
WEEKLY COURSE SCHEDULE
The standard requirement for a 4.5 credit hour course is for students to spend 13.5 hours in weekly work.
This includes preparation and activities regardless of delivery mode.
Week Preparation, Activities, and Supplemental
Week 1
Module 1
Preparation
Required Reading(s)
oChapter 2: Communication Techniques and the Patient Interview
oChapter 3: The Complete Health History Including Documentation
Lecture: Overview of Pathophysiology and Advanced Health Assessment
Video
“Introduction to Pathophysiology” (43 min 23 s), located at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wt5_mzkfrY
Activities
Discussion: Relationships – Introduction (40 points)
Note: Wednesday Sunday Initial post due and two (2) reply posts by at midnight.
Supplemental
Watch The Health History Taking Interview .
Watch Clinical History Taking (with patient example) .
Watch Health History Interview .
Week 2
