Variations in Health A (NURS 2104)

• Introduction to pathophysiology; Maintaining homeostasis; Compensatory and decompensatory mechanisms
• Cell alteration – types of cell injury and repair, cell aging/degeneration, irregular cell growth
• Alterations to all body systems (e.g., inflammation, infection, obstruction/occlusion, genetics, familial, cancer, trauma)
• Physical and psychosocial stressors; Chronic versus acute disease (health continuum); illness versus disease
• Nursing management of disease and illness across the lifespan (Nursing management includes: assessment (holistic assessment, data collection including lab values and diagnostics); pharmacology; identification of real/potential problems –nursing diagnoses; planning of specific nursing interventions; implementing culturally safe care; evaluation of care; collaborating with other members of the Health Care Team; health promotion; client teaching.)
• Therapeutic interventions and treatments including pharmacology; Traditional healing practices (acupuncture, smudging, sweat lodge, reiki); Introduction to diagnostics
• Cultural diversity in health and healing;
• Introduction to evidence-informed research and practice; Physiological changes in the older adult contributing to disease and illness;
• Recognition and presentation of common disease and illness in the older adult; Nursing management of disease and illness for the older adult according to body systems.

This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.