Dec 05, 2025  
2025-2026 Catalog SVC 
    
2025-2026 Catalog SVC

NURS 181 - Nursing M/S Patient-Practicum (lecture)


Credits: 6
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 66
Lab Hours: 0
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Introduction to concepts and basic care of selected individuals throughout the lifespan experiencing basic alterations in cell growth, cardiac function, endocrine function (including diabetes), gastrointestinal function, musculoskeletal function, neurological function, and those undergoing surgery. Principles of pharmacology, nutrition and psychological issues will be integrated throughout. Concepts of context and environment, knowledge and science, personal and professional development, quality and safety, relationship centered care and teamwork are integrated throughout.

Prerequisite: NURS 171, NURS 172, and NURS 173 with a B- or higher.
General Education Requirements:
  • Fulfills Communicate General Education Requirement
  • Fulfills Think General Education Requirement
  • Fulfills Engage General Education Requirement

Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes
  1. Use the nursing process to provide holistic care for patients experiencing alterations in health function, i.e. cell growth, cardiac, endocrine, gastrointestinal, integumentary, musculoskeletal, immune, neurological function and surgery.
  2. Discuss advocacy for patients and families.
  3. Demonstrate effective communication strategies with members of the health care team to promote collaboration in care planning, i.e. nutrition, respiratory alterations, and memory impairment.
  4. Apply knowledge of physiological alterations to patient teaching.
  5. Compare new knowledge to current clinical practice as it relates to safety throughout the lifespan.
  6. Determine the role of therapies related to promoting adaptation for alterations in health, i.e. pharmacological agents and alternative therapies.
  7. PROGRAM OUTCOME: Human Flourishing: Advocate for patients and families in ways that promote their self-determination, integrity, and ongoing growth as human beings.
  8. PROGRAM OUTCOME: Nursing Judgment: Make judgments in practice, substantiated with evidence, that integrate nursing science in the provision of safe, quality care and promote the health of patients within a family and community context. 
  9. PROGRAM OUTCOME: Professional Identity: Implement one’s role as a nurse in ways that reflect integrity, responsibility, ethical practices, and an evolving identity as a nurse committed to evidence-based practice, caring, advocacy, and safe, quality care f
  10. PROGRAM OUTCOME: Spirit of Inquiry: Examine the evidence that underlies clinical nursing practice to challenge the status quo, question underlying assumptions, and offer new insights to improve the quality of care for patients, families, and communities. 

Course Contents
  1. Fundamental care of the client with GI Alterations. Alterations in Upper and Lower GI Function in Adults and Pediatric clients.
  2. Fundamental care of the client with Cardiac. Alterations in Cardiac Output. Cardiomyopathy. Infectious/Inflammatory Cardiac Alterations. Alterations in Peripheral Vascular System.
  3. Fundamental care of client with Respiratory Alterations. Alterations in Upper and Lower Airway Function. Obstructive Airway Alterations. Pulmonary Vascular Alterations.
  4. Fundamental care of the Perioperative client. Preoperative, Intraoperative, and Postoperative.
  5. Fundamental care of the client with Musculoskeletal Alterations. Alterations in musculoskeletal function due to trauma. Alterations in bone, connective tissue, and joint structure and function.
  6. Fundamental Care of the client with Alterations in Cell Growth, Immune and Hematologic function. Pre-malignant and malignant skin alterations. Alterations due to Inappropriate Immune Response or Decreased response. Organ and Tissue Transplants. Alterations Cell Growth.
  7. Fundamental care of the client with Endocrine function Alterations. Diabetes Mellitus.
  8. Fundamental care of the client with Neurologic and Sensory Alterations. Alterations in Levels of Consciousness. Alterations in head and cerebral function.Alterations in Eye Function, Eye Inflammation, Eye Infection and Eye Trauma. Alterations in Vision and Hearing.


Instructional Units: 6