Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology for Advanced Nursing Practice

Course Description

This course in organ systems physiology is designed to integrate advanced physiology with pathophysiology and clinical implications across the lifespan for advanced nursing practice. Organ systems function and dysfunction from cell level through integrated organ levels will be presented as well as the genetic basis of disease. An understanding of alterations in biological processes that affect the body’s dynamic equilibrium or homeostasis will be discussed, allowing students to differentiate abnormal physiologic functions that result in illness.

Objectives

1. Describe and accurately apply advanced concepts of biochemistry, biophysics, and cell biology as they relate to physiology and the pathophysiology of disease across the lifespan, and the biological underpinnings of health promotion activities and screening aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality.

2. Articulate concepts of molecular biology and genetics and apply these to understanding the molecular and cellular basis of diseases resulting from inherited or spontaneous mutations.

3. Explain sociocultural patterns of health and disease emphasizing potential biological pathways linking stress, adversity, and trauma to later morbidity and mortality.

4. Describe alterations of cell, tissue, organ,and integrative functions associated with a broad range of acute and chronic diseases across the life span. Relate these alterations to the associated symptoms,physical signs, and laboratory results commonly seen in those diseases. Demonstrate the ability to explain to patients and families the scientific basis of clinical decision-making, and communicate in professional language with all members of healthcare teams.

5.Identify and explain the cellular basis and major sources of evidence-based practice guidelines and their roots in the pathophysiologic basis of diseases. Demonstrate physiologically based comprehension of pharmacodynamics of common categories of therapeutic agents.

6. Demonstrate quantitative and qualitative problem-solving skills and diagnostic reasoning based on physiological and pathophysiological concepts.