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Unit of study_

NURS5043: Understand Health and Managing Disease

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit of study will further develop students’ understanding of normal physiology and pathophysiology in relation to various body systems. The impact of pathophysiological changes on normal biomedical values and their relation to nursing observation and monitoring will be further examined. This unit of study also aims to develop students’ understanding of what is required for the optimal management of common disease states through the appropriate use of pharmacotherapeutic agents. Learning about the appropriate use of pharmacotherapeutic agents will extend students’ understanding of the practice of evidence-based medicine and nursing practice.

Unit details and rules

Unit code NURS5043
Academic unit Pharmacy
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
NURS5042
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Ronald Castelino, ronald.castelino@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Final exam (Record+) Type B final exam hurdle task Assessment 3: Written examination
Short answer and MCQ
50% Formal exam period 2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Small test hurdle task Assessment 1: Quiz
Multiple Choice Questions
20% Week 04 20 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO6 LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Small test hurdle task Assessment 2: Case-study
Short answer
30% Week 06 50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
Type B final exam = Type B final exam ?

Assessment summary

  • Assessment 1. Multiple choice quiz (MCQs): 20 multiple choice questions based on topics covered to date. Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and application of material covered prior to the date of the test.
  • Assessment 2. Case-study based assessment: This (in-class) written test comprises of case-based questions. No resources are permitted. Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of material covered prior to the date of the test.
  • Assessment 3. Written examination: The final exam for this unit will comprise of both MCQs and short answer case based questions. Students will be required to demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and application of material covered during the semester.  

Please note: Each student is required to submit/attend all assessment in order to pass this unit. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week -01 Renal disease 2 and 3 Lecture (2 hr)  
Week -02 1. Introduction and outline; 2. Renal disease 1 Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 01 Renal disease 1 Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 02 Cardiovascular physiology Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 03 Pharmacotherapy 1 and 2 Lecture (2 hr)  
Renal disease 2 Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 04 Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy 3 and 4 Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 05 Respiratory physiology Lecture (2 hr)  
CVD 1 Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 06 1. Respiratory pharmacotherapy; 2. Gastrointestinal system Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 07 Haematology and anticoagulation Lecture (2 hr)  
CVD 2 Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 08 1. Gastrointestinal (GI) system; 2. Gastrointestinal pharmacotherapy Lecture (2 hr)  
Week 09 Musculoskeletal system Lecture (2 hr)  
Gastrointestinal disease Tutorial (2 hr)  
Week 10 1. Osteoporosis (OP); 2. Exam revision Lecture (2 hr)  

Attendance and class requirements

  • Attendance and participation: The Sydney Nursing School Resolutions specifically outline attendance requirements. Resolution 8.2 states that if students are absent without leave for more than 10% of classes in a particular unit of study in any one semester, the Dean may call upon them to show cause why they should not be deemed to have failed that unit of study. Students must also attend 100% of all clinical simulation laboratories (CSL) and off-campus clinical, which are supplemented with online and group activities. Students are required to attend 100% of all clinical hours. These clinical hours must be reported to the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW as a requirement for registration on completion of the nursing program clinical requirements.
  • Referencing style: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing Style. This is an author-date style of referencing. You are permitted to use either the 6th or 7th Edition however it is important you remain consistent with the chosen edition.
  • Assignment formatting guidelines: Unless the unit coordinator has indicated otherwise, please make sure your submitted assessments are formatted as follows:
    • font: use Calibri or Times New Roman in 11 - 12 point
    • double line spacing
    • margins: 2.5cm each side
    • use page numbers
    • refer to assessment instructions for use of title and headings

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Joseph Dipiro, Pharmacotherapy: A pathophysiological approach, 10th Edition 

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. describe normal anatomy and physiological function within the body
  • LO2. describe pathogenic processes within the human body, and their expression as observable alterations to normal anatomy/physiological function
  • LO3. synthesise, integrate, and apply foundational human bioscience knowledge to specific contexts and situations in health
  • LO4. find and critically evaluate evidence-based drug information with respect to quality and relevance for informing decision making in nursing practice
  • LO5. apply and integrate evidence-based pharmacotherapy knowledge to complex patients in order to optimise quality use of medicines
  • LO6. discuss the clinical governance, legal and professional requirements associated with the use of pharmacotherapy in nursing practice
  • LO7. apply the 'faculty framework for practice' to support the development of problem solving and critical thinking skills necessary to optimise medication management within nursing practice
  • LO8. adopt an ethical, social, and professional ethos in relation to the use of pharmacological therapies in health.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice
4.2. Uses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice
5.1. Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan
5.3. Documents, evaluates and modifies plans accordingly to facilitate the agreed outcomes
6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
6.2. Practises within their scope of practice
LO2
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice
6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
6.2. Practises within their scope of practice
6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
LO3
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice
5.1. Uses assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan
6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
6.2. Practises within their scope of practice
6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
7.1. Evaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes
7.2. Revises the plan based on the evaluation
LO4
National Standard of Competency for Architects - AACA
1.1. Preparation & endorsement of an agreement between client and Architect. This agreement will clearly communicate terms, services to be provided, and fees appropriate for the scale and type of project.
5.1. Application of creative imagination and aesthetic judgement in producing a resolved project design in regard to site planning, physical composition and spatial planning as appropriate to the project brief.
6.1. Identification and adoption of a strategy, program and process of documentation integrated through all project stages to enable project delivery.
6.2. Continuing coordination and integration of information and project material from relevant consultants, specialists and suppliers.
6.5. Nomination of quality and performance standards with regard to selected materials, finishes, fittings components and systems.
7.1. Identification of available procurement methods and assessment of relevance and application to the project.
7.2. Selection of procurement method incorporates assessment of the impact on all phases of project including design, documentation and project delivery.
LO5
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
4.1. Conducts assessments that are holistic as well as culturally appropriate
4.2. Uses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice
6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
6.2. Practises within their scope of practice
6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
7.1. Evaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes
LO6
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures
1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
6.2. Practises within their scope of practice
6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
LO7
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice
1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
6.2. Practises within their scope of practice
6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
7. Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
LO8
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.1. Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice
1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
6.1. Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
7. Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice -
Competency code Taught, Practiced or Assessed Competency standard
1.1 T P A Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings for safe quality practice
1.2 T P A Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
1.4 T P A Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions
1.5 T P A Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
2.1 T P A Establishes, sustains and concludes relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships
6.1 T P A Provides comprehensive safe, quality practice to achieve agreed goals and outcomes that are responsive to the nursing needs of people
6.2 T P A Practises within their scope of practice
7.1 T P A Evaluates and monitors progress towards the expected goals and outcomes

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Minor changes have been made based on some constructive feedback from USS

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.