Minimum Course Hours: 50

Course Description

Learners focus on pathophysiology as it relates to acute disease and illness in clients across the lifespan, including those with mental health and substance use conditions. Emphasis is placed on the care of clients experiencing acute illness, including nursing interventions and treatment options. Learners also analyze the implications of acute exacerbations of chronic illness. Cultural diversity in healing practices as well as evidence-informed research and practice are explored.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Level 3 courses and Consolidated Practice Experience 3

Corequisites: Integrated Nursing Practice 4; Health Promotion 4

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

1. Analyze the current British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) LPN Professional Standards, Practice Standards, and Entry-Level Competencies that are relevant to providing care for clients in acute care settings.
   • 1.1 Discuss the practical nurse’s role in providing care for clients across the lifespan experiencing health challenges in acute care settings.
   • 1.2 Discuss the practical nurse’s responsibilities related to the scope of practice and how they affect the escalation of client care in acute care settings.
   • 1.3 Identify the interprofessional collaborative relationships that are required in acute care settings.
2. Explain the pathophysiology of common acute illnesses affecting clients across the lifespan.
   • 2.1 Explain the pathophysiology and nursing management of fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalances.
   • 2.2 Explain the nursing management of common acute diseases and acute exacerbations of illness in clients across the lifespan.^[1]
   • 2.3 Explain the pathophysiology and nursing management of shock (cardiogenic, hypovolemic, neurogenic, anaphylactic, and septic).
   • 2.4 Discuss the complexities associated with providing nursing care to clients experiencing acute illness who may have concurrent mental health and/or substance use conditions.
3. Identify holistic and traditional healing practices relevant to acute illnesses, including mental health and/or substance use conditions.
   • 3.1 Explore holistic and traditional healing practices that support the nursing management of common acute illnesses.
   • 3.2 Discuss holistic and traditional healing practices that may conflict with Western medicine in the acute care setting.
4. Describe the impact of cultural safety, cultural humility, and anti-racist practice on health and healing.
   • 4.1 Compare and contrast how different cultural practices impact health and healing.
   • 4.2 Discuss how culture impacts the way clients may experience pain in the acute care setting.
   • 4.3 Explore the impact that cultural safety and cultural humility have on a client’s willingness to complete treatment plans and/or remain in the acute care setting.
5. Use critical thinking skills when accessing, assessing, and synthesizing current and relevant practice resources to inform nursing care in acute care settings.
   • 5.1 Use evidence-based research, practice, and guidelines to support learning.

Course Concepts

Course outcomes will be met through examination and exploration of the following:

• Relevant BCCNM Professional Standards, Practice Standards, and Entry-Level Competencies
• Physiological changes contributing to acute disease and illness across the lifespan, including mental health and/or substance use conditions
• Recognition and presentation of common acute disease and illness across the lifespan, including mental health conditions
• Nursing management of acute disease and illness according to body system
• Shock (cardiogenic, hypovolemic, neurogenic, anaphylactic, and septic)
• Disruption in homeostasis (fluid, electrolyte, acid-base imbalances)
• Nursing management, including:
  • Holistic assessment and data collection (including lab values and diagnostics)
  • Identifying real and potential problems
  • Nursing diagnoses
  • Planning of specific nursing interventions
  • Implementing culturally safe and culturally informed care
  • Evaluation of care
  • Collaborating with other members of the health care team
  • Health promotion
  • Client teaching
• Therapeutic interventions and treatments, including pharmacology
• Emergency pharmacology
• Traditional and holistic healing practices
• Evidence-informed research and practice; best practice guidelines
• Cultural safety, cultural humility, and anti-racist practice and impact on health and healing

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