Health Assessment and Acute Deterioration in Adults

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Identify, prioritise and respond to risk factors that may lead to deterioration in health status.
• Critique and integrate knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiological processes to clinical decision making.
• Critically discuss the signs and symptoms of deterioration in health through undertaking a prioritized assessment.
• Critically analyse how clinical judgement and decision-making skills are important aspects of acute care.
• Critique and apply initial nursing actions including pharmacologically, in managing acute deterioration using evidence-based interventions.

Principles of responding to physical deterioration: In this first introductory theme, students will build on prior learning in anatomy and physiology, applied health, and pharmacology, and fundamental assessment skills. This theme will equip students with the underpinning knowledge and skills required to identify physical deterioration in medical and surgical patients and conduct a systematic and prioritized assessment of health needs (including pain management), alongside identifying the appropriate health interventions including pharmacological interventions. This introductory theme will also introduce students to the principles of clinical judgement and decision making, alongside the importance of standardized communication strategies, and clinical human factors, including in relation to high risk activities such as patient transfers and handovers. Managing acute airway and respiratory conditions: In this theme, students will be introduced to a range of airway and respiratory conditions, including type 1 and type 2 respiratory failure, their assessment and their management. Anaphylaxis will also be covered. As part of this theme, students will gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the assessment and management of airway and respiratory issues, including oxygen therapy and other pharmacological interventions, non-invasive ventilation, blood gases, and chest drains. Managing acute cardiac and vascular conditions: In this theme, students will be introduced to a range of cardiac and vascular conditions and presentation, including acute coronary syndrome, shock syndromes (i.e. distributive, hypovolemic, cardiogenic, and obstructive). As part of this theme, students will gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the assessment and management of those presenting with a range of cardiac and vascular acute issues, including ECG (3 and 12 lead), invasive monitoring, fluid balance, fluids and electrolytes, and pharmacological interventions. Managing acute neurological, endocrine, and gastroenterological conditions: In this theme, students will be introduced to a range of acute neurological, endocrine, and gastroenterological. conditions. As part of this theme, students will gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of assessment and management of a range of conditions relating to these systems, including post op care.

This module will be taught using a variety of learning and teaching approaches including: • Lectures • Seminars • Guided independent study

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Formative self-marked practice exam

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback:
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.