Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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NU 350 - Nursing Care of Older Adults

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
This course allows students to apply their knowledge and experiences in adult health to the specialized care of older adults. Students explore the health care needs and issues in gerontological nursing and how to maximize wellness and the quality of life for older adults. This course focuses on the healthy aging processes and risk factors that affect the health and functioning of older adults. Emphasized are the nursing approaches to managing the needs and risk factors associated with aging.  (prereq: NU 3000  or RN license)
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Analyze physiological and psychological changes in normal aging (Level 3, Nursing Care)
  • Apply health promotion and wellness concepts to older adults through the end of life (Level 3, Nursing Care)
  • Compare and contrast valid and reliable assessment tools used to guide nursing practice decisions for older adults (Level 3, Nursing Care)
  • Apply critical thinking in recognizing the complex interaction of acute and chronic comorbid physical and mental conditions and associated treatments common to older adults (Level 3, Critical Thinking)
  • Differentiate pharmacodynamics and polypharmacy in the older adult (Level 3, Critical Thinking)
  • Assess the barriers for older adults in receiving and understanding information and identify strategies to communicate effectively with older adults (Level 3, Communication)
  • Recognize facts and myths of aging and compare one’s own views and attitudes toward aging (Level 3, Professional Role)
  • Display a pattern of personal accountability for one’s own learning while assuming a professional role through acts of integrity and mutual respect (Level 3, Professional Role)
  • Analyze environmental, economic, cultural, and ethical influences on health outcomes for geriatric clients (Level 3, Evidence-based Practice)

Course Topics
  • Promoting wellness
  • Psychosocial and cognitive function
  • Delirium, depression, and dementia
  • Hearing and vision
  • Cardiovascular and respiratory function
  • Mobility and safety
  • Integumentary
  • Digestion and nutrition
  • Urinary function
  • Sleep and rest
  • Thermoregulation
  • Sexual function
  • Medication concerns
  • Diversity
  • Literacy
  • Diverse healthcare settings
  • Legal and ethical concerns
  • Elder abuse and neglect
  • End of life

Coordinator
Dr. Havilah Normington



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