LQB285 Pathophysiology for Health Professionals

Unit Outline: Semester 2 2024, Kelvin Grove, Internal

Overview

This unit will introduce students to pathophysiology (study of disease processes), and will address the predominant disorders affecting Australians across the lifespan, particularly those identified by the National Health Priority Areas as contributing significantly to disability and death in Australia. This unit will build on foundational knowledge of the normal structure and function of the human body developed in Anatomy and Physiology for Health Professionals (LQB185). An understanding of diseases gained within this unit will prepare students for subsequent health assessment and nursing practice within the Integrated Nursing Practice units.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of pathophysiology relevant to diseases that have the greatest impact on Australians, in alignment with the National Health Priority Areas.
2. Analyse and interpret clinical case studies to inform health assessment in alignment with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registered Nurse Standards for Practice.
3. Effectively interpret, and communicate information within a clinical practice context using appropriate terminology.

Content

Learning Approaches

This unit will engage you in learning through a 'theory to practice' approach. The content is structured to build your understanding of the main diseases and encourage you to integrate information between topics. You will be introduced to the weekly topic through online recorded lectures. Subsequently, these concepts will be reinforced and extended during on-campus workshops. Case studies and other active learning approaches in workshops will allow you to explore and apply your learning to real-world scenarios, develop communication and problem-solving skills, and develop skills in working effectively in a team.

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

General feedback from assessment items will be delivered to the student cohort. You may request individual feedback by appointment with the unit coordinator. Formative assessment activities will enable you to evaluate your progress.

Assessment

Overview

Learning and understanding content from the online modules and workshops forms the basis of assessment. You are therefore encouraged to attempt all activities. Summative assessment throughout the semester will provide you the opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the pathophysiology of selected diseases. Formative activities and online tasks within topics are designed to support your understanding, and will enable you to apply your knowledge, analyse and interpret data, and communicate your understanding of unit material.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Workshop quizzes

In-class quizzes to test understanding of the pathophysiology underlying diseases presented in clinical case studies. These quizzes will be conducted on a weekly basis.

Assessment: Progress Theory Examination

Examines your understanding of the pathophysiological basis of disease. 

Assessment: Examination (written)

Multi-choice and short answer questions to examine understanding of the pathophysiology underlying diseases and the application of this knowledge to clinical case studies.

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Recommended text(s)

Recommended:
Craft J, Gordon C, et al. (2022). Understanding Pathophysiology 4th edition, Elsevier.
Estes MEZ, Calleja P, Theobald K, Harvey T. (2019) Health Assessment and Physical Examination 3rd edition, Cengage.

Risk Assessment Statement

If you are distressed by issues explored in the content of this unit you should approach academic staff or consult the University counselling service. 

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

Registered Nurse Standards for Practice

1: Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice.

1. The RN accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality practice
   Relates to: Workshop quizzes, Progress Theory Examination, Examination (written)

2: Engages in therapeutic and professional relationships.

1. The RN communicates effectively, and is respectful of a person’s dignity, culture, values, beliefs and rights
   Relates to: Progress Theory Examination
2. The RN actively fosters a culture of safety and learning that includes engaging with health professionals and others, to share knowledge and practice that supports person-centred care
   Relates to: Progress Theory Examination

4: Comprehensively conducts assessments.

1. The RN uses a range of assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information and data to inform practice
   Relates to: Workshop quizzes, Progress Theory Examination, Examination (written)

Course Learning Outcomes

NS42 Bachelor of Nursing

1. Apply scientific knowledge and skills from nursing and related disciplines to the provision of safe, person-centred, evidence-based nursing care across the lifespan
   Relates to: Workshop quizzes, Examination (written)
2. Apply critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and digital literacy skills to make evidence- based decisions and evaluate outcomes
   Relates to: Workshop quizzes, Progress Theory Examination, Examination (written)
3. Enact and sustain effective communication skills, therapeutic relationships, and professional capabilities to practice independently and in inter and intra professional teams, to ensure safe, person-centred care
   Relates to: Progress Theory Examination