STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Identify common health problems and trends in health care.

 II.     Discuss roles and functions of the health professionals and supportive personnel.

 III.    Apply patient care principles to nursing action and procedures.

 IV.     Demonstrate knowledge in assessing, planning, administering, and evaluating individualize.

 V.      Identify the characteristics of drug information resources.

 VI.     Discuss laws regulating drugs and record keeping.

 VII.    Translate medication orders accurately.

 VIII.   List the `five rights` of medication administration.

 IX.     Compute drug dosages safely.

 X       Describe the mechanism of drug action in the body.

 XI.     Explain drug interactions as well as physical and chemical incompatibilities of drugs in patient care.

 XII.    Describe physiological mechanisms responsible for managing alterations in fluid/electrolyte acid-base imbalances.

 XIII.   Describe mechanisms of acid-base balance in the body.

 XIV.    Describe distribution of body fluids and electrolytes in the body.

 XV.     Describe major causes of electrolyte and acid-base imbalances and their clinical manifestations.

 XVI.    Describe assessment and nursing management of patients with actual or potential electrolyte imbalance.

 XVII.   Discuss nursing implications for the elderly patient in terms of fluid and electrolyte imbalance.

 XVIII.  Differentiate among simple, compensated or acute, and chronic respiratory or metabolic acidosis and alkalosis.

 XIX.    Compare cause, treatment and nursing management of acidosis and alkalosis.

 XX      Immune systems, Neurological System - Brain Disorders - Spinal Cord, Musculoskeletal System, Cardiovascular System, Renal System, Respiratory System, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Endocrine System, Cancer, Reproductive system, Integumentary system.

         A.      Describe the main structure and function of each system.

         B.      Identify factors that alter the function of each system.

         C.      Identify essential components of each system.

 XXI.    Discuss nursing interventions used to protect patients.

 XXII.   Discuss use of pharmacological agents in the management of the patient with any disorder.

 XXIII.  Describe procedures and tests used in diagnosis and detection of disorders of each system.

 XXIV.   Discuss screening procedures for early detection of problems within each system.

 XXV.    Recognize cardiac arrest and utilize cardiopulmonary resuscitation measures.

 XXVI.   Discuss fibrillation and use of pacemakers.

 XXVII.  List and define four types of loss and grief.

 XXVIII. Describe nursing intervention in assisting a grieving person.

 XXIX.   Describe effects of impending death on the patient, family, and the nurse or caregiver.

 XXX     Discuss nursing process in relation to care of a dying patient.

 XXXI.   Identify specific elements of different religions that have implications for nursing care.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      UNIT I Changes in Health and Nursing Practices

 II.     UNIT II Patient Care, Principles and Practice

         A.      Presents patient care principles and practices.  Application of principles is demonstrated in measures to care for patients with common health problems.  New and current techniques and equipment are introduced.

         B.      Units I and II include community, maternal-child health care, and mental health concepts.

 III.    UNIT III The Licensed Practical Nurse

         A.      Presents the role and responsibilities of the LPN and opportunities for positions in nursing.