Course Description - NURS 361

This course focuses on the complete health assessment, the nursing process, and its relationship to the prevention and early detection of disease in patients across the life span.  This course introduces processes of health assessment: interviewing, history-taking, and physical assessment. Dominant models, theories and perspectives are used to explain health behavior are considered in relation to evidence-based health promotion and health education strategies. Students are also expected to identify and apply pathophysiological principles to selected health issues across the lifespan. The course includes a laboratory >component complemented by self-directed computer assisted instruction. Incorporated throughout the course is the importance of communication and collaboration across culturally diverse urban populations.

Course Title:              Health Assessment & Promotion
Course Credit:           Six

Course Objectives

• Demonstrate skill in data collection methods: Interviewing, observation, physical examination and mental health assessment.
• Use anatomical, physiological, psychosocial, nutritional, developmental norms and theories, cultural and environmental factors to interpret health assessment data.
• Identify information technology sources to generate assessment data.
• Document health assessment findings systematically.
• Discuss common pathophysiological mechanisms in relation to health assessment, health promotion and disease prevention. 
• Describe the role of the nurse in using the comprehensive health assessment.  Perform interventions appropriate to promoting health and quality of life across the lifespan process in various health care settings
• Perform interventions appropriate to promoting the quality of life across the lifespan.
• Apply principles of learning and teaching to health promotion/education activities.

Prerequisites

Admission into the RN-BS Program at UMass.Nu 360 Professional Issues

Required Textbook

Edelman, C., Mandel, C. (2004). Health Promotion Through the Lifespan

Health People 2010.

Jarvis, C. (2004). Physical examination and health assessment.  (4th ed.) Philadelphia:W. B. Saunders.

Physical assessment internet site. (TBA)

CD-ROM:  Jarvis, C. (2004)  Physical Examination and Health Assessment, 4th edition. Located in back page of text.

• Jarvis, C. (2004). Pocket companion for physical examination and health assessment. (4th ed.).  Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Jarvis, C. (2004). Student lab manual.  Physical examination and health assessment. (4th ed.)  Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders..
  
  Web Related
  
• Health Literacy Resource site - This site provides the student the opportunity to investigate the new and exciting field of health literacy. This site provides links to several research projects and government programs in the area of literacy and health. Students can connect to a variety of web sites through this site. Researchers and practitioners will find it a valuable tool for identifying resources.
• The Auscultation Assistant - This is a wonderful resource for students to listen to actual breath sounds and heart sounds. Designed by a medical student in his third year of school this site affords students the opportunity to listen to and decipher the various lung and heart sounds. Normal lung and heart sounds are provided, as well as abnormal  breath sounds and murmurs.
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention - A terrific government resource for students who want to investigate disease prevention and control. This organization publishes up to date reports on infectious diseases, providing information of disease transmission and control measures.

Grading

• Component	Percent
  - Weekly participation via Discussion	10%
  - Health Promotion Paper	10%
  - Health History	10%
  - Quizzes	30%
  - Health Promotion Project	20%
  - Health History and Physical Assessment	20%
  Total	100%