Overview
Nursing 317 Review of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for BN Practice ll provides an integrated review of the pathology of disease and pharmacological interventions, and continues the review of body systems from NURS 316. This course includes the foundation of pathophysiology and pharmacology related to: kidney and urinary function; gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary function; the endocrine system; genitourinary and reproductive function; the nervous system; musculoskeletal function; and integumentary function.
Outline
NURS 317 comprises seven units. Each unit includes recommended readings, and related learning activities.
- Unit 1: Kidney and Urinary Function
- Unit 2: Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Function
- Unit 3: Endocrine System
- Unit 4: Genitourinary and Reproductive Function
- Unit 5: Nervous System
- Unit 6: Musculoskeletal Function
- Unit 7: Integumentary Function
Learning outcomes
After completing Nursing 317: Review of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for BN Practice ll, you will achieve or exceed the following learning outcomes:
- Explain the links between the clinical signs and symptoms of common diseases and the underlying pathophysiological processes;
- Articulate the relationships between pathophysiological processes and tests used to diagnose common diseases;
- Describe variations of pathophysiological processes across the lifespan;
- Describe the principles of homeostasis, compensation and adaptation in ordered and disordered physiology as manifested in the various body systems;
- Identify major classifications of pharmacotherapeutic agents and prototypes of each as used in the treatment of common health alterations;
- Describe the therapeutic actions, indications, pharmacokinetics, contraindications, most common adverse reactions, and important drug-drug interactions associated with drug classifications and specific drugs;
- Identify physiological and pathophysiological differences that must be considered in assessing therapeutic medication dosages administered across the lifespan;
- Describe ethical, legal and professional responsibilities for the Registered Nurse related to safe medication administration.
Evaluation
To receive credit for NURS 317, students must complete all of the required assignments, achieve a minimum pass grade of 64% on the Final Exam, and a composite grade of at least C(64 percent).
The assignments and weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1: Unit Quizzes | 25% |
| Assignment 2: Cumulative Units Assessment (Units 1-4) (Invigilated) | 35% |
| Assignment 3: Final Exam | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
The Cumulative Unit Assessment (Units 1-4) will be invigilated and located in the course Content > study guide, it is not booked through the myAU or the Exam Center.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Norris, T., & Tuan, R. L. (2019). Porth’s essentials of pathophysiology (5th ed). Wolters Kluwer.
Tucker, R. (2023). Karch’s focus on nursing pharmacology (9th ed). Wolters Kluwer.
Other Materials
A variety of electronic journals and websites are used in the course and paper copies are not included in the course package.