FPS102 Foundations of Paramedical Science 2 (8)

CSU Discipline Area: Allied Health (ALHEA)

Duration: One session

Abstract:

In this subject students will be able to integrate pathophysiological principles and assessment findings to formulate a field impression and implement the treatment plan for the patient with haemorrhage, shock and cardiovascular problems. Students will also investigate respiratory and renal physiology and pathology in order to recognise and manage health problems involving these systems.

+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2013.Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details prior to contacting their course coordinator: FPS102

Where differences exist between the handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Assumed Knowledge:

FPS101

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to:

Cellular structure and function

- identify the functions of the following basic structures of the cell: nucleus, cytoplasm, lysosome, ribosome, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus;
- describe in detail the structure of the cell membrane using the "fluid mosaic" model;
- explain and apply principles of diffusion, facilitated diffusion, osmosis, active transport and endocytosis/exocytosis as cellular membrane transport mechanisms;
- distinguish membrane transport mechanisms as active, passive, mediated or non-mediated and provide significant clinical examples of each type;
- define solution, solvent, and solute, and describe different ways of expressing the concentration of a solute;
- compare isotonic, hypertonic and hypotonic solutions, and give examples of each;
- describe factors that affect the rate and direction of diffusion of a solute in a solvent;
- distinguish between aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration in terms of ATP production and by products;
- explain the significance of oxygen for normal cellular metabolism and the inevitable sequelae of cellular hypoxia.

Renal physiology

- list the components of the urinary system and describe its overall functions;
- describe the location, size, shape and internal anatomy of the kidneys;
- describe the course of blood flow through the kidney, and identify the normal blood volume that flows through the kidney;
- describe the structure of the nephron and the orientation of its parts within the kidney;
- list the components of the filtration barrier, and describe its structure and the composition of filtrate;
- explain the opposing forces that determine filtration pressure and the rate of filtrate formation;
- explain how tubular reabsorption in the proximal tubule is accomplished;
- describe the permeability characteristics of the loop of Henle, and discuss how the movement of substances across its wall influences the composition of the filtrate;
- explain the function of the vasa recta;
- describe the operation of the countercurrent multiplier mechanism;
- explain the hormonal functions of the kidney;
- define autoregulation, and explain how it influences glomerular blood flow;
- define the term "acute renal failure", list common causes and describe the pathology involved;
- anticipate and manage likely sequalae arising from acute renal failure;
- distinguish between haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis;
- anticipate, identify and manage common dialysis emergencies occurring in the out-of-hospital environment;
- relate the pathophysiology of renal calculi to clinical assessment findings;
- describe the management for renal calculi;
- relate the pathophysiology of urinary tract infection to clinical assessment findings.

Cardiology

- explain the purpose of ECG monitoring;
- describe how ECG waveforms are produced;
- correlate the electrophysiological and hemodynamic events occurring throughout the entire cardiac cycle with the various ECG waveforms, segments and intervals;
- define the term "cardiac arrest" and distinguish between cardiac and non-cardiac aetiology;
- identify ECG waveforms consistent with cardiac arrest;
- research the morbidity and mortality of non-traumatic cardiac arrest in the local community, and identify trends in the incidence of non-traumatic cardiac arrest.

Airway, ventilation and perfusion

- list the concentration of gases that comprise atmospheric air;
- define partial pressure and identify factors that influence partial pressure;
- describe the process of oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in the blood, and discuss how oxygen and carbon dioxide concentration may be measured;
- explain the difference between PO2 and atmospheric air, expired air and alveolar air;
- describe the factors that influence the diffusion of gases through the respiratory membrane;
- identify pathologies that lead to hypoxaemia, and classify the primary form of hypoxia in each case;
- explain ventilation (V) perfusion (Q) mismatch (V=Q);
- identify the factors that increase and decrease carbon dioxide levels in the body;
- describe the physiology of respiratory regulation;
- identify ranges and limits of respiratory rates and tidal volumes for the adult, child and infant;
- identify factors that affect respiratory rate and depth;
- explain the difference between minute volume and alveolar ventilation rate (AVR) and apply this concept to the clinical setting;
- relate principles of AVR to the use of ventilation equipment;
- distinguish between restrictive and obstructive airways disease;
- given a scenario involving a patient with respiratory distress related to airway obstruction, identify the possible causes for the presentation, and appropriate management options.

Haemorrhage and shock

- describe mechanisms that regulate blood pressure and control blood flow through tissues;
- calculate mean arterial pressure and explain its relationship to organ perfusion;
- identify and classify shock based on the underlying pathophysiology;
- describe the effects of decreased perfusion at the capillary level;
- compare physiological processes underlying compensated and decompensated shock;
- identify assessment findings associated with compensated and decompensated shock;
- relate pulse pressure changes to perfusion status;
- relate orthostatic vital sign changes to perfusion status;
- synthesise assessment findings and patient history information to form a field impression for the patient with haemorrhage or shock;
- develop, execute and evaluate a treatment plan based on the field impression for the haemorrhage or shock patient.

Syllabus:

The subject will cover the following topics:

- respiratory physiology and the management of selected respiratory conditions in a pre-hospital setting; - cardiovascular physiology and the integration of this knowledge to enable the process of shock to be identified and managed appropriately; - renal physiology; - an introduction to cardiac electrophysiology; - the incidence, morbidity and mortality of cardiac arrest; - the impact of hypoperfusion at a cellular level.

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