NRS578 Advanced Clinical Assessment of the Older Person (4)

This subject will enhance the assessment skills of registered nurses who work with older people which will be evidenced by a portfolio. Physiological age-related changes mean that pathophysiology may present differently in an older person making the task of assessing the physical needs of an older person a complex and challenging task for registered nurses. Students will develop an awareness of the sophisticated skills required in the assessment of an older person. The challenges of the rural and remote environment in aged-care will be explored as students develop skills in using appropriate technology to work with interdisciplinary teams and astutely link assessment to referrals, in conjunction with the person. The complexities of age-related cognitive, psychological and emotional, and the related social and spiritual needs will also be explored with a focus on First Nations peoples.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
Online
Bathurst Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: NRS578. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Nursing, Paramedicine and Healthcare Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Nursing (with specialisations) Articulated Set.

Assumed Knowledge

Working in a role that involves interactions with older people will be an advantage.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to critically reflect on the effectiveness of the clinical reasoning cycle to provide an advanced, systematic and theory- based approach to assessment of the older person within an ethical and legal framework;
  • be able to formulate an appropriate care plan for the older person based on an integrated knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and cognitive, social and spiritual needs giving specific attention to First Nations peoples;
  • be able to evaluate communication skills involved in aged care assessments;
  • be able to engage in collaborative communication within an inter-professional health care team; and
  • be able to explain the appropriate technology to support rural and remote practice and engage with virtual teams in the provision of care and services.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Introduction to the clinical reasoning cycle;
  • Use of Bronfenbrenner's theory to structure health assessment of older people;
  • Implications of age-related changes and impact on the older person;
  • Assessment and management of delirium; and
  • Communication in complex health situations.

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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