NURSING 7214 - Neuro Science Nursing I

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2017

This course is designed to facilitate students with the learning they need to provide a comprehensive foundation for advanced practice in caring for patients with neurological conditions. The course will cover applied neuro anatomy and physiology as well as issues relating to the management of all patients suffering from neurological conditions. These include topics such as assessment, diagnostic procedures, nutrition, fluid and electrolyte management and pharmacological management.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code NURSING 7214
    Course Neuro Science Nursing I
    Coordinating Unit Adelaide Nursing School
    Term Semester 1
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange
    Restrictions This course is restricted to students undertaking the Graduate Diploma or Master of Nursing Science
    Assessment Quizzes, Education session, Case study analysis, Pain protocol
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Mr Paul McLiesh

    Course Coordinator: Paul McLiesh

    Course Coordinator: Paul McLieshPhone: +61 8 8313 6286
    Email:
    paul.mcliesh@adelaide.edu.au
    Location: School of Nursing, The University of AdelaideSchool OfficePhone: +61 8 8313 3595

    Email: nursing.studentliason@adelaide.edu.a

    Specialty expert Elisa Gardiner
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.



    1.   Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology- Part 1

    2.   Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology – Part 2

    3.   Radiologyand Imaging in neuroscience

    4.   Diagnostic procedures andinvestigations in neuroscience

    5.   Neurological assessment and
     
    6.   Neurological examination

    7.   Disorders and pathology of the spine

    8.   Infections of the CNS

    9.   Nutritional and metabolic requirements

    10. Fluidand electrolyte disorders

    11. Pharmacological management in neuroscience

    12. Headaches- classification and the management of acute pain.

    13. Neurological conditions and management

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    1. To demonstrate and apply advanced knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the brain and spine.
    2. To explain and provide basic interpretation of diagnostic and radiological imaging relevant to the brain, spine and associated pathologies.
    3. To undertake and interpret a comprehensive neurological examination using a variety of validated assessment tools and to  identify the roles of interdisciplinary team members.
    4. To explain pathological processes of the spine, including surgical and nonsurgical management.  
    5. To analyse the nutritional and metabolic requirements, including barriers, specific to individuals with a cognitive impairment.
    6. To distinguish between neurological conditions and infections of the CNS and to critique current evidence in their treatment modalities.
    7. To explain and apply knowledge regarding the pharmacological management specific to neurological and neurosurgical conditions.
    8. To discriminate between the classification of headaches and to identify best practice methods of pain assessment and management in the cognitively impaired.
    9. To demonstrate the ability to undertake a leadership and development role in Neuro-science nursing. 




    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1-9
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2,3,6,8
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    3,9
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    9
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    9
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources


    Prescribed Texts

    Hickey,
    JV 2013, Clinical Practice of
    Neurological and Neurosurgical Nursing, 7th edn, Lippincott
    Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia.
    Recommended Resources


    Recommended Texts

    Woodward, S & Mestecky, A
    (eds) 2011, Neuroscience nursing:
    evidence based practice, Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.

    Tymiasnski,
    D, Sarro, A, & Green, T 2012 Navigating
    Neuroscience Nursing: A Canadian Perspective. Pappin Communications, Pembroke,
    Ontario.

    Layon AJ, Garielli A & Friedman WA
    2013, Textbook of Neurointensive Care, 2nd
    edn, Springer, London.

    Lindsay KW, Bone I & Fuller G, 2010, Neurology and Neurosurgery Illustrated, 5th
    edition, Elsevier, London.

    Note: Students are not required to buy recommended texts. However, they
    provide valuable supplementary reading on various aspects of the material
    covered within this course and students are encouraged to have a look at them.

    Online Learning
    Virtual Classroom and Workshops

     

    MyUni
    All students enrolled in a postgraduate coursework nursing program have access to the School of Nursing – Postgraduate Coursework Student Centre on MyUni. If you would like the opportunity to network with other students, you can use the Communication features in the site. This site will also feature information about the latest news and events at the School of Nursing.Unifiedhttp://unified.adelaide.edu.au/

    UNIFIED is your one-stop shop for email, calendar, MyUni and Access Adelaide. It even allows you to search the Library. UNIFIED is available to all active students; with a single login you can access your student systems and personal information through a central website. Login with your Student ID ("a1234567") and Password. For more information, including easy to follow instructions visit https://unified.adelaide.edu.au/web/mycampus/home.

    Library Resources
    Help for Nursing Students The University of Adelaide Library has a website to help nursing students use the library and its resource (www.library.adelaide.edu.au/guide/med/nursing). Remote student library service The University of Adelaide Library provides a document delivery and loans service to non-metropolitan students who do not visit a University of Adelaide campus to attend classes (www.adelaide.edu.au/library/docdel/external.html).


  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Teaching occurs via an online self directed mode. Students will access weekly recorded presentations as well as reviewing content in the study guide and in the weekly readings.
    There is a 1 day workshop in each semester
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    It is expected that you will need to spend about 24 hours of study a week to successfully complete this course. This includes reading, completing activities, attendance at the optional workshops and listening to lectures. Thus some weeks it will be more and others less. It is recommended that you plan your time commitment to the course at the beginning of the semester.
    Learning Activities Summary
    The following topics will be covered:
    1.   Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology- Part 1 2.  
    2.  Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology – Part 2
    3.   Radiologyand Imaging in neuroscience
    4.   Diagnostic procedures andinvestigations in neuroscience
    5.   Neurological assessment and  
    6.   Neurological examination
    7.   Disorders and pathology of the spine
    8.   Infections of the CNS
    9.   Nutritional and metabolic requirements
    10. Fluidand electrolyte disorders
    11. Pharmacological management in neuroscience
    12. Headaches- classification and the management of acute pain. 13. Neurological conditions and management
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary


    Assessment Task              Assessment Type           Weighting                        

    Quiz                                  Formative                     0%                                  

    Weekly Quizzes                Summative                   25%                                

    Staff education session    Summative                   15%                 

    Case study analysis         Summative                    30%                                

    Pain flowchart                  Summative                    30%
    Assessment Detail


    Assessment 1: Quiz - formative Weighting 0% Non-graded

    Length:
    Approximately
    500 word equivalent

    Topic:
    Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology


    It is critical students are able to apply an understanding of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology to the findings they
    see or expect when undertaking a neurological assessment.  This online assessment will demonstrate their
    understanding and application of these principles. They will be required to apply, rationalise and articulate the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological events as they occur within the body.


    Assessment 2: Weekly Online quiz

    Weighting: 25%

    Length:

    Total for completion of quizzes approximately 2000 word equivalent

    Topic:
    Weekly online quiz

    This online assessment will demonstrate the students understanding and application of weekly themes as identified in the course
    program.  Each week a series of quiz questions will be provided to engage students in relevant concepts that promote
    critical thinking and problem solving.



    Assessment 3: Staff Education Session

    Weighting: 15%

    Length: Approximately 1000 words

    Topic: Cauda equina Syndrome

    Students will be required to develop an education session targeting nursing staff for a patient admitted with cauda equina syndrome.

    The education session needs to include appropriate neurological assessment, diagnosis, pre and post- operative management, psychosocialconsiderations and discharge planning.




    Assessment 4: Case Study


    Weighting: 30%

    Length: Approximately 2000 words

    Topic: Brain Abscess

    This case study concerns a 45 year old man who has presented with a possible brain abscess.

    Presenting history:

    ·        
    Carpenter by trade and usually independent.

    ·        
    Nil significant medical history.

    ·        
    Presented to ED initially with a mild fever, severe headache, nausea and vomiting.

    ·        
    Whilst in the ED, Mr Peabody became drowsy and confused.

    The assignment will require students to research, rationalise and provide feedback on the diagnosis and management of a
    patient with a brain abscess. Focus on: diagnostics including imaging and surgery, risk of seizures and raised ICP, management of sepsis, antibiotic therapy and possible anticonvulsant therapy and mortality. Factors that aid in recovery including nutritional support, mobility, psychosocial issues and discharge planning must also be included.

     


    Assessment 5:  Pain Protocol


    Weighting: 30%

    Length: Approximately 2000 words

    Topic: Headaches and acute pain management

    Students are required to develop a pain management protocol for headaches, based on the best available evidence that could be practically applied in their work area.

    Begin by providing a 1500 word background on classifications and assessment of headaches, ethical, cultural and other consideration as well as management modalities. Following this students are asked to develop a protocol for the management of headaches in an algorithm or flow chart format.





































    Submission
    Assessments, unless otherwise stated in your Study guide, are to be submitted electronically via MyUni on the due date identified in this Study guide. Instructions for assignment submission are available for all students under Tutorials at www.adelaide.edu.au/myuni/. An assessment submitted via MyUni must be submitted as a .doc, .docx or .rtf file. If submitting a PowerPoint presentation for marking, the .ppt or .pptx must be submitted as .pdf file. It is also important to submit your file under your name, such as surname.firstname. MyUni stamps all the other details against your filename once you submit your assessment. More information on avoiding Plagiarism is available at www.adelaide.edu.au/clpd/plagiarism/.If you have difficulty submitting your assignment, you can call the MyUni helpdesk from 8am to 6pm 08 8303 3335.Further information regarding submission of assignments through TurnItIn is available on MyUni.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.