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UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN OSHKOSH
COLLEGE OF NURSING
The College of Nursing will build upon its tradition of developing caring and scholarly nurse
leaders who positively impact contemporary and future health care.
Nursing 312 Nursing: Adult Health I
NOTE: ALL COMMUNICATION WITH STUDENTS WILL BE VIA UW OSHKOSH
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Credits: 3 (3:0)
Schedule: Meets 3 hours per week
Placement: Junior I
Pre/Co-requisites:Concurrent with Nursing 311 and Nursing 313
Course Description:
The nursing process is applied in the care of adults who are experiencing non-complex acute illness
episodes. The nursing interventions that utilize concepts of restorative care and health promotion are
emphasized to promote health. Concepts of caring and patient empowerment will be used. The
environments that influence restorative care and health promotion will be explored and utilized.
Systematic inquiry related to restorative care and health promotion will be emphasized.
Course Objectives:
1. Examine the nursing care of the patient with acute/simple health restoration problems including the
following systems: respiratory, cardiovascular, integumentary, musculoskeletal, endocrine and
metabolic.
2. Explore concepts of caring, restoration, and empowerment in the context of nursing practice with
the ill patient.
3. Explore environments for optimizing patient health and wellness.
4. Use systematic inquiry to seek new insights for care.
5. Incorporate critical thinking skills to examine responsibilities of the nurse.
Instructional Methods:
Case study method will be emphasized with small group discussion, care plans, interactive videos,
computer simulation as appropriate, and assigned readings to integrate information.
Teaching-Learning Expectations:
Each class is designed to be an integral part of each student's education in the professional nursing
program. Each student is, therefore,expected to be present,punctual, and prepared for any scheduled
class session.
In all interactions the student is expected to demonstrate the values of professional nursing (altruism,
autonomy, human dignity, integrity and social justice) as outlined in the AACN Essentials of
Baccalaureate Nursing.

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Attendance:
Each class is designed to be an integral part of each student's education in this course. Each student is,
therefore,expected to be present and punctual for any scheduled classroom session. The faculty member
will determine what constitutes excessive absenteeism for the course and will inform students at the
beginning of the course. Excessive absences may require the student to withdraw from the course or earn
a failing grade.
Disability Services:
The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students
with disabilities. Please contact Disability Services (Dean of Students Office, 125 Dempsey Hall, 424-
3100 [Voice], 424-1319 [TTY] for the University's accommodation request form and documentation
requirements. Information related to an individual's accommodation request and/or arrangements will be
confidential and will be shared with relevant University personnel or offices on a “need-to-know” basis.
Evaluation:
Evaluation will be based upon students’ performance as determined by the individual instructor, as well
as satisfactory attainment of course objectives. Grades are not rounded up. Standardized testing may also
be used. Students must pass the standardized test at a score established by the College of Nursing to
successfully complete the course.
Textbooks:
See College of Nursing website.
Topical Outline:
I. Nursing Care for Patients with Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
A. Hypo and Hypernatremia
B. Hypo and Hyperkalemia
C. Hypo and Hypercalcemia
D. Hypo and Hyperphosphatemia
E. Hypo and Hypermagnesemia
F. Use of hypertonic, isotonic and hypotonic intravenous fluids
II. Skin Breakdown
A. Wound healing
III. Nursing Care for Patients with Burns
A. Diagnostic work-up
B. Priority assessments
C. Application of the nursing process to a patient experiencing a burn
D. Teaching/learning needs of a burn patient
E. Interdisciplinary referrals and consultation
F. Barriers to self-care and health maintenance
G. Responsibilities of nursing in promoting self-concept and role function.

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IV. Nursing Care of the Patient with Acute or Chronic RenalFailure
A. Diagnostic work-up
B. Priority assessments
C. Application of the nursing process to a patient with a problem of the genitourinary system
D. Teaching/learning needs of a patient in acute or chronic renal failure
E. Interdisciplinary referrals and consultation
F. Barriers to self-care and health maintenance
G. Responsibilities of nursing in promoting self-concept and role function.
V. Nursing Care for the Surgical Patient
A. Diagnostic work-up
B. Preoperative assessment and teaching
C. Perioperative and postoperative care.
D. Assessment and evaluation of patients with pre-existing medical conditions
E. Application of nursing process with hip fracture and knee and hip replacements
F. Multidisciplinary approach and conference
G. Management and prevention of surgical complications and the hazards of immobility, i.e., deep
vein thrombosis, emboli, respiratory infections, renal calculi, decubiti, wound infections,
atelactasis, wound dehiscence
H. Discharge planning and referral
1. Rehabilitation
2. Home care
3. Skilled nursing home
I. Barriers to self-care and health maintenance
J. Responsibilities of nursing in promoting recovery and rehabilitation
VI. Nursing Care for Pain Management
A. Acute pain
B. The negative consequences of pain
C. The neurophysiology of pain
D. Pain relief interventions and theories
E. Explain the impact of aging on pain and pain on aging
F. Demonstrate use of appropriate pain measurement tools
G. Nursing responsibilities in a framework for care of patients with pain
VII. Care of Patients with Cardiovascular Problems—CAD,HTN, PAD
A. Introduction of cardiac concepts
1. Lifestyle choices
2. Risk factor assessment
3. Community screening for cardiovascular disease
4. Nursing's role in health promotion for patients with cardiovascular disease
B. Application of the nursing process to the cardiac patient, i.e., HTN, PAD,CAD
C. Teaching/learning needs of the cardiac patient
D. Interdisciplinary referrals and consultation
E. Discharge planning
F. Barriers to self-care and maintenance
G. Nursing responsibilities to promote optimum health in patients with alterations in cardiac
conditions

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VIII. Nursing Care of a Patient with an Altered Endocrine Condition, Introduction and Management of
Type I & II Diabetes Mellitus
A. Management of diabetes
B. Teaching/learning needs of the diabetic patient
C. Interdisciplinary referrals and consultations
D. Discharge planning and diabetic support groups
E. Barriers to self-care and health maintenance
F. Responsibilities of nursing in promoting self-care management of diabetes mellitus
IV. Nursing Care of the Patient with Alteration in Oxygenation
A. Obstructive pulmonary disease, e.g., emphysema, bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, tuberculosis
B. Teaching/learning needs of the patient with respiratory problems
C. Interdisciplinary referrals and discharge planning
D. Barriers to self-care and health maintenance
E. Responsibilities of nursing in promoting self-care,role function and altered lifestyle