This course provides the FNP student with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize the physiological and pathological foundations of disease states, identify disease progression leading to poor outcomes, and assess, diagnose, and evaluate disease outcomes for patients across the lifespan. Students will learn pathophysiological principles and concepts essential for performing advanced clinical assessments, differential diagnoses, and therapeutic decision-making. 

 This course is designed for the students enrolled in the FNP program. Must be completed with a grade of 80% or better.

•  Dlugasch, L., & Story, L. (n.d.). Applied pathophysiology (2nd ed., ISBN 9781284255614). Jones & Bartlett Learning

  • The physical book is not required, but available.  The online Premier Access (Navigate) is required for this class.  The e-book is included in the online package as well as the interactive PowerPoints, which will be used each week.

  • *Please note the students cannot buy the 365 Day eBook as they will not receive Navigate access*

  • https://www.jblearning.com/catalog/productdetails/9781284255614?ss360SearchTerm=dlugash

• LibGuide for UpToDate.docx
• https://www3.typhongroup.net/np/data/login.asp 

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Recognize diseases and disease processes:
    Students will demonstrate a profound understanding of the physiological and pathological foundations of diverse disease states, showcasing the ability to recognize and categorize conditions across the lifespan.

    

2. Apply Pathophysiological Concepts to Clinical Decision-Making:
   Students will be able to integrate pathophysiological knowledge into clinical decision-making and develop the ability to formulate accurate differential diagnoses and recommend evidence-based interventions for complex patient cases.

    

3. Analyze the Impact of Genetic and Environmental Factors on Disease Development:
   Students should be able to analyze the influence of genetic and environmental factors in the development of diseases, recognizing the significance of gene-environment interactions and their implications for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

    

4. Exhibit Therapeutic Decision-Making:
   Graduates of the course will exhibit proficiency in therapeutic decision-making, demonstrating the ability to translate pathophysiological insights into tailored interventions that optimize patient outcomes and contribute to the advancement of patient-centered care.

 Course Assessment Table

 Assignment Outline

Readings

Each week will cover certain chapters. There is an interactive lecture for each chapter in Jones & Bartlett NAVIGATE. Be familiar with the learning objectives for each chapter. Once you have completed the chapter, there is a quiz specific to that chapter (in Canvas) that needs to be taken by Sunday @ 11:59.

Discussion

The goal of our weekly discussions is for each of you to choose a topic that interests you and share it with the class. This way, we’ll all get to learn about a wide variety of complex diseases—some of which we might not have come across before. It’s also a great chance to strengthen our understanding of the fascinating (and sometimes complicated!) mechanisms behind these conditions.

Advance Pathophysiology Discussion Assignment

Each student, after posting their choice of topic under discussion, will then complete this assignment to be graded. Check the rubric before submitting this assignment.

Case Study

Nurse Practitioner students engage in case studies to enhance critical thinking, apply theoretical knowledge, and develop decision-making and problem-solving skills. These studies expose students to diverse clinical scenarios, improve communication and teamwork, and address ethical and professional issues. Additionally, they foster reflective practice and better prepare students for real-world clinical challenges, building confidence and competence for their professional roles.

There will be 2 case studies for this semester. The first case study will be due around mid-semester, and the last one before the final week. Please look at the due dates for submission for those case studies. 

Quiz

Quizzes are designed to evaluate your comprehension and retention of the key concepts presented in this chapter. They aim to test your ability to recall important information, apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, and demonstrate a clear understanding of the subject matter. By completing quizzes, you will be able to gauge your grasp of the content and identify areas where further review may be needed.

Quizzes are designed to assess your comprehension and retention of the key concepts presented in each chapter. They test your ability to recall important information, apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, and demonstrate a clear understanding of the subject matter. Completing quizzes will also help you gauge your grasp of the content and identify areas that may require further review.

• Availability: All quizzes will open on the first day of the semester. Each quiz must be completed by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. of the week that the subject matter is covered.

• Format: Each quiz contains 20 questions and is timed at 40 minutes. You may review and change your answers before final submission.

• Attempts: Students may take each quiz up to two times. The highest score will be recorded as the final grade.

• Closing Time: Each quiz will automatically close on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. of the assigned week and will not be accessible after that. It is your responsibility to check the due dates assigned for each quiz. 

This test is designed to evaluate your comprehension and retention of the key concepts presented in all chapters. It aims to test your ability to recall important information, apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, and demonstrate a clear understanding of the subject matter. By completing this test, you will be able to gauge your grasp of the content.

Study Guides

You will find that there are study guides in the modules each week. Please be vigilant in using them. They are quite extensive due to the amount of information for each week. However, they will direct you to what you need to know in each chapter which will hopefully cut down your reading extensively. 

Papers/assignments are due at the time designated by faculty on CANVAS either in the calendar or syllabi. If you know you will not be able to meet the due date, submit materials early and discuss this with the instructor. With unforeseen circumstances, you may not be able to submit an assignment on the designated due date, it is your responsibility to notify the instructor and negotiate a reasonable alternate due date prior to the original due date. The instructor will determine, based upon individual circumstances, acceptance of late assignments, knowing points may be lost. Submitting your assignments through CANVAS is the required method. Emailing assignments to the instructor are NOT accepted unless arranged with the instructor. If assignments are emailed without acceptance from the instructor only ½ of the point value for that assignment will be given.

Attendance in online courses is evaluated based on completion of assignments, participation in online discussions, and timely response to instructor’s emails. Students should notify the faculty in advance if you know you are unable to complete assignments, etc. by the assignment due date. In the case of emergencies, notify the faculty ASAP.

Program and Course Fees

 Instructor's Response Time & Feedback

Online classes provide unique challenges for interaction. For messages sent to me, I will respond within the specified amount of time. Feedback is an important part of learning. Please look for feedback on your assignments that I provided in the specified amount of time. To find feedback, look at this tutorial 

How do I view assignment comments from my Instructor? (Links to an external site.)

How do I view annotation feedback comments from my instructor? (Links to an external site.)

It is my goal to:

• Respond to Emails within 24-48 hours
• All assignments will be graded within five calendar days of the due date

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

At this time assignments should not be completed by AI, but by the student themselves. It will not be allowed on quizzes, tests or assignments. AI is very helpful in our world and we will utilize it in many things that we do. It is a relevant tool to help with knowledge and education and to increase our understanding of things.  Ultimately you will not be able to use AI to pass your NCLEX exam and will need to be able to come up with the content on your own.

Statement of risk

Students  are expected to manage their own transportation and assume their own risks when traveling to clinical experiences and when performing duties during clinical experiences. There are inherent risks involved in travel and clinical experiences.  The most obvious risks are accidents, contracting infections or other communicable diseases, weather, or lack of parking. Please plan ahead and take common precautions to prevent accidents, infections and violence. Be prepared and be safe.

Technology & Software Required

Being an online class, access to a computer with an Internet connection is paramount. Much of your work will be completed in our learning management system, Canvas, which may be accessed through the mySUU portal. You may be required to make accounts with various cloud-based software.

Minimum Technical Skills Required by the Student

Students are expected to be able to navigate websites and create multiple online accounts. Students should be familiar with copying and pasting, attaching, printing, and saving documents in computer programs. (For additional guides on how to use Canvas you may access the Faculty Canvas Orientation or Student Canvas Orientation courses.) There will not be tutorials provided for additional software or applications within this course.

Online Communication Etiquette

As an online course, the Discussion Forums will serve as our main means of class communication. These discussions should be organic, collaborative, and insightful. Remember, participation is not necessarily about having the right answers. It is simply allowing for critical thinking, trying out new ideas and positions, and helping others consider all sides of an issue. Divergent beliefs and worldviews may be shared; however, respect for those differences are highly valued at SUU. Students are expected to use collegial terms and language within all discussions and work.

 Canvas Information

Canvas is where course content, grades, and communication will reside for this course.

• For Passwords or any other computer-related technical support:
  • 435-865-8200
  • support@suu.edu
  • IT Service Desk
• For Canvas help:
  • 435-865-8555
  • canvas@suu.edu
  • Canvas Help Center
  • How to Use Canvas

 SUU Campus Resources and Services

SUU has several resources and services available to support you during your time here at SUU, please review this list of SUU Campus Resources and Services (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and the Student Code of Conduct. For more information on Canvas and other technologies, and their statements on Accessibility and Privacy statements please review our Vendor Resources page.

 Financial Security Statement

Finances are an integral part of maintaining your wellbeing. If you are struggling financially or wish to know more about budgeting, please visit the Financial Wellness Center in room 201C in the Sharwan Smith Center, contact Ashleigh Zimmerman at (435) 865-8436, or text the Financial Wellness line at 435-708-1952.