The aim of this module is to develop advanced knowledge of the principles underpinning the care of adults experiencing acute and critical illness.
You will need to complete an induction prior to commencement of your first module. We have a comprehensive online induction package to welcome you to both the university and your programme of study. Alternatively, classroom-based induction days take place at our Lancaster and Carlisle campuses and are usually scheduled for the first week of each semester.
The running of this module is dependent on there being sufficient numbers of interest.
Course outline
Course summary
This module covers topics such as:
- Concepts of critical care and national policy drivers.
- Patient assessment and monitoring.
- Haemodynamics and fluid balance.
- Introduction to 12 Lead ECG and arrhythmia recognition.
- Pain assessment and management.
- Effect of acute / critical illness on body systems; including: respiratory, cardiac, renal and nervous systems.
- Pathophysiology and treatment of shock.
- Principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
- Care of the dying patient.
- Ethical, moral and legal issues
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Interrogate and evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions utilised in the management of the acutely ill adult
- Systematically review the key concepts, theories, evidence, guidelines and policy upon which your practice is based
- Critically analyse the process of assessment and problem identification in the planning and evaluation of patient care
- Utilise a client and user focus to enhance acute and critical care practice
Indicative core bibliography
- Adam S, Welch J & Odell M (2009). Rapid assessment of the acutely ill patient. John Wiley & Sons.
- Cooper N, Forrest K and Cramp P (2006) Essential guide to acute care. 2nd Ed. Blackwell
- Esmond G (2008) Non-invasive respiratory support techniques: oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation and CPAP. Blackwell
- Moore T & Woodrow P (2009)) High-dependency nursing care 2nd Ed. Routledge
- Peate I & Dutton H (2012) Acute nursing care. Pearson
- Prosser S & McArthur-Rouse F (2007) Assessing and managing the acutely ill surgical patient. Blackwell
- Wood I & Garner M (2012) Initial management of acute medical patients. A guide for nurses and healthcare practitioners. 2nd Ed. Wiley-Blackwell.
Modules
Programme Specification
Entry requirements
Evidence of prior successful study at underpinning level.
Selection criteria
To be eligible to study this module, you must be working in an acute care environment and have at least 6 months experience in the speciality. If you have studied the equivalent module at Level 6 you will not be able to study the Level 7 version.
You must demonstrate the ability to study at this level and commit to attempting the assessment.
When taken as part of a specific named award, the module content and assessment must be focused towards the subject of that award. Participation in the formative components of the module is required in order to pass the module.
Application information
The closing date for applications is 5 working days prior to the module start date or, if this is your first module, 5 working days prior to the induction date.
Please note that the direct entry application system will not recognise your current Student IT Network login. Please select the New User option from the Apply Now button.
Additional costs
All students will need to purchase stationery, course books and personal equipment. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc.
Resources and facilities
We are amongst the UK's leading health departments and are proud of the high level of support we are able to offer to our students.
We provide a wide range of high-quality courses supported by expert academic and clinical practice staff. If you join us you will enjoy great facilities and learn alongside caring, committed and experienced professionals. Our employment record is excellent.