Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This module introduces students to the assessment and care of the sick child. The student will build upon the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system studied in previous modules in order to identify the differences in the child. The focus of the module will be on assessment of the child with respiratory and gastrointestinal problems and of the child experiencing pain. This introductory module will focus on the common childhood conditions of the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems and will be built upon with more complex problems in future modules. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the pathophysiological changes in the child during childhood illness 2. Plan care in partnership with the child and their family in conjunction with the interdisciplinary team in a variety of health care settings 3. Explain the evidence based principles of assessment and management of pain in children along the age continuum 4. Appraise care provided for children with healthcare needs 5. Explore the need to support the child and family in their experience of ill health | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
The nature of disease and pathology The effect of disease and pathology on the normal functioning of the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems will be explored. This will include the physiological, social and psychological aspects of childhood illness related to the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. Evidence based nursing interventions Nursing assessment strategies, including respiratory assessment, hydration assessment and pain assessment, care planning, care delivery techniques and evaluation of care provided to children and their families with a variety of respitatory and gastrointestinal conditions will be examined. Pharmacological interventions Principles of pharmacological interventions will be explored to include the mechanisms of action in relation to drugs most frequently used in the management of pain and of respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions. Intraoperative care Pre and post operative care of the child Nursing skills relevant to the core content Relevant clinical skills when caring for a child with respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions. Health education and promotion Health education and promotion as applied to children with respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions will be explored. The importance of optimising psychosocial wellbeing will be emphasised. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Resources
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