Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This module provides the student with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the nurse’s role in a variety of critical care settings. Students will develop the skills of patient assessment and the ability to integrate knowledge and skills required to plan, implement and evaluate the care for patients within various critical care settings. Students will be enabled to assist patients and their families to maximise their health potential providing skilled quality person centered nursing care. The module is delivered through a combination of face to face lectures, clinical skills practice sessions and online group tutorials | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Gain an understanding of the nurse’s role in various critical care settings. 2. Critically evaluate and apply available knowledge to guide the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of evidence based nursing care in various critical care setting. 3. Identify the information and education needs of patients and their families to enable them to manage the effects of illness in the critical care setting. 4. To be aware of the skillset required to work effectively as a member of the nursing and multidisciplinary team. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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
Care of the patient with altered respiratory function. Anatomy and physiology involved in respiration, components of the respiratory system. Role and function of the components of the respiratory system in normal respiration, gas exchange and V/Q mismatch. Identification of patient at risk, risk factors for developing respiratory failure, Type 1 and Type 11 respiratory failure, signs and symptoms of respiratory failure. Other respiratory conditions e.g. COPD, Asthma, ARDs, ALI, Pneumonia and Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) and Pulmonary Embolism will be addressed. Identification of steps to be taken in the event of sudden respiratory deterioration or arrest will be outlined. The care and management of a patient requiring Non-Invasive ventilation (NIV) Care of the patient with altered cardiovascular function Anatomy & physiology of the cardiovascular system, understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiac disorders e.g. Acute coronary syndrome, chronic cardiac conditions. Assessment and monitoring of the patient requiring cardiovascular support. Use of cardiac monitoring systems, interpretation of the components relating to an individual physiological waveform. Indications for non invasive and invasive haemodynamic monitoring in relation to the critically ill adult. Care of the patient with altered renal function and Fluid/electrolyte balance Anatomoy and physiology of the renal system. Acute renal injury, clinical manifestations of Acute kidney Injury. Monitoring fluid status, balance and renal function of individuals in critical care at risk of renal deterioration. Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy use in critically ill patients. Assessment of need for and management of fluid replacement, understanding of fluid status, fluid types Assessment and management of Sepsis and Shock Sepsis Recognise and interpret signs and symptoms of : o SIRS o Sepsis o Severe sepsis o Septic Shock Recognition, interpretation and management of all types of shock. Care of the patient with altered gastro-intestinal and endocrine function Anatomy & physiology of the gastro-intestinal system. Surgical procedures and common reasons for the following interventions, o Hartmans procedure o Oesophagectomy o Colectomy o Toxic Megacolan Acute GI conditions, signs, symptoms and common causes: o Pancreatitis o GI Bleed o Liver failure o Oesophageal varacies o Duodenal ulcers o Paralytic illeus o Different types of stoma o Abdominal compartment syndrome Factors which may affect individual patient gastrointestinal function Monitoring and management of a patient with altered gastrointestinal function relevant to their underlying pathophysiology Nutrition in Critical Illness, enteral/parenteral nutrition. Care of the patient with altered neurological function Anatomy & physiology of the neurological system, nursing management of a patient with a head injury/insult, neurological assessment tools. Intracranial pressure, monitoring of same. Management of Suspected/Confirmed Spinal Injury Management of patient with Delirium. Seizure Management Care of the patient with Multisystem Disorders Observation, monitoring and documentation and/or conduction of the following: In relation to patient: o Physiological parameters o Electrolyte balance o Acid base balance o Fluid balance assessment o Body temperature and appropriate adjustment of active warming/cooling of patient. Nurses role associated with caring for family members/carers or patient representatives. Communication with patient, family/significant others, member of MDT Communicate clearly and coherently taking into account the needs of the patient Select the most appropriate method of communication for the patient Identify any communication barriers with the individuals and take the appropriate action to overcome these. Communicate with individuals and their families/significant others at a pace and level appropriate to their understanding | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles:
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Other Resources
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