Module: General Nursing 3A

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	General Nursing 3A
Module Code	NUR1054 (ITS: NS378)
Faculty	Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The aim of this module is designed to enable the student to further develop a critical understanding of a range of physical problems which patients experience. This module will use a biopsychosocial perspective to explore the treatment and management of the most commonly experienced problems in nursing practice. The principles of oncology nursing will be explored in this module also.

Learning Outcomes

1. Comprehend how to appropriately assess and manage physical problems.
2. Evaluate the physiology and aetiology of particular physical problems and their relevance to nursing care.
3. Illustrate the relationship which exists between nursing problems and the prioritization of care needs of the individual.
4. Demonstrate an ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care of people living with acute and chronic health problems.
5. Appreciate sociological and psychological perspectives as they relate to physical problems and health.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	No Description
Lecture	6	Practice time in Clinical Education Centre
Independent Study	80	Reading, Assessment preparation, group work
Fieldwork	15	Directed Reading for class/ Preparation work for clinical education centre
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	20824	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Amanda Drury	Module Teacher	Leona Bannon

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Formal Examination	n/a	100%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Anatomy, physiology and aetiology of physical problems such as:
Pain, medications, lethargy, nutrition, hydration, breathing, mobility, deteriorating vital signs and altered skin integrity

Nursing assessment and psychological management of physical problems relating to:
Nutrition, Pain, Nausea, Side effects of Medications, Weakness, Fluid balance, Dysnopea and altered skin integrity.

Psychosocial perspectives on patient problems:
Negotiating physical problems in society. Society, culture, norms and the individual with physical problems. Psychological coping mechanisms. Stress and illness perceptions. Family roles and functioning

Nursing the patient with acute and chronic health problems
The nursing care of individuals undergoing cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery). The patient/client experience of cancer and the impact on the family. The care of individuals and their families in the terminal stage of cancer. Case studies and discussion of nursing care of people experiencing acute illnesses and exacerbations of chronic diseases.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:

Thim, Troels, et al.: 2012, "Initial assessment and treatment with the Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure (ABCDE) approach.", International journal of general medicine, 117-, 522263
2016: Recognizing the critically ill patient., Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Medicine, 17, 1, 522264, 1
Performing an AG patient assessment: a practical step-by-step guide: Nursing Times, 116, 53, 522265, 1, Massey, D., Chaboyer, W. and Anderson, V.,
Nursing open,: 4, 6, 522266, 1, Hill, K, 2021
12: 35, 522267, 1, Day, K., 2022, Essential critical care skills 4: airway assessment and management.
29-32: 522268, 1, Harris, D., 2022, Essential critical care skills 6: arterial blood gas analysis., Nursing Times.
522269: 1, Eakins, F., 2022, Preventing deterioration before a NEWS2 score is triggered., Nursing Times, 118(7), 1,
1: Ingram, S., 2017, Taking a comprehensive health history: learning through practice and reflection, British Journal of Nursing, 26(18), 1033,
Vaughan, J. and Parry, A.: 2016, Assessment and management of the septic patient: part 1., British Journal of Nursing,, 25(17), 958, 522272
2016: Assessment and management of the septic patient: part 2., British Journal of Nursing, 25(21), 1196,

Other Resources

None