The aim of this unit is to present major concepts and principles of pathophysiology, illustrating their relationship to a range of common/important acute and chronic illnesses. This unit supports the topics in concurrent nursing units by: providing a scientific basis for understanding disease processes such as cellular injury, inflammation, infection, and shock; by elucidating the underlying mechanisms which result in clinical manifestations; and by presenting the rationale for therapeutic interventions. In particular, students will be introduced to pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacological interventions related to the pathophysiology studied. Microbiology will also be discussed with reference to the growth and physiology of micro-organisms, their pathogenic potential, infection control and antibiotic treatment. In this unit, major disorders of the cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and nervous systems will be examined, as well as fluid and electrolyte imbalances, acid/base imbalances and shock. The pathophysiological principles underlying disorders of major body systems and subsystems will also be discussed.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.