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NURS 5644 Advanced Health Assessment/ Differential Diagnosis

NURS 5644 Advanced Health Assessment Differential Diagnosis

NURS 5644: Advanced Health Assessment/Differential Diagnosis

Syllabus

Course Update Disclaimer:
In the event of significant disruption due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., COVID-19), this syllabus may be subject to change. All updates will be communicated to students as promptly as possible.
Course Code: NURS 5644
Course Title: NURS 5644: Advanced Health Assessment/Differential Diagnosis

NURS 5644: Advanced Health Assessment/Differential Diagnosis Course Overview

This course focuses on the systematic process of conducting holistic health assessments for individuals across the lifespan. It covers the knowledge and skills required to gather data, interpret findings, make health diagnoses, communicate results, and empower clients. Students will learn to individualize the history and physical exams to the client’s presenting health concerns and will explore comprehensive history-taking, physical assessments, and the formulation of differential diagnoses.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate critical thinking and clinical decision-making.
  • Collect comprehensive health histories, conduct physical examinations, and request relevant diagnostic tests.
  • Perform risk assessments, including lifestyle and other risk factors.
  • Identify emotional or cognitive health problems and their physical manifestations.
  • Perform and interpret laboratory tests and diagnostic data.
  • Correlate assessment findings with underlying pathology.
  • Establish differential diagnoses based on gathered data.
  • Develop appropriate care plans that consider individual life circumstances and cultural, ethnic, and developmental factors.
  • Apply evidence-based research in decision-making.

Clinical Competencies: Students will demonstrate the following skills:

  • Conducting comprehensive and focused health assessments across all ages and cultures.
  • Interpreting problem-specific health histories and physical examinations.
  • Organizing data to develop differential diagnoses and prioritize health concerns.
  • Presenting health data and diagnosis lists to preceptors.
  • Performing essential clinical screenings such as female pelvic exams, breast self-examinations, male genital exams, and more.
  • Demonstrating skills in X-ray, EKG, and lab test interpretation.

Required Textbooks:

  1. Bickley, L.S., Szilagyi, P.G., & Hoffman, R.M. (2021). Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking (13th ed.). ISBN 9781469893419.
  2. Goolsby, M.J., & Grubbs, L. (2015). Advanced Assessment: Interpreting Findings and Formulating Differential Diagnoses (4th ed.). ISBN-13: 978-0803668942.
  3. Fischbach, F., & Dunning, M. (2021). A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests (10th ed.). ISBN-13: 978-1496377128.

Supplemental Texts:

  • Smith’s Patient-Centered Interviewing: An Evidence-Based Model – Available via TWU Library
  • Bates’ Visual Guide to Physical Examination – Available online

Required Supplies:

  • Diagnostic kits (Ophthalmoscope, Otoscope, Tuning Fork, Reflex Hammer, etc.)
  • Stethoscope, Pocket Snellen visual chart, Lab Coat
  • Computer with web camera for online assessments

Pre/Co-requisites:

  • BIOL 5333 Advanced Pathophysiology

NURS 5644: Advanced Health Assessment/Differential Diagnosis Policy Statements

COVID-19 Precautions:
TWU encourages students to follow safety guidelines, including vaccination, mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and staying home if sick. Students who test positive for COVID-19 or are exposed should complete the COVID-19 Reporting Form and inform their professor.

Disability Access Policy:
TWU strives to accommodate all students. If you have a disability, contact Disability Services for Students (DSS) to arrange reasonable accommodations.

Title IX Compliance:
TWU is committed to a safe learning environment free from sexual misconduct. Students experiencing harassment or related issues can report to the Title IX Coordinator or contact confidential resources such as TWU Counseling Services.

Academic Integrity:
TWU holds high standards of honesty in assignments. Any form of academic dishonesty, such as cheating or plagiarism, will result in appropriate disciplinary actions.

Attendance Policy:
Attendance is essential for academic success. Instructors may enforce attendance requirements related to specific activities, and excessive absences may impact grades.

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