School of Nursing

Course Information

Course: NURS 2536 3.0 Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Knowledge Integration II

Prerequisite/Co-requisite(s): Prerequisite for 4-year Direct Entry and 2nd Entry BScN
students: HH/NURS 2535 3.00. Open to BScN students in 4-year Direct Entry and 2nd Entry
BScN programs. Note: A minimum grade of 5.00 (C+) is required for this course in the BScN
program.

Time and Location:

CLH – H, Thursday 1130 – 1430hrs

Instructor Information
Course Director Contact Information Office Hours
Julie Nilsen-Berec [email protected] By appointment

Brief Description
Augments introductory concepts from Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Knowledge
Integration I by applying the principles of pathophysiology and pharmacology to alterations in
body systems. Specific pathologic changes are presented to illustrate the impact of injury and
illness on specific body systems. Evidence to further the understanding of pharmacological
and therapeutic management is discussed. Experiential opportunities for safe medication
practice are included.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Relate the pathophysiological processes to signs and symptoms and clinical
manifestations of acute and chronic diseases. (relates to Program Outcome #2, 3)
2. Compare the physiological factors (such as age-related changes, genetic make-up and
health status) and non-physiologic factors (such as social determinants of health,
culture, inherent health system biases) that impact the development, progression and
mitigation of acute and chronic diseases. (relates to Program Outcomes #2, 3, 7)
3. Demonstrate an evidence-informed approach to prescribed pharmacological treatments
and symptom management of various disease processes on client outcomes. (relates to
Program Outcomes #2, 3)
4. Examine the impact of personal choice in disease management and the legal and
ethical rights associated with autonomy. (relates to Program Outcomes #2, 3, 9)
5. Distinguish between normal and adverse drug reactions and interactions in safe
medication administration practices. (relates to Program Outcomes #2, 3, 9)
6. Choose appropriate responses to management of adverse drug effects and reactions.
(relates to Program Outcomes #2, 3, 9)
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 7. Demonstrate professional standards and safety protocols used in the administration of
pharmacological interventions and client interactions. (relates to Program Outcomes #2,
3, 8)

Expanded Course Description

Applying concepts introduced in Pathophysiology, Pharmacology and Knowledge Integration
1 will enable students to understand patterns of disease and consider how clinical
manifestations develop related to specific disruptions in normal physiology. Students apply
the concepts previously introduced to increasingly complex mechanisms of disease and
consider how pharmacological/therapeutic interventions mitigate or interfere with pathological
changes. Adaptation to ongoing disease processes is considered as students gain
understanding of the impact of acute and chronic diseases on the human condition. The
development of safe, competent administration of medication practices based on knowledge
of pharmacology, physiology, pathology and nursing standards of practice are outcomes of
this course.

Teaching & Learning Approaches

This course utilizes teaching and learning methodologies designed to transform the learner
into a registered nurse. A variety of strategies including the integration of case studies,
concept maps, YouTube videos, learning objects, and practice situations will be used.
Clinical reasoning will be applied to individual situations, integrating pathophysiology
mechanisms of altered health states across the life span with relevant therapeutic
interventions. The integration of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic concepts will be
discussed and applied. Laboratory practice will include application of principles of safe
nursing practice to therapeutic interventions
This course involves a 3-hour lecture and experiential laboratory components that support
foundational medication administration practices.

Course Website
The eClass course management system will be used as an extension of this course outline, and for
course content, extra learning materials (i.e., assignment rubrics), and communication. Students
are required to check the course eClass site on a very regular basis. Students should use their
York U email for course communication. For more information, see How do I access my eClass
Course?.

Links to CNO Entry-to-Practice (ETP) Competencies (2020)

Roles ETP Competencies

Clinician 1.4, 1.7, 1.11, 1.12, 1.21, 1.25,
Professional
Communicator 3.8
Collaborator 4.3, 4.5
Coordinator
Leader 6.5, 6.10,
Advocate 7.1, 7.2
Educator 8.2, 8.4

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Scholar 9.8

Links to NCLEX-RN Categories and Sub-Categories

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
o Management of Care
o Safety and Infection Control
• Health Promotion and Maintenance
o Psychological Integrity
o Physiological Integrity
o Pharmacology and Parenteral Therapies
• Reduction of Risk Potential
• Physiological Adaptation

Course Text/Readings
Required Texts
Loeffler, A. & Hart, M. (2020) Introduction to human disease: Pathophysiology for health
professionals (7th ed.) Jones & Bartlett.

Sealock, K, & Seneviratne, C. (2021). Lilley’s pharmacology for Canadian health care practice (4th
ed.). Elsevier.
Potter, P., Perry, A. G., Stockert, P., Hall, A. (2019). Canadian fundamentals of nursing (6th ed,.
Astle, B. J., & Duggleby, W. Eds.). Elsevier Canada.

Recommended Texts
Vallerand A.H. & Sanoski, C.A. (2021). Davis's Canadian Drug Guide for Nurses 18th Edition,
FCCP ISBN-13: 978-0-8036-6946-8

Peate, I. & Evans, S. (2020). Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology: For Nursing and
Healthcare Students, 3rd Edition, Wiley-Blackwell,

College of Nurses of Ontario. (2019). Entry to practice competencies for registered nurses.
Retrieved from: https://www.cno.org/globalassets/docs/reg/41037-entry-to-practice-competencies-
2020.pdf

College of Nurses of Ontario. (2019). Medication. Retrieved from:

https://www.cno.org/globalassets/docs/prac/41007_medication.pdf

Evaluation/Evidence of Learning
The learning evidences for this course are designed to evaluate your knowledge and application of
essential concepts that support safe, competent nursing practice.

Description of Course Evaluation

1. In-Class Quiz (1% x 5)
2. Midterm Exam (30%)
3. Async on-line class activities: (5%)
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 4. Practice Exam (20%)
5. Final Exam (40%)

Due Dates
The final grade for the course* will be based on the following items, weighted as indicated:
Week Due Date Assignment Name Percentage of
Course Grade
Weeks 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 , 11 In-class quiz 5% (1%x5)

Weeks 5 - 7 Async on-line class activity 5%

Week 8 Midterm Exam 30%

TBA Practice Exam 20%

Exam Period Final Exam 40%

* As per Faculty of Health and School of Nursing program policies, a student’s final course grade is
not necessarily confined to a compilation of marks earned on individual course components. Final
course grades may be adjusted to conform to Program or Faculty grades distribution
profiles.

** The last date to drop a course without receiving a grade is Month XX, 20XX. Note that the late
drop option of the Withdrawn from Course (W) Policy does not apply to: Practica learning
placements/courses. Students must contact the undergraduate program coordinator or
director in advance of any deadlines, in order to exercise any course removal or withdrawal
options.

Grading, Assignment Submission, Lateness Penalties and Missed Tests

2022 – 2023 Undergraduate Academic Calendar

Assignment Submission: Proper academic performance depends on students doing their work
not only well, but on time. Accordingly, assignments for this course must be received on the due
date specified for the assignment. All assignments will adhere to APA guidelines (7th edition) in
formatting and referencing.

Lateness Penalty: Assignments received later than the due date, without negotiated extensions,
will be penalized. Any assignment that is not submitted by the date and time specified, OR any
assignment for which an extension is granted that is not handed in by the negotiated date and
time, to the location specified, is subject to the following penalty(s):

For 1 day late (any time up to 24 hours after date/time due), the penalty is 5% deducted
from the grade for the assignment (e.g., mark of 75% would be reduced to 70%)

For each subsequent day late (each 24-hour period), the reduction increases daily:
• for 2 days late, deduct 15% (e.g., mark of 75% would be reduced to 60%)
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 • for 3 days late, deduct 30%
• for 4 days late, deduct 50%
• for 5 or more days late, deduct 100% (assignment is given zero [0])

Exceptions to the lateness penalty for valid reasons such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc.,
may be entertained by the Course Director but will require supporting documentation (e.g., a
doctor’s letter/attending physician’s statement). Generally, 24-hour notice for extension requests is
required. Assignments submitted later than five calendar days without negotiation will not be
accepted.

Missed Tests: Students with a documented reason for missing a course test, such as illness,
compassionate grounds, etc., which is confirmed by supporting documentation (e.g., doctor’s
letter/attending physician’s statement) may request accommodation from the Course Director..
Further extensions or accommodation will require students to submit a formal petition to the
Faculty.

Important Course Information for Students

All students are expected to familiarize themselves with the academic policies, procedures and
guidelines available on the Senate Committee on Academic Standards, Curriculum & Pedagogy
webpage including the Senate Policy on Academic Honesty and the Academic Integrity and
Student Professional Behaviour Policy (BScN).

Accessibility Services: Student Accessibility Services provides academic accommodations and

supports for students with temporary and permanent disability including physical, sensory, medial,
learning, and mental health disabilities. Students who had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
in high school are eligible for support. Please note that registering with disabilities services and
discussing your needs with your professors is necessary to avoid any impediment to receiving the
necessary academic accommodations to meet your needs.

Ethics Review Process: York students are subject to the York University Policy for the Ethics
Review Process for Research Involving Human Participants. Ethics approval must be obtained
prior to the starting any research activities involving human participants, including research
conducted by students in a graduate or undergraduate course, for an undergraduate thesis or
project, or for a Major Research Paper, Thesis or Dissertation. If you are in doubt as to whether
this requirement applies to you, contact your Course Director immediately.

Religious Accommodation: York University is committed to respecting the religious beliefs and
practices of all members of the community, and making accommodations for observances of
special significance to adherents. Should any of the dates specified in your course syllabus pose
such a conflict for you, contact the Course Director within 14 days of the date for which
accommodation is sought. Other procedures are outlined in the York University policy, guidelines
and procedures on Academic Accommodation for Students’ Religious Observances. Please note
that to arrange an alternative date or time for an examination scheduled in the formal examination
periods (December and April/May), students must complete an Religious Accommodation
Agreement.

Academic Skills Support: York University Libraries and the Learning Commons provide students
with academic support for their course assignments and research requirements. The Libraries offer
an array of supports, services, workshops, resources and people available to help ensure
continued success during a student’s academic career.

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Centre for Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusion: The Centre for Human Rights, Equity and
Inclusion facilitates confidential processes to discuss allegations of discrimination and harassment
by York Community members. There are also robust training opportunities and workshops
available to the community year-round.

Counselling, Health and Well Being: Student Counselling, Health & Well Being supports
students in realizing and developing their personal potential in order to maximally benefit from their
university experience and manage the challenges of university life. Services include: peer-led
workshops, certificate training programs, support groups, same-day and appointment-based
counselling, short-term therapy, and more.

For other information, please see the current Supplemental Calendar.

These course materials are designed for use as part of the (enter course code) course at York University
and are the property of the instructor unless otherwise stated. Third party copyrighted materials (such as
book chapters, journal articles, music, videos, etc.) have either been licensed for use in this course or fall
under an exception or limitation in Canadian Copyright law. Copying this material for distribution (e.g.,
uploading material to a commercial third-party website) may lead to a violation of Copyright law.