Adult Health Nursing I: Medical-Surgical

NR.520 5 credits Semester 2

Course Overview

Adult Health Nursing I covers the most common medical-surgical conditions affecting adult patients in acute care settings. Students learn nursing care for perioperative patients, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal dysfunctions, musculoskeletal injuries, and endocrine conditions. The course emphasizes pathophysiology, clinical assessment, collaborative interventions, patient education, and quality of life considerations. Students apply ADPIE to complex patients, develop evidence-based care plans, and coordinate care across healthcare settings. This is a foundational clinical nursing course essential for NCLEX preparation.

Learning Objectives

  • Apply nursing process to adults with medical-surgical conditions across organ systems
  • Manage perioperative patients including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care
  • Provide evidence-based care for cardiac, respiratory, and GI conditions
  • Implement diabetes management, insulin therapy, and patient education
  • Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and monitor for complications
  • Coordinate interprofessional care and communicate with patients and families

Lecture Topics

  • Week 1: Preoperative Assessment and Preparation
  • Week 1: Intraoperative and Postoperative Nursing Care
  • Week 2: Acute Coronary Syndrome and Myocardial Infarction
  • Week 2: Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Management
  • Week 3: Hypertension and Vascular Diseases
  • Week 3: Acute and Chronic Respiratory Conditions
  • Week 4: Pulmonary Embolism and Pneumonia Care
  • Week 4: GI Disorders - Ulcers, IBD, and Pancreatitis
  • Week 5: Diabetes Mellitus - Type 1 and Type 2 Management
  • Week 5: Thyroid and Metabolic Disorders
  • Week 6: Bone and Joint Injuries - Fractures and Orthopedic Care
  • Week 7: Burns and Wound Healing

Course Quiz

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Flashcards

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Resources

Medical-Surgical Nursing (Ignatavicius, Workman, Rebar)

Comprehensive textbook covering all major medical-surgical conditions with nursing interventions and patient outcomes.

Required

Electronic Health Record (EHR) Simulation Cases

Virtual patient scenarios with documentation practice and care planning for medical-surgical conditions.

Required

NCLEX Review Questions - Medical-Surgical Nursing

Question bank with rationales focusing on critical thinking and clinical judgment.

Free

ICU Nurse Podcast - Med-Surg Focus

Expert interviews and case studies on common medical-surgical emergencies and management.

Free