University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 2 | Credits: 5

This module aims to provide students with the nursing knowledge and skills required for the nursing care and management of individuals experiencing disorders of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. This module will consist of theoretical and clinical skills elements. The skills will reflect the theoretical aspect of the module and will be provided in tandem. This harmonious approach will ensure that students are prepared to provide quality and safe patient care. A holistic approach will be used which shall enable the student to integrate theory with practice and plan care accordingly. Students will be introduced to and gain knowledge of the process involved in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating safe individualised care. The overall objective is to provide students with an understanding of the principles of care with respect to a variety of clients in different contexts/settings. The nurses’ role in the collaborative process of care with individuals and the family/carer and multidisciplinary team shall be emphasised.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Review An Bord Altranais guidelines - “Guidance to Nurses and Midwives on Medication Management” July 2007
  2. Define selected terms related to the safe administration of medications
  3. Describe the various routes of medication administration
  4. State the five rights related to safe drug administration
  5. Demonstrate how to correctly identify a patient
  6. Correctly calculate a prescribed medication dose (to compute medication doses accurately using the metric system & using a standard formula to calculate drug dose)
  7. Administer oral medications safely and accurately
  8. Select subcutaneous injection sites
  9. Prepare & administer a subcutaneous and intramuscular injection
  10. Accurately document drug administration
  11. Discuss the factors that commonly cause medication errors
  12. Prepare and commence an intravenous infusion
  13. Calculate an intravenous infusion rate
  14. Monitor a client receiving an intravenous infusion
  15. Measure and record intravenous fluid intake and urinary output
  16. Change an intravenous solution, administration set and dressing and discontinue intravenous therapy
  17. Discuss the complications of intravenous therapy
  18. Describe & demonstrate nursing measures to promote respiratory function and oxygenation (respiratory status assessment, positioning, deep breathing & coughing exercises, postural drainage, chest percussion, vibration and incentive spirometry)
  19. Prepare oxygen therapy to be administrated safely to a client and document treatment (nasal cannulae, simple face mask, venturi-mask and humidification)
  20. Monitor the client receiving oxygen therapy and be aware of the hazards associated with the administration of oxygen therapy
  21. Record clients response to oxygen therapy including SpO2 level
  22. Perform, interpret and document peak flow reading
  23. Administer inhalation therapy (nebulisers & inhalers)
  24. Perform naso-pharyngeal suctioning
Assessments
  • Written Assessment (100%)
Teachers
The above information outlines module NU117: "Nursing Management of the Physically III Adult 1" and is valid from 2015 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.