1

YOUNGSTOWN STATE UNIVERSITY

NURS 6902; Advanced Pathophysiology

This course is comprised of the following hours/week:

Three (3) hours a week twice per week over seven (7) weeks

Class Time & Location:

Web Based & Asynchronous: July 5- Aug 20

Faculty:
Cynthia M. Shields, DNP, APRN-CNP

Associate Professor & AG-ACNP Director

E-mail: [email protected]

Office Hours:
Online Office Hours available by appointment via Blackboard Course Room.
Email instructor for appointments. All emails will be answered within 1 business day.

Catalog Description:
Normal physiologic functions and pathologic mechanisms are examined to prepare nurses
for advanced practice roles. 3sh

Course Objectives / MSN Student Learning Outcomes (SLO): National Organization of

Nurse Practitioner Faculties Learning Competencies (NONPF).

Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:

1. Analyze physiologic mechanisms at a cellular level. (SLO 1); (NONPF 1)
2. Integrate theory for the physical sciences to human physiology and pathology (SLO
1); (NONPF 1).
3. Examine human responses to physiologic and pathologic processes. (SLO 1);
(NONPF 1,5)
4. Evaluate the need for interventions based on human physiologic and pathologic
processes. (SLO 1); (NONPF 1,4)
5. Synthesize principles and concepts of physiology and pathophysiology to promote
optimal levels of well-being. (SLO 1,4); (NONPF 1,4)

Required Texts & Materials

McCance, K.L. & Huether, S.E. (2018). Pathophysiology: The biological basis for
disease in adults and children. (8th Ed.). Mosby

Up-to-Date is free and available through MAAG library. Set up and log-on Instructions
available on Black Board under “Getting Started.”
 2

Teaching Strategies
Lecture, discussion board activities, case studies, reading assignments, worksheets, and exams.

Evaluation:
Course grades will be based on the YSU College of Graduate Studies grading policy as follows:
A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89
C = 70– 79
D = 60 – 69 *
F = below 60* *Requires repetition of the course.

Required Components for Course

1. Unit Exams (three @ 25% each = 75%)
There will be three (3) 50 question multiple choice exams given throughout the course on
designated weeks. All required reading assignments, on-line lectures, and discussions will be
included in the material considered for the exams. You have 1 attempt and 75 minutes to take
each exam. See due dates below**

***All students are required to have a computer with a camera and a microphone for testing
purposes. NO EXCEPTION. All exams will include a lockdown browser and Respondence
capabilities requiring video and microphones to be turned on. *** See Directions below

Please take the Practice Respondus Test Under “Getting Started” to assure your Respondus
and camera are set up properly.

2. Case Studies on Discussions Board (five @ 5% each = 25%)

There will be five case studies on Blackboard. The case studies will cover current topics and are
due according to the schedule below. Post a response to the following discussion prompts no
later than the Wednesday of that week. Then complete a follow-up with a post on two (2)
classmates posts. These follow up responses are due no later than Sunday of that week.

In the Discussion section of Blackboard, please complete the questions for each Case Study.
Please be thorough in your answers and students’ posts must be at least 200 words. You MUST
have at least 1 reference for your answer. You may use: class notes, UpToDate or the course text.
After you complete your initial response, you will see your classmates’ responses to the
discussion.

Please review all Classmates’ Discussion Activity postings and select two (2) to reply to.

Post a response to the discussion no later than Wednesday of the appropriate week at 23:59 PM
EST. Then follow-up on at least two (2) classmates' posts by Sunday of the appropriate week at
23:59 PM EST and address the following:
o Agree or disagree with their post and explain why. Personal experiences are
welcome.
o Identify top three (3) items/ideas/concepts learned from the posting.
 3

o Each of your responses to your classmates’ posts should be a thoughtful 100

words.
Discussion Board Rubric
 Quality of Post: Clear demonstration that readings were understood. Fully responds to stated
question. Sites at least 1 scholarly reference to support opinion (may use text). Posts are at least
200 words.
 Relevance of Post: Incorporates specific clinical examples that clearly correlate covered
material and to "real world" nursing practice situations.
 Response to Peers: Responds to at least 2 peer postings per discussion board question. Replies
are respectful, and show insight and analysis of original post. At least 100 words per response.
 Timeliness of Post: All posts completed within the Wednesday to Sunday weekly time frame.
 Writing Mechanics: Spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors are few to none. Uses proper
Netiquette and presents ideas that are clearly understood by peers.

Week/ Topics Assignments Due Date

Module By midnight
Week 1 Chapter 1: None
Cell biology Video
Cellular Reproduction Video
Chapter 2:
Cell Alterations PP
Chapter 3:
Fluid & Elect, Acid/Base PP
Chapter 4:
Genetics Power Point
Week 2 Chapter 7/8: Hypersensitivity Case Study Wednesday of
Intro to immune system Week 2
Chapter 9: July 13th
Alterations in the Immunity & Reply to 2 posts by
Inflammation PP Sunday July 17th
Inflammatory response Video
Chapter 10:
Infection PP
Chapter 11:
Stress & Disease PP
Chapter 12:
Cancer Video
Week 3 Chapter 28: Anemia Case Study Wednesday of
Components of Hematology Video Week 2
Clotting Cascade Video July 20th
Chapter 29 & 30 Reply to 2 posts by
Hematology (RBC, WBC, Platelets) PP Sunday July 24th
THIS ENDS CONTENT FOR EXAM 1

*Exam due No later

 4

EXAM 1 Includes Module 1,2 and than Friday July

Hematology) 29th

Week 3 Cardiac
(cont) Chapter 32
Blood Flow thru the Heart Video
Action Potential Video
Cardiac Conduction Video
Coronary blood Flow Video
Layers of the Heart Video
Lymphatic System Over View Video
CO, BP, Circulation PP (part 1-2-3)
Chapter 33
Alterations of CV PP (Part 1-2-3-4)

Week 4 Pulmonary Pulmonary Case Study Wednesday of

Chapter 35 Week 4
Structure/Function Pulm PP (part 1-2) July 27th
Chapter 36 Reply to 2 posts by
Alteration of Pulmonary PP (part 1-6) Sunday July 31st
Renal/Urology
Chapter 38
Structure/Function Renal Video
Chapter 39
Alterations of Renal PP
Glomerulonephritis Video

EXAM 2 Includes *Exam No Later

Cardiovascular, than the Beginning
Pulmonary and Renal of Week 5: Aug 1st
Week 5 Digestive Cranial nerve Case Study Wednesday of
Chapter 41 Week 5
Structure/Function of Digestive video Aug 3rd
Chapter 42 Reply to 2 posts by
Alterations of Digestive PP (Part 1-5) Sunday Aug 7th
Neurological
The Nervous System PP (part 1-2-3)
Chapter 17
Bell’s Palsy video
Chapter 18
Head ache handout Only
Neuro muscular Disease Hand out
Only
Disorders of Nervous System-Part 1-2

Week 6 Endocrine Diabetes Case Study Wednesday of

 5

Chapter 21 Week 6
Endocrine: Structure and Function Aug 10th
Chapter 22 Reply to 2 posts by
Thyroid Parathyroid Disorders PP Sunday Aug 14th
Pituitary & Adrenal Disorders PP
Pancreas/Diabetes PP
Chapter 23
Management of Obesity Video
Musculoskeletal
Chapter 44
Musculoskeletal System PP
Chapter 45
Musculoskeletal Video
Alterations of Musculoskeletal PP
Musculoskeletal Injury Video
Alterations in Children PP

Week 7 Skin
Chapter 47
Integumentary Structure/Function PP
Skin disorders in Children Video
Chapter 24
Female Reproductive Video
Male Reproductive Video
Alterations in Female Reproduction
Alterations in Male Reproduction
EXAM 3 Includes Digestive, Exam due No later
Neurological, Endocrine, than the End of
Musculoskeletal, Skin, Week 7: Aug. 20th
Reproductive

*Review grading rubric criteria on Blackboard for each course assignment prior to submission.
*Comments and feedback will be available in the grade center for each submitted assignment.
* This course will have a maximum of 6 hours of content to review each week.

Weighting of Required Components for Course Grade: (Table 1)

Requirements Percent
Discussion Board Assignment (five (5) at 5% each) 25
Unit Exams (three (3) at 25% points each) 75
Total Percentage (%) 100

Lock Down Browser + Webcam Requirement

This course requires the use of Lock Down Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be
the type that's built into your computer or one that plugs in with a USB cable.
Watch this brief video to get a basic understanding of Lock Down Browser and the webcam feature.
 6

https://www.respondus.com/products/lockdown-browser/student-movie.shtml
Download Instructions

 Select a test from the course. Please take the Practice Quiz prior to your first exam to assure there
are no technical issues.
 You will see the message "Assessment Security - You need Respondus Lock Down Browser to
complete this assessment."
 Below this will appear a "Download Respondus LockDown Browser" link. Click the link to go to
the download page and then follow the instructions
 Download Respondus LockDown Browser to your computer; follow the installation instructions
 Return to the test and select "View assessment"
 LockDown Browser will launch and the test will begin

Note: LockDown Browser only needs to be installed once per computer or device. It will start
automatically from that point forward when a test requires it.
Guidelines
When taking an online exam, follow these guidelines:

 Ensure you're in a location where you won't be interrupted

 Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers) and place them outside of your
reach
 Before starting the test, know how much time is available for it, and also that you've allotted
sufficient time to complete it
 Clear your desk or workspace of all external materials not permitted - books, papers, other
devices
 Remain at your computer for the duration of the test
 If the computer, Wi-Fi, or location is different than what was used previously with the "Webcam
Check" and "System & Network Check" in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to the
exam
 To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
o Avoid wearing baseball caps or hats with brims
o Ensure your computer or device is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the
computer on your lap, a bed, or other surface where the device (or you) are likely to
move
o If using a built-in webcam, avoid readjusting the tilt of the screen after the webcam setup
is complete
o Take the exam in a well-lit room, but avoid backlighting (such as sitting with your back
to a window)
 Remember that LockDown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or
applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted

Getting Help
Several resources are available if you encounter problems with LockDown Browser:

 The Windows and Mac versions of LockDown Browser have a "Help Center" button located on
the toolbar. Use the "System & Network Check" to troubleshoot issues. If an exam requires you
to use a webcam, also run the "Webcam Check" from this area
 [Please see “Minimal Technical Requirements” on your course Blackboard for telephone
numbers and information for YSUs technical department.]
 7

 Respondus has a Knowledge Base available from support.respondus.com. Select the "Knowledge
Base" link and then select "Respondus LockDown Browser" as the product. If your problem is
with a webcam, select "Respondus Monitor" as your product
 If you're still unable to resolve a technical issue with LockDown Browser, go to
support.respondus.com and select "Submit a Ticket". Provide detailed information about your
problem and what steps you took to resolve it

Course Policies:

1. Class attendance in accordance with University regulations. Class online attendance is

considered crucial for successful completion of this course. Students are expected to attend class
by participating in discussions and assignments posted on Blackboard. Check your YSU email
frequently for instructor communications.

2. All course materials, reading assignments, Blackboard discussions, assignments and class notes
will be included in the material considered for theory examination.

3. All presentations, assignments, and participation in group work or online discussion is

mandatory. Failure to participate, submit and/or complete required course work will result in
course failure.

4. Online Student Expectations: Students should ask questions directly and immediately to the
faculty if they do not understand the instructions or due dates for any assignment. Online classes
require students to organize their time and be responsible for keeping up with readings and
assignment due dates as listed in the course schedule and/or syllabus. Online assignments and
participation in discussions and group work is a requirement of the course and must be completed
for course success. Students should respond respectfully using proper Netiquette when
responding to peer students or faculty (see guidelines online under Students Role in the Class).

5. Technology: Students should first contact the help desk with any technical problems with the
course at 330-941-1595. Blackboard student help videos are also available for troubleshooting
with frequently asked questions. Technical problems related to computer equipment, software or
the Internet cannot be used as an excuse for failure to complete assignments or to participate as
required online. Please allow adequate time to complete and submit assignments by the listed
due date. Software requirements for online classes are listed online under “Common Plug-Ins
Needed for Online Courses”. The YSU campus computer labs or public library equipment may
be utilized as alternate resources as needed.

6. University Policies

University policies can be found online and provide you guidance on your rights as a student in this
course. The links below take you directly to a specific policy. Should you have any questions about a
policy, please do not hesitate to contact me using the information at the top of the syllabus.
 Statement of Non-Discrimination from the University
 Academic Integrity/Honesty
 Student Accessibility
 Incomplete Grade Policy