This subject is designed to promote development of foundational theoretical knowledge to support safe, patient and family centred care for nurses practicing in a range of acute health care environments. The subject will provide nurses with the theoretical knowledge required to meet the diverse and often complex needs of adult patients in the acute care setting, including an in-depth understanding of the physiology and pathophysiology of acute and complex health conditions. The subject provides nurses with the opportunity to extend their knowledge when assessing, planning and providing evidence-based care to adult patients experiencing an acute alteration in their health.

This subject provides a foundation for understanding the pathologic basis of disease across the lifespan.

It equips learners with the knowledge and skills required to explain assessment data and prioritise patient care in a specialty area of practice based on scientific principles.

Core pathophysiological concepts covered will include: cellular responses to stress; adaptation, injury and death; acute and chronic inflammation; tissue renewal and repair; infection; neoplasia; haemodynamic, genetic and immune system disorders and genetic predisposition to disease.

Using a case study based approach, learners will be provided with opportunities to apply their knowledge
in one or more of the following specialty areas of nursing practice.

• Paediatrics
• Paediatric Intensive Care
• Neonatal Intensive Care
• Critical Care
• Emergency Care
• Rural Critical Care
• Oncology and Palliative Care
• Cardiorespiratory
• Renal