NURS 583 - Differential Diagnoses and Primary Care of Older Adults Practicum

Credit(s): 1
This course presents culturally congruent and ethical health care for older adults. Theoretical and research-based knowledge of healthcare management of older adults throughout the lifespan is presented. Emphasis is placed on assessment, intervention, evaluation strategies, and coordination of services. Content includes physiological, pathological and psychosocial changes in minor acute illnesses, complex and chronic health problems of the older adult. Included are common geriatric syndromes (i.e., depression, delirium, dementia, urinary incontinence, falls, and the syndrome of frailty) in older adults throughout the lifespan. Other issues presented are safe medication use, pain management and safety. In addition, multiple chronic co-morbid conditions, functional impairments, disabilities, frailty, and end-of-life decision-making concerns are examined. Standards of care and scope of practice will be presented. During this clinical course, students will be required to complete 60 hours of direct patient care in the clinical setting.

Prerequisites: NURS 520 NURS 530 NURS 540 NURS 551 and NURS 552
Corequisites: NURS 581
Course Level: Graduate