Assessment and Diagnostic Reasoning (NURS5089)
UNIT OF STUDY
This unit of study is a core unit for students completing the Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) and aims to prepare students to develop the knowledge and skills to conduct an advanced assessment and make an appropriate diagnosis as part of advanced and extended nursing practice. Diagnostic reasoning is the hallmark of an expert nurse practitioner. The ability to gather and judge the value of perceptual and clinical information to inform choices and provide benefit to patients with minimal risk of harm is at the heart of advanced practice nursing. Nurse practitioners are required to make effective practice decisions and use informed judgement, frequently in the context of uncertainty and for patients with complex health problems. Viewed from both the concept of information processing (Information Processing Model) and skilled know-how (Hermeneutical Model), this unit focuses on the examination of health-assessment techniques and the processes of clinical judgement to develop diagnostic reasoning behaviours. Additionally, the Quality Use of Radiological Investigations (QURI) will be explored focusing on capability, risk versus benefit, ordering and interpretation of commonly used radiological investigations (chest and limb X-rays).
Our courses that offer this unit of study
Further unit of study information
four intensive, on-campus study days
Student assessment (100%) conducted throughout the semester, as advised within the relevant unit of study outline
Faculty/department permission required?
Study this unit outside a degree
If you wish to undertake one or more units of study (subjects) for your own interest but not towards a degree, you may enrol in single units as a non-award student.
If you are from another Australian tertiary institution you may be permitted to underake cross-institutional study in one or more units of study at the University of Sydney.