SCIE 4304 - Diagnosing Disease in Humans

Health Case Studies is composed of eight separate health case studies. Each case study includes the patient narrative or story that models the best practice (at the time of publishing) in healthcare settings. Associated with each case is a set of specific learning objectives to support learning and facilitate educational strategies and evaluation.

This open educational resource (OER) was developed to ensure best practice and quality care based on the latest evidence, and to address inconsistencies in how clinical health care skills are taught and practised in the clinical setting. The checklist approach, used in this textbook, aims to provide standardized processes for clinical skills and to help nursing schools and clinical practice partners keep procedural practice current. Each skill/procedure is covered in a chapter that has learning objectives, a brief overview of the relevant theory, checklists of steps for procedures with the rationale behind each step of the process, and a summary of key takeaways. Key terms are set in bold throughout the book and laid out again in a Glossary in the appendix. All 88 checklists are also summarized, and hyperlinked to the original checklist, in the appendix.

Diagnostic Imaging principles and concepts are augmented by the presentation of images for common clinical conditions. Guiding principles related to minimizing radiation exposure and requesting the most appropriate imaging examination are addressed.Static images are enhanced by the ability to access images stored and displayed on an Html-5 compatible, Dicom image viewer that simulates a simple Picture Archive and Communication system (PACS). Users can also access other imaging from the Dicom viewer (ODIN), beyond the basic curriculum provided, to further advance their experience with viewing diagnostic imaging pathologies.

I. Chapter 1 General Survey
II. Chapter 2 Health History
III. Chapter 3 Blood Pressure
IV. Chapter 4 Aseptic Technique
V. Chapter 5 Math Calculations
VI. Chapter 6 Neurological Assessment
VII. Chapter 7 Head and Neck Assessment
VIII. Chapter 8 Eye and Ear Assessment
IX. Chapter 9 Cardiovascular Assessment
X. Chapter 10 Respiratory Assessment
XI. Chapter 11 Oxygen Therapy
XII. Chapter 12 Abdominal Assessment
XIII. Chapter 13 Musculoskeletal Assessment
XIV. Chapter 14 Integumentary Assessment
XV. Chapter 15 Administration of Enteral Medications
XVI. Chapter 16 Administration of Medications Via Other Routes
XVII. Chapter 17 Enteral Tube Management
XVIII. Chapter 18 Administration of Parenteral Medications
XIX. Chapter 19 Specimen Collection
XX. Chapter 20 Wound Care
XXI. Chapter 21 Facilitation of Elimination
XXII. Chapter 22 Tracheostomy Care & Suctioning
XXIII. Chapter 23 IV Therapy Management
XXIV. Answer Keys
Appendix A - Hand Hygiene and Vital Signs Checklists
Appendix B - Wound Dressings
Appendix C - Head-to-Toe Assessment Checklist