COURSE DESCRIPTION

Study of the etiologies and processes of human biological responses to actual and potential injury. The focus is on the underlying physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms of disease states, and the scientific rationale for seeking, selecting and interpreting physiological data.

Course Overview:

The course prepares the clinician to function in an advanced practice role by defining clinical problems using critical thinking and application of  interventions based on a knowledge of physiological and pathological concepts.  The course is presented in modular and problem based format and is pre requisite to specialty course content.

Module I:  Pathophysiology of Cellular Functions

Acid Base Balance abnormalities
Body fluid abnormalities, ischemia, edema, hyper/hypovolemia
Stress and disease, Genetic influences on diseases,
Altered cellular growth patterns; atrophy, hypertrophy, necrosis and cancer
Immunity, inflammation, infection and healing

Module 2:  Pathophysiology of Respiratory System Diseases

Occurring due to altered gas exchange
Occurring due to altered cell physiology
Occurring due to altered respiratory structures

Module 3:  Pathophysiology of Cardiovascular System Diseases

Occurring due to altered pump action
Occurring due to altered cardiovascular compliance
Occurring due to altered blood flow
Occurring due to altered hematology

Module 4:  Pahtophysiology of Neurologic System Diseases

Occurring due to altered cognitive systems
Occurring due to altered cerebral homeostasis
Occurring due to alterations in mood and emotions
Occurring due to altered motor systems

Module 5:  Pathophysiology of Endocrine System Diseases

Occurring due to altered thyroid-parathyroid function
Occurring due to altered hypothalmus-pituitary function
Occurring due to altered pancreas function
Occurring due to altered adrenal function
Occurring due to altered sex organ function

Module 6:  Pathophysiology of Gastrointestinal System Diseases

Occurring due to gastrointestinal dysfunction
Occurring due to gastrointestinal accessory organ dysfunction

Module 7:  Pathophysiology of Renal, Urologic and Reproductive 
System Diseases

Occurring due to altered kidney function
Occurring due to urinary tract obstruction
Occurring due to alterations in sexual maturation
Occurring due to disorders of the male and female reproductive systems

Module 8:  Pathophysiology of Musculoskeletal and Integument 
System Diseases

Occurring due to musculoskeletal injuries
Occurring due to due to joint or muscle disorders
Occurring due to disorders of the skin