Fall 2024 Course Syllabus
Course: RNSG-1300 (Section: 1, CRN: 91496)
Health Assessment Across the Lifespan 		LSCPA Logo Image
Instructor Information
Instructor Dr. Diane Hare
Email haredl@lamarpa.edu
Phone (409) 984-6358
Office Allied Health - Room: 127
Office Hours As posted and by appointment only
Additional Contact Information
Course Information
Description Development of skills and techniques required for a comprehensive nursing health assessment of patients across the lifespan. Includes assessment of patients' health promotion and maintenance, illness and injury prevention and restoration, and application of the nursing process within a legal/ethical framework. This course lends itself to either a blocked or integrated approach.
Required Textbooks Textbook Purchasing Statement: A student attending Lamar State College Port Arthur is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from the college-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer.

All course textbooks/programs are included in the Seahawk Book Bundle 

Required: 

  • Thompson, J. (2022). Essential Health Assessment (2nd ed). F.A. Davis.  

 

  • Shadow Health Digital Clinical Experience™ 

See instructions below for purchase and registration in the Shadow Health course. 

 

Student Self-Enrollment Instructions Using Course ID 

Online Course Access provided in any of the following ways: 

  • After you have purchased and redeemed your textbook custom package access code 

  • You redeemed an Access Code that you purchased from a Bookstore or directly from the Evolve website 

  • If you did not redeem an access code from a custom package or purchase directly from the Bookstore or Evolve website, you will be prompted to complete an instant “Purchase Access” while following the steps below.   

*** If you are accessing your instructor’s online course via your college’s Learning Management System then refer to the enrollment instructions given by your institution. *** 

Please follow the steps below to self-enroll into your online courses. 

  1.   Go to the Evolve website:   https://evolve.elsevier.com/student and go to the “Catalog” home screen.  

  1.   Enter the first “Course ID” listed below (or provided to you) in the option for “Redeem an Access Code or Enter an Evolve Course ID” and click “Submit”: 

Shape 

  • Course Title: Health Assessment- Fall 2024 

  • Course ID: 165730_mjames512_5001 

   

 

  1.   You are now prompted to log into your existing Evolve account or to create a new account. (ONLY first-time users should create a new account.) 

  1. If creating your account for the first time, you must enter in your institution’s email address instead of a personal address.  

  1. If you are a returning Evolve user sign into your account.  

 

  1.   Click “Continue” on the “You’re Enrolled” page.   

 

NOTE:  If you signed into your existing Evolve account at this time go to Account Settings and ensure your Email Address listed is your institution’s email account.  Click “Save/Confirm”. 

  1.   You have now completed self-enrolling into your required online course ID; this is now available to you within your “My Evolve” tab.     

  1. If you did not redeem an access code from a custom package or purchase directly from the Bookstore or Evolve website, go to “My Evolve” and click on your newly enrolled course.  You will then be prompted with the option to instantly “Purchase Access”.  Complete the steps to purchase the access and full online course access will be granted.  

  1.   You now have access to your required Elsevier materials.  Repeat steps for any additional Course ID’s. 

 

Shadow Health Support: 

 

  1.   Watch the student orientation video if you are new to Shadow Health:  

 

  1.   Use a supported browser: Shadow Health recommends using Chrome to access your work. However, there are many browsers that you can use to access your assignments in Shadow Health.  

 

  1.   Review the technical specifications. 

 

  1.   Visit Shadow Health’s fantastic Support Center for answers to common questions. 

 

  1.   Contact Shadow Health if you have any questions about Shadow Health by emailing nhpsupport@elsevier.com or by calling 800.222.9570. 

For any questions or additional assistance relating to anything offered on the Evolve/Elsevier website, please contact Evolve Customer Support. You can click the Help tab at the top-right of the Evolve website and scroll to the bottom for direct email, chat, or phone options, or you can click the direct links below: 

 

      Email:  https://service.elsevier.com/app/contact/supporthub/evolve/ 

        Chat:    https://service.elsevier.com/app/contact/supporthub/evolve/ 

 

      Phone: +1 800 222 9570 (Monday-Sunday, 6:00 am-12:00 am CST). 

  

 

GENERAL TECHNICAL NOTE: 

  • Students must have access to a PC laptop or desktop with: 

  • Windows 8.1 or higher; or MacOS 10.15 or later 

  • Browsers: Google Chrome (required for Speech to Text feature); Mozilla Firefox; Microsoft Edge (Windows only); Safari (macOS only) 

  • All software should be up to date. Older software may not work properly with the Shadow Health DCE assignments. 

  • Computer hardware less than three years old with working webcam and microphone. Recommended 4GB RAM 

  • Students must have access to High Speed Internet Connection: 

  • Network: Minimum 3 Mbps download connection (5 or more is recommended) (Check your network speed) 

  • The Shadow Health Digital Clinical Experience performs best when directly connected to the internet. Due to the number of variables introduced when connecting to the DCE using VPN (Virtual Private Network) internet connections, users may experience extended assignment load times.  

  • Wireless or Wireless Mobile Broadband connections may be used during course browsing 

  • Students cannot complete a course using only a mobile device or the Blackboard Mobile App 

  • Students must have access to Microsoft Office 2010 or higher.  

  • Students must have access and use of a scanner 

 

Accessibility 

Shadow Health’s Digital Clinical Experiences require the use of a computer monitor, keyboard, and mouse or touchpad. It is our goal to support alternative input modalities to improve accessibility for all users. However, if you are currently unable to use the DCE due to a visual or motor impairment, please contact the Shadow Health Learner Support team.  

 

Tina Jones™ presents auditory and visual information representative of a human patient. To address auditory accessibility, when Tina Jones speaks, her speech is presented as both audio and text displayed at the bottom of the screen, except in instances where the textual representation would distinguish physical findings (e.g. textual descriptions of breathing sounds). If you require a transcription of these instances due to an auditory impairment, please contact the Shadow Health Learner Support team at support@shadowhealth.com. 

The normal and abnormal sounds within the concept labs are medically accurate, and are produced at a frequency lower than what most laptop speakers are capable of delivering. To hear these sounds, we strongly recommend that you use a pair of external speakers or headphones to hear the bass frequencies. 

 

Unsupported Platforms 

The following devices and operating systems are not supported on the Shadow Health platform:  

iOS devices (iPhones and iPads) 

Android devices (phones and tablets) 

Chromebooks 

Linux/GNU based operating systems 
Additional Materials/Resources None.
Corequisites/Prerequisites
  • BIOL-2101 Anatomy & Physiology I Laboratory
  • BIOL-2101 Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory I
  • BIOL-2301 Anatomy & Physiology I
Learning Outcomes

In accordance with the mission of Lamar State College - Port Arthur, this course encourages the student to develop the particular skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for success in the field of Associate Degree Nursing. Upon completion of RNSG 1300, the student will have the opportunity to: 

1.  Demonstrate techniques utilized in the health assessment of individuals across the lifespan. (PSLO 1, PSLO 2, PSLO 3) 

2.  Perform systematic physical assessment using appropriate equipment and techniques for all body systems. (PSLO 1, PSLO 2, PSLO 3) 

3. Utilize cognitive and psychomotor skills in assessing clients' physiologic health and psychosocial status. (PSLO 1, PSLO 2, PSLO 3, PSLO 4) 

4. Document findings utilizing appropriate terminology and legal/ethical format. (PSLO 1, PSLO 3, PSLO 4) 

5. Identify legal and ethical standards related to health assessment. (PSLO1, PSLO 4) 

6. Identifies all main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary in reading material; demonstrates a full understanding of the reading. (PSLO3)
Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Upward Mobility Nursing Program graduates will be able to: 

PSLO 1:  Integrates professional caring into practice decisions within the scope of practice for a registered nurse. 

PSLO 2:  Demonstrates safe, competent, holistic care for a diverse group of individuals who have complex health care needs 

PSLO 3:  Accept responsibility and accountability for the effectiveness of one’s own nursing practice and professional growth.  

PSLO 4: Communicate effectively with clients, peers and other members of the interdisciplinary heath care team to provide evidence-based care. 
Lecture Topics Outline

Week 1: 08/29/2024 Chapter 1,2,3, 5,6  

  • Course Orientation 

  • Shadow Health Orientation 

  • Shadow Health DCE orientation   

  • Shadow Health Conversation lab  

  • Introduction to Health Assessment – Chapter 1 

  • Interviewing the Patient – Chapter 2 

  • Taking Health History – Chapter 3 

  • Assessment Techniques – Chapter 5 

  • General Survey and Assessing Vitals – Chapter 6 

  • Shadow Health – Communication and Documentation (Due week 2) 

 

Week 2: 09/05/2024 Chapter 7-8  

  • Assessing Pain – Chapter 7 

  • Assessing Skin, Hair, & Nails – Chapter 8 

  • Shadow Health – Skin, Hair and Nails Assignment 

  • Shadow Health  - Health History 

  • Lab worksheet 

 

Week 3: 09/12/2024 Chapter 17  

  • Assessing Neurological System – Chapter 17 

  • Shadow Health – Neurological Assignment 

  • Lab worksheet 

 

Week 4: 09/19/2024 Chapter 9,10,11 

  • Assessing Head, Face, Mouth and Neck – Chapter 9 

  • Assessing the Ears – Chapter 10 

  • Assessing the Eyes – Chapter 11 

  • Shadow Health HEENT Assignment 

  • Lab worksheet 

 

Week 5: 09/26/2024 

  • Exam 1 – Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 0800 (Covers weeks 1 – 4)  

 

Week 6: 10/03/2024 Chapter 12  

  • Lung and Respiratory System – Chapter 12 

  • Shadow Health – Respiratory Assessment 

  • Shadow Health – Respiratory Concept Lab 

  • Lab worksheet 

 

Week 7: 10/10/2024 Chapter 13, 15 

  • Assessing Cardiovascular System – Chapter 13 

  • Assessing Peripheral Vascular System and Regional Lymphatic System – Chapter 15 

  • Shadow Health – Cardiovascular Assignment 

  • Shadow Health – Cardiovascular Concept Lab 

  • Lab worksheet 

 

Week 8: 10/17/2024 Chapter 14, 16 

  • Abdomen and Gastrointestinal System – Chapter 14 

  • Musculoskeletal System – Chapter 16 

  • Shadow Health – Abdomen Assignment 

  • Shadow Health – Abdomen Concept Lab 

  • Shadow Health – Musculoskeletal Assignment 

  • Lab worksheet 

 

Week 9 10/24/2024 

  • Exam 2 – Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 0800 (Covers weeks 6-8)  

 

Week 10: 10/31/2024 Chapter 18, 19, 20  

  • Assessing the Female Breasts, Axillae, and Reproductive system – Chapter 18 

  • Assessing the Male Breasts and Reproductive system – Chapter 19 

  • Assessing the Anus and Rectum – Chapter 20 

 

Week 11: 11/07/2024 Chapter 22, 24  

  • Assessing the Child and Adolescent – Chapter 22 

  • Assessing the Older Adult – Chapter 24 

  • Shadow Health - Focused Exam – Cough 

  • Shadow Health - Focused Exam – Chest Pain 

 

Week 12 11/14/2024 Open Practice Lab 

  • Shadow Health – Comprehensive Assessment  

  • Shadow Health - Discharge 

  • Integrated Physical Assessment Practice  

 

Week 13 11/21/2024 

  • Integrated Physical Assessment Check-offs 

  • Submit Integrated Physical Assessment Documents   

  • Shadow Health – Comprehensive Assessment (began in week 12)  

 

Week 14 11/28/2024  

  • Thanksgiving Holiday 

 

Week 15 12/05/2024 

  • Final Exam – December 5th at 0800 (Comprehensive Exam) 
Major Assignments Schedule

Exam I – Thursday September 26, 2024 at 0800  

Exam II – Thursday October 24, 2024 at 0800  

Final Exam – Thursday December 5, 2024 at 0800.             

Integrated Physical Assessment: The integrated physical assessment is the culminating assignment for the course and involves completion of a cephalocaudal physical assessment at the end of the course. The integrated physical assessment is a mandatory assignment and counts as 20% of your course grade. You will be evaluated based on the integrated physical assessment form criteria. You are expected to complete the assessment in 30 minutes.  Failure of this assignment results in failure of the entire course regardless of the grades for other assignments.  In the event the student misses their scheduled checkoff time without notifying the instructor, or fails to score at least 75% on the assessment, the student will be allowed one makeup attempt. The average score between the first and second attempts will be your grade on the assessment.  You will sign up for a time to complete your assessment with your course faculty.  Faculty or MSN-prepared observer will complete the required documents and return them to you so that you can submit the documents within the course in Week 13. You must submit the documents in order to receive a grade.  
Final Exam Date December 5, 2024 - 8:00 AM   Through  December 5, 2024 - 11:00 AM
Grading Scale 90-100 = A 80-89 = B 75-79 = C 74-60 = D 59 or Below = F  
Determination of
Final Grade
 

A final course grade of 75% is necessary for the student to pass this course.  The final course grade is calculated as follows:   

Exam 1 = 20%, Exam 2 = 20%, Lab grade = 15%, Integrated Physical Assessment = 20% and Final Exam = 25%.   

Lab grade (15% of final course grade) Includes Required Shadow Health Assignments, Lab attendance/participation, Lab Worksheets, any other in-class or pre-class assignments required by the instructor. 

 

Lab Attendance – Student attendance and participation in lab is mandatory to be successful in the course. Students will be required to upload their assigned completed lab worksheets. 

Point deductions:  Late points, up to ten points per day, will be deducted if any graded assignment is submitted after the date and time due – No Exceptions.   

Exams: All exams must be taken.  Students will be allocated a specific amount of time for each exam. Students unable to take a scheduled exam due to an extreme emergency must notify the instructor prior to the exam.  All exams will be taken in the Allied Health Computer Lab. If an exam is missed, the numerical grade attained on the Final exam will be substituted for missed exam.        

Examinations are based on course objectives.  Course content from the biological and behavioral sciences as well as previous nursing knowledge may be included on exams, as appropriate. 

Evaluation of Examinations: After each exam, the faculty uses psychometric principles to evaluate the examination. Items missed by 50% or more of the course are reviewed. If an item is found to be flawed, the faculty may give credit for more than one answer or nullify the item.  When an item is nullified, the key is changed so that all answers are credited as correct. That is, if a student answered the item as originally keyed, a student will retain the credit for the item. If a student’s answer differs from the one originally keyed, a student is credited for the nullified item. In other words, everyone gets credit for the item and no one loses credit. 

Course Policies 
 

Research has shown a cause and effect relationship between attendance and college success. Policies for this course are described below: 

  • Students cannot meet the objectives of the course without completing course assignments.  Students put at risk their success in the course if they miss any assignment deadlines. 

  • It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor if they are unable to meet an assignment deadline.  

A student who is absent from course activities for more than three (3) days may be dropped from the program by the Program Director.  

Course Policies
Instructor Policies

  1. No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. 

  1. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. 
Attendance Policy

Research has shown a cause-and-effect relationship between attendance and college success. Policies for this course are described below: 

  • Students cannot meet the objectives of the course without completing course assignments.  Students put at risk their success in the course if they miss any assignment deadlines. 

  • It is the student’s responsibility to notify the instructor if they are unable to meet an assignment deadline.  

A student who is absent from course activities for more than three (3) days may be dropped from the program by the Program Director. 
Additional Information
Institutional Policies
MyLSCPA Be sure to check your campus email and Course Homepage using MyLSCPA campus web portal. You can also access your grades, transcripts, academic advisors, degree progress, and other services through MyLSCPA.
Academic Honesty Academic honesty is expected from all students, and dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please consult the LSCPA policies (Academic Dishonesty section in the Student Handbook) for consequences of academic dishonesty.
ADA Considerations The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the the Office for Disability Services Coordinator, Room 231, in the Madison Monroe Building. The phone number is (409) 984-6241.
COVID 19 Information The Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) Student Code of Conduct COVID 19 Policy requires students who have been diagnosed with COVID 19 to report their condition directly to their local health department. Students should also contact their course faculty to report their quarantine status. In addition, this policy requires all students to wear face coverings when directly exposed to COVID 19 in compliance with the criteria included in the policy. For more information please refer to the COVID 19 link on the LSCPA website.
Facility Policies No food or tobacco products are allowed in the classroom. Only students enrolled in the course are allowed in the classroom, except by special instructor permission. Use of electronic devices is prohibited.
HB 2504 This syllabus is part of LSCPA's efforts to comply with Texas House Bill 2504.
Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect As per Texas law and LSCPA policy, all LSCPA employees, including faculty, are required to report allegations or disclosures of child abuse or neglect to the designated authorities, which may include a local or state law enforcement agency or the Texas Department of Family Protective Services. For more information about mandatory reporting requirements, see LSCPA's Policy and Procedure Manual.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct LSCPA is committed to establishing and maintaining an environment that is free from all forms of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, and other forms of sexual misconduct. All LSCPA employees, including faculty, have the responsibility to report disclosures of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, sexual assault (including rape and acquaintance rape), domestic violence, dating violence, relationship violence, or stalking, to LSCPA's Title IX Coordinator, whose role is to coordinate the college's response to sexual misconduct. For more information about Title IX protections, faculty reporting responsibilities, options for confidential reporting, and the resources available for support visit LSCPA's Title IX website.
Clery Act Crime Reporting For more information about the Clery Act and crime reporting, see the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report and the Campus Security website.
Grievance / Complaint / Concern If you have a grievance, complaint, or concern about this course that has not been resolved through discussion with the Instructor, please consult the Department Chair.
Department Information
Allied Health
Chair:Shirley MacNeill
Email:macneisb@lamarpa.edu
Phone:(409) 984-6365