Diagnostic Reasoning and Health Assessment

Course Description

A foundational course to build on the skills of conducting comprehensive and systematic assessment of individuals across the lifespan. An introduction to diagnostic reasoning, laboratory studies, and other diagnostic tests are presented. Prerequisite: Baccalaureate-level health assessment course; Corequisite: NUR 713L.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Describe an organized assessment of each body system.
  • Explain a holistic assessment of a patient with an introduction to biopsychosocial, cognitive, functional, and spiritual model to guide clinical interventions.
  • Differentiate assessment findings to several diagnostic categories.
  • Analyze assessment findings to case studies.
  • Adapt a physical assessment to consider the individual patient’s health concerns.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Class Activity Assignment10%
Exam 120%
Exam 220%
Exam 320%
Simulated Patient and Reflective Paper5%
Final Exam25%

Grading Scale:

Percentage Letter Grade
100-93A
92-85B
84-77C
76 or lessF

Attendance/Participation:

Regular class attendance is a responsibility and a privilege of university education. It is fundamental to the orderly acquisition of knowledge. Students should recognize the advantages of regular class attendance, accept it as a personal responsibility, and apprise themselves of the consequences of poor attendance.

Attendance is a critical component of this course and is factored into your overall grade. Active participation is essential for your learning and success in this class.

Planned Absences:If you know you will be absent, you are required to notify the instructor via email as soon as possible and before the scheduled date of absence.

Extenuating Circumstances:In cases of emergencies or unforeseen circumstances that require your absence, please inform the instructor via email as soon as possible. Include details about the situation and, if appropriate, provide supporting documentation.

Repeated unexcused absences or failure to notify the instructor may negatively impact your grade. Exceptions to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis for legitimate and documented reasons.

Your communication and proactive approach regarding attendance are greatly appreciated.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

  • Bickley, L. S. (2025). Bates' guide to physical examination and history taking (14th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
  • Bickley, L. S. (2025). Bates' guide to physical examination and history taking (14th ed., Lippincott Connect digital access). Wolters Kluwer.
  • Swartz, M. H. (2023). SOAP for family medicine (3rd ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.