NU7563: Management of Surgical Emergencies and Trauma Nursing (10 ECTS)

Learning Outcomes

Following completion of this module the student should be able to:

• Utilise ATLS/PHTLS guidelines to safely assess, plan, implement and evaluate the care of trauma patients in both pre-hospital and hospital settings.
  
• Ensure patient safety in the ED by prioritizing and expediting the care of surgical emergencies/trauma patients using the Manchester Triage System
  
• Explore and discuss contemporary issues in surgical emergencies/trauma nursing care
  
• Discuss the psychosocial needs and spiritual care of the surgical emergencies/trauma patient and relatives in the Emergency Department.
  
• Apply detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and specialist nursing skills to safely manage the patient presenting with a surgical emergency or shock.
  
• Critically evaluate the evidence base for the safe management of patients presenting to the EDwith surgical emergencies, pain and wound management ,and infection control.

Methods of Teaching and Student Learning

Lectures, guest speakers, guided discussion, practical demonstrations, self–directed learning, group activities

Module Learning Aims & Rationale

Trauma & surgical nursing requires collaborative patient care and sophisticated nursing knowledge and
techniques. The role of the nurse specialising in emergency department nursing incorporates clinical,
educator and manager/leader roles.

The aims of this module are to enhance the students’ knowledge understanding and skills so they may
utilize critical thinking, analysis and problem solving skills to systematically care for patients with
traumatic injuries/surgical emergencies and their significant others. This shall be achieved through
evidence based learning and teaching strategies that facilitate independent learning. The module also
aims to prepare nurses for direct involvement in practice development.

Recommended Reading List

Indicative Resources

• Buttaravoli P. and Stair T. (2000) Minor Emergencies: Splinters to Fractures. Mosby, St. Louis.
  
• Darovic G.O (2003) Handbook of Haemodynamic Monitoring, 2ndedn. W.B.Saunders Company.
  
• Dolan B. and Holt L., (eds.) (2005) Accident and Emergency Theory into Practice. Balliere Tindall, Edinburgh.
  
• Driscoll P. (2000) ABC of Major Trauma, 3rd edn. BMJ books, London.
  
• Foxall F and Kelsey L. (2008) Arterial blood gas analysis :an easy learning guide. MandK Update Ltd, Cumbria.
  
• Grundy D. and Swain A. (2002) ABC of Spinal Cord Injury, 4th edn. BMJ Books, London.
  
• Khaw PT. and Elkington AR. (2004) ABC of Eyes. BMJ books, London.
  
• Lehne RA (2009) Pharmacology for Nursing Care,7th edn. WB Saunders, New York.
  
• Manchester Triage Group (2005). Emergency Triage, 2nd edn. BMJ Publishing Group, London.
  
• Marier E.N. (2005) Anatomy and Physiology, 2nd edn. Pearson Benjamin Cummings, San Francisco.
  
• Moore KL. and Dalley AF. (2001) Clinically Orientated Anatomy. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia.
  
• PHTLS (2003) Basic and Advanced Prehospital Trauma Life Support Course, 5th edn. Mosby Inc, Missouri.
  

*Other readings will be provided by individual lecturers.