Standard

 

EMS 128 - Applied Physiology and Pathophysiology

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Course Description

This course introduces the concepts of pathophysiology as it correlates to disease processes.  This course will enable caregivers to enhance their overall assessment and management skills.  Disease-specific pathophysiology is covered in each related section of the curriculum.  This course covers a review of cellular composition and function, including cellular environment as it relates to fluid and acid-base balances.  Content on genetics and familial diseases are discussed.  Hypoperfusion, including various forms of shock, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and cellular metabolism impairment are integral components of this course.  The next portion of this section provides information on the body’s self-defense mechanisms, the inflammatory response, and variances in immunity.  The last topic covered is stress and disease, which includes stress responses and the interrelationships among stress, coping, and disease.

 

Competency Areas

Hours

 

Overview of the Principles of Pathophysiology

Class

3

Cellular Anatomy and Physiology

D. Lab

0

Pathohistology

P. Lab/O.B.I.

0

Acid Base Balance

Credit

3

Fluid and Electrolytes

Genetics and Familial Diseases

Hypoperfusion

Body’s Self-Defense Mechanism

Inflammation Syndromes

Stress and Disease Relationships

 

 

 


Prerequisite:

AHS 101

Corequisite:

None

 

Course Guide

 

Competency

After completing this section, the student will:

Hours

Class

D.Lab

P.Lab/

O.B.I.

PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 

30

0

0

 

After completion of this unit, the paramedic student will be able to apply the general concepts of pathophysiology, fluid/electrolytes, acid-base balance and shock for the assessment and management of emergency patients.

 

 

 

 

Discuss cellular adaptation.

 

 

 

 

Describe cellular injury and cellular death.

 

 

 

 

Describe the factors that precipitate disease in the human body.

 

 

 

 

Describe the cellular environment.

 

 

 

 

Discuss analyzing disease risk

 

 

 

 

Describe environmental risk factors.

 

 

 

 

Discuss combined effects and interaction among risk factors.

 

 

 

 

Describe aging as a risk factor for disease.

 

 

 

 

Discuss familial diseases and associated risk factors.

 

 

 

 

Discuss hypoperfusion.

 

 

 

 

Define cardiogenic, hypovolemic, neurogenic, anaphylactic and septic shock.

 

 

 

 

Describe multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.

 

 

 

 

Define the characteristics of the immune response.

 

 

 

 

Discuss induction of the immune system.

 

 

 

 

Discuss fetal and neonatal immune function.

 

 

 

 

Discuss aging and the immune function in the elderly.

 

 

 

 

Describe the inflammation response.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the role of mast cells as part of the inflammation response.

 

 

 

 

Describe the plasma protein system.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the cellular components of inflammation.

 

 

 

 

Describe the systemic manifestations of the inflammation response.

 

 

 

 

Describe the resolution and repair from inflammation.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the effect of aging on the mechanisms of self-defense.

 

 

 

 

Discuss hypersensitivity.

 

 

 

 

Describe deficiencies in immunity and inflammation.

 

 

 

 

Describe homeostasis as a dynamic steady state.

 

 

 

 

List types of tissue.

 

 

 

 

Describe the systemic manifestations that result from cellular injury.

 

 

 

 

Describe neuroendocrine regulation.

 

 

 

 

Discuss the inter-relationships between stress, coping, and illness.

 

 

 

 

Advocate the need to understand and apply the knowledge of pathophysiology to patient assessment and treatment.

 

 

 

 

Suggested Resources

 

Mosby’s Paramedic Textbook, Sanders, McKenna, Lewis and Quick, Current Edition 

Paramedic Emergency Care, Bledsoe, Porter, Third Edition,

Emergency Care in the Streets, Nancy Caroline, Fifth Edition