Overview
Australians are living longer. Traditionally health care has been focused on acute illness. The number of people living with chronic disease is growing. This is an important intersection as many chronic illnesses begin as an acute alteration or can cause an acute alteration in health. Australia's National Health Priority Areas (NHPAs) are diseases and conditions given focused attention by government because they significantly contribute to the burden of illness and injury in the Australian community. In this unit, you will identify the NHPAs and explore their link to lifestyle factors such as obesity, insufficient physical activity, tobacco smoking, and alcohol use and their impact on acute health conditions. You will consider the nursing process required to support people with acute conditions or deterioration of people. You will examine factors to assist you in the early recognition of sepsis and determine the nursing role in each phase of the perioperative period. This unit provides the theoretical underpinning for NURS12161 Professional Experience Practice 2 and should be completed with or before NURS12161.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: NURS11170 Professional Experience Placement 1 or NURS11161 Clinical Nursing Practice 1or admission to CM77
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 3 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from SUTE Unit Comments 2025
Students valued the range of learning resources, including podcasts and interactive tutorials, which supported flexible and engaging learning.
Continue offering diverse learning resources, including weekly podcasts with industry experts and interactive tutorials, to maintain high engagement and accommodate different learning preferences.
Feedback from SUTE Unit Comments 2025, End of Term UC Report 2025
Some students found Assessment 1 timing too early in the term and Assessment 2 word count too restrictive for the required depth of analysis.
Move Assessment 1 to Week 5 to allow for greater content assimilation, particularly for Enrolled Nurse (EN) and direct-entry students. Increase word limit for Assessment 2 to allow for more comprehensive responses, while ensuring alignment between the task, rubric, and tutorial guidance.
Feedback from SUTE Unit Comments 2025
Students noted inconsistencies in marking and feedback across assessors, with some feedback perceived as unclear or overly critical.
Strengthen marker calibration through consensus moderation sessions, provision of exemplar responses, and clearer marking guidelines to ensure consistent interpretation of rubrics and constructive feedback delivery.
Feedback from SUTE Unit Comments 2025
Some students indicated that assessment support sessions occurred too close to due dates, limiting the opportunity to apply feedback or clarification.
Schedule assessment Q&A sessions and Academic Learning Centre drop-ins at least two weeks before submission dates to maximise usefulness and reduce last-minute confusion.
- Identify the National Health Priority Areas (NHPA) and discuss their impact on a person’s acute health status
- Discuss socio-cultural and lifestyle issues that may predispose a person to an acute alteration in health
- Identify factors associated with the early recognition of deteriorating patients in the acute care environment
- Identify factors associated with the early recognition of sepsis in the acute care environment
- Determine the nursing role in each phase of the perioperative period.
Content in this unit incorporates a number of professional nursing requirements
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registered Nurse Standards for Practice
Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice
Maintains the capability for practice
Develops a plan for nursing practice
Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Nursing Code of Conduct
Legal compliance
Person-centred practice
Cultural practice and respectful relationships
Professional behaviour
Research in health
Health and wellbeing
International Council of Nursing Code of Ethics for Nursing
Nurses and People
Nurses and Practice
Nurses and the Profession
Nurses and co-workers
National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards
Clinical governance
Partnering with consumers
Preventing and Controlling healthcare-associated infection
Medication safety
Comprehensive care
Communicating for safety
Recognising and responding to acute deterioration
Patient Safety Competency Framework
Person-centred care
Therapeutic communication
Cultural competence
Teamwork and collaborative practice
Clinical reasoning
Evidence-based practice
Preventing, minimising and responding to adverse events
Infection prevention and control
Medication safety
Aged Care Quality Standards
Consumer dignity and choice
Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers
Personal care and clinical care
Services and supports for daily living
Organisation’s service environment
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | |||||
| 2 - Case Study - 40% | |||||
| 3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 20% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
Skills in Clinical Nursing
2nd Australian Edition (2021)
Authors: A. Berman, S. Snyder, T. Levett-Jones, T. Burton, and N. Harvey.
Pearson Education
Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
ISBN: 9781488620690
Lemone and Burke's Medical-Surgical Nursing (Volume 1-3)
4th Edition (2020)
Authors: P. LeMone, G. Bauldoff, P. Gubrud-Howe, M. Carno, T. Levett-Jones, T. Dwyer, L. Moxham, K. Reid-Searl, K. Berry, K. Carville, M. Hales, N. Knox, and D. Stanley.
Pearson Education
Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
ISBN: 9781488623295
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- Computer
- CQUniveristy Library Resources
- Microsft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or similar software such as Open Office
- EndNote (bibliographical software). EndNote bibliographic software to format your references is NOT mandatory. This software is available to both on-campus and online students and is available for Windows and Mac users. It is easy to use and very helpful.
- Zoom access for weekly meetings
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
e.r.brown@cqu.edu.au
c.omiyalake@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to National Health Priority Areas (NHPAs), Lifestyle Factors, and the Primary and Secondary Survey.
Chapter
Learning activities and readings within the Module Tile on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lectures are pre-recorded and available on the Moodle site.
Online Tutorial via Zoom. The Tutorials will cover the unit content, module activities, provide a Q&A and will discuss assessments. Tutorials will be recorded for those students who cannot attend.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates
Module/Topic
Introduction to Perioperative Nursing Roles and Care of the Patient Undergoing Surgery
Chapter
Learning activities and readings within the Module Tile on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lectures are pre-recorded and available on the Moodle site.
Online Tutorial via Zoom. The Tutorials will cover the unit content, module activities, provide a Q&A and will discuss assessments. Tutorials will be recorded for those students who cannot attend.
Assessment 1 Zoom Drop-In Session. Session will be recorded for those who cannot attend and linked in Moodle.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Nursing Care of People Experiencing Sepsis
Chapter
Learning activities and readings within the Module Tile on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lectures are pre-recorded and available on the Moodle site.
Online Tutorial via Zoom. The Tutorials will cover the unit content, module activities, provide a Q&A and will discuss assessments. Tutorials will be recorded for those students who cannot attend.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Nursing Care of People Experiencing Acute Alterations in Respiratory Health.
Chapter
Learning activities and readings within the Module Tile on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lectures are pre-recorded and available on the Moodle site.
Online Tutorial via Zoom. The Tutorials will cover the unit content, module activities, provide a Q&A and will discuss assessments. Tutorials will be recorded for those students who cannot attend.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Assessment One: Written Assessment Due: Week 4 Wednesday (3 Dec 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Nursing Care of People Experiencing Acute Alterations in Cardiovascular Health
Chapter
Learning activities and readings within the Module Tile on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lectures are pre-recorded and available on the Moodle site.
Online Tutorial via Zoom. The Tutorials will cover the unit content, module activities, provide a Q&A and will discuss assessments. Tutorials will be recorded for those students who cannot attend.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Nursing Care of People Experiencing Acute Alterations in Neurological Health.
Chapter
Learning activities and readings within the Module Tile on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lectures are pre-recorded and available on the Moodle site.
Online Tutorial via Zoom. The Tutorials will cover the unit content, module activities, provide a Q&A and will discuss assessments. Tutorials will be recorded for those students who cannot attend.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Vacation week
Chapter
Please use this mid-term break as an opportunity to rest and recover. Enjoy your break!
Events and Submissions/Topic
No timetabled learning activities. Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Module/Topic
Vacation week
Chapter
Please use this mid-term break as an opportunity to rest and recover. Enjoy your break!
Events and Submissions/Topic
No timetabled learning activities. Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Module/Topic
Nursing Care of People Experiencing Acute Alterations in Renal/Kidney Health.
Chapter
Learning activities and readings within the Module Tile on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lectures are pre-recorded and available on the Moodle site.
Online Tutorial via Zoom. The Tutorials will cover the unit content, module activities, provide a Q&A and will discuss assessments. Tutorials will be recorded for those students who cannot attend.
Assessment Two Zoom Drop-In Session. Session will be recorded for those who cannot attend and linked in Moodle.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Nursing Care of People Experiencing Acute Alterations in Gastrointestinal Health.
Chapter
Learning activities and readings within the Module Tile on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lectures are pre-recorded and available on the Moodle site.
Online Tutorial via Zoom. The Tutorials will cover the unit content, module activities, provide a Q&A and will discuss assessments. Tutorials will be recorded for those students who cannot attend.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Nursing Care of People Experiencing Acute Alterations in Endocrine Health.
Chapter
Learning activities and readings within the Module Tile on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lectures are pre-recorded and available on the Moodle site.
Online Tutorial via Zoom. The Tutorials will cover the unit content, module activities, provide a Q&A and will discuss assessments. Tutorials will be recorded for those students who cannot attend.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Assessment Two: Case Study Due: Week 9 Wednesday (21 Jan 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Nursing Care of People Experiencing Acute Alterations in Reproductive Health.
Chapter
Learning activities and readings within the Module Tile on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lectures are pre-recorded and available on the Moodle site.
Online Tutorial via Zoom. The Tutorials will cover the unit content, module activities, provide a Q&A and will discuss assessments. Tutorials will be recorded for those students who cannot attend.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Nursing Care of People Experiencing Acute Alterations in Musculoskeletal Health
Chapter
Learning activities and readings within the Module Tile on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lectures are pre-recorded and available on the Moodle site.
Online Tutorial via Zoom. The Tutorials will cover the unit content, module activities, provide a Q&A and will discuss assessments. Tutorials will be recorded for those students who cannot attend.
Assessment Three Zoom Drop-In Session. Session will be recorded for those who cannot attend and linked in Moodle.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Nursing Care of People Experiencing Acute Alterations in Ear, Eye and Integumentary Health.
Chapter
Learning activities and readings within the Module Tile on Moodle.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Lectures are pre-recorded and available on the Moodle site.
Online Tutorial via Zoom. The Tutorials will cover the unit content, module activities, provide a Q&A and will discuss assessments. Tutorials will be recorded for those students who cannot attend.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Module/Topic
Assessment Three (Online Quiz) is open and due this week.
Chapter
Review learning activities and knowledge by way of workbook in preparation for the online quiz
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Quiz- Opens: Monday 16th of February 2026 at 0001hrs (AEST).
Online Quiz- Closes Wednesday 18th of February 2026 at 2359hrs (AEST).
As this unit is offered online, students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
In this unit, you are required to attempt all assessment pieces in order to be eligible to pass the unit. You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
No assessment reattempts are allowed in this unit. In order to be eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
1 Written Assessment
You must read the scenario and answer the questions and demonstrate your ability to discuss the care and management of a patient with an acute health condition and examine a relevant National Health Priority Area (NHPA), while discussing its impact on perioperative nursing care.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting. You must include the declaration of no Gen AI usage on the cover page of your assessment.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
- You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
- In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
In accordance with policy, any marks and/or grades for assessments released to students prior to Certification of Grades are provisional and are subject to moderation and confirmation through the relevant Program and Divisional Assessment Committees.
Week 4 Wednesday (3 Dec 2025) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 7 Wednesday (7 Jan 2026)
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Identify the National Health Priority Areas (NHPA) and discuss their impact on a person’s acute health status
- Determine the nursing role in each phase of the perioperative period.
2 Case Study
You must read the case study and answer the questions to demonstrate your ability to discuss the care and management of a patient experiencing a deteriorating acute health condition, with reference to a relevant National Health Priority Area (NHPA). The discussion will include identifying contributing socio-cultural and lifestyle factors, recognising early signs of deterioration and sepsis, and their link to the patient’s acute health status.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting. You must include the declaration of no Gen AI usage on the cover page of your assessment.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Minimum Pass Criteria
- You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
- In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
In accordance with policy, any marks and/or grades for assessments released to students prior to Certification of Grades are provisional and are subject to moderation and confirmation through the relevant Program and Divisional Assessment Committees.
Week 9 Wednesday (21 Jan 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 12 Wednesday (11 Feb 2026)
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more detail on how marks will be assigned.
- Identify the National Health Priority Areas (NHPA) and discuss their impact on a person’s acute health status
- Discuss socio-cultural and lifestyle issues that may predispose a person to an acute alteration in health
- Identify factors associated with the early recognition of deteriorating patients in the acute care environment
- Identify factors associated with the early recognition of sepsis in the acute care environment
3 Online Quiz(zes)
You will complete an online quiz to demonstrate your knowledge and application of critical thinking in caring for a person experiencing acute alterations in health related to the Australian National Health Priority Areas.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time. This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS). Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. No Generative AI use is permitted in the completion of this assignment. You must not use AI tools or technology to produce substantive content. You are permitted to use technology or tools that assist with spelling, grammar or formatting.
Level of GenAI Use Allowed: Level 1: You must not use AI at any point during the assessment. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are not available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period does not apply to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
- You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
- In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
In accordance with policy, any marks and/or grades for assessments released to students prior to Certification of Grades are provisional and are subject to moderation and confirmation through the relevant Program and Divisional Assessment Committees.
1
Other
Quiz Opens 00:01 hour (AEST) Monday 16th February 2026 Quiz Closes 23:59 hour (AEST) Wednesday 18th February 2026
Exam Week Thursday (19 Feb 2026)
Results will be released to students upon closure of the quiz
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Identify the National Health Priority Areas (NHPA) and discuss their impact on a person’s acute health status
- Discuss socio-cultural and lifestyle issues that may predispose a person to an acute alteration in health
- Identify factors associated with the early recognition of deteriorating patients in the acute care environment
- Identify factors associated with the early recognition of sepsis in the acute care environment
- Determine the nursing role in each phase of the perioperative period.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
