Overview
Australians are living longer. Traditionally, healthcare has been focused on acute illness. However, 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. In this unit, you will analyse lifestyle factors such as obesity, insufficient physical activity, tobacco smoking, and alcohol use and their impact on acute and chronic health conditions. Using a systems-based approach and utilising case studies, you will probe into the journey of healthcare consumers as they experience alterations in cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, nervous and haematological health through an acute episode and follow along as their illness extends to a chronic condition. You will consider the nursing process required to support people with acute and chronic conditions and potential consumer deterioration. You will learn how to assist people living with a chronic health condition to implement self-management strategies and develop care plans from a person-centred, community, family and healthcare service perspective to minimise exacerbations. You will develop a discharge/education plan utilising aspects of behavioural change, psychosocial support and health literacy aimed at effecting change and supporting a person's self-management of chronic illness taking into consideration the roles of other members of the interdisciplinary care team. The unit is scheduled to align with the content of Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for nurses 1.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisite: Nursing Foundations
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 Postgraduate 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.
- Adapt an evidence-based approach to identify socio-cultural and lifestyle issues that may predispose a person to an acute or chronic alteration in health.
- Evaluate factors associated with the early recognition of deteriorating patients in the acute and chronic care environment and plan relevant nursing care.
- Critique interventions to influence socio-cultural and lifestyle choices of individuals.
- Construct a collaborative discharge/education plan for a consumer who has a health challenge.
Content in this unit incorporates a number of professional nursing requirements
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Registered Nurse Standards for Practice
Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice
Engages in therapeutic and professional relationships
Maintains the capability for practice
Comprehensively conducts assessments
Develops a plan for nursing practice
Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice
Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) Code of Conduct
Legal compliance
Person-centred practice
Cultural practice and respectful relationships
Professional behaviour
Research in health
Health and wellbeing
International Council of Nurses Code of Ethics for Nurses
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
Communicating for safety
Patient Safety Competency Framework
Person-centred care
Therapeutic communication
Cultural competence
Teamwork and collaborative practice
Evidence-based practice
Preventing, minimising and responding to adverse events
Aged Care Quality Standards
Consumer dignity and choice
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Case Study - 60% | ||||
| 2 - Poster Sessions - 40% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||
| 4 - Research | ||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- CQUniversity library literature search tools
- Zoom account (Free)
- Zoom app on your smart phone or access to Zoom on your laptop
- CQUniversity Library Resources
- Zoom (both microphone and webcam capability)
- CQUniversity Library search engines for research articles
- CQUniversity Library Nursing/Midwifery/Social Work Resources
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.
d.blanchard@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Acute–Chronic Continuum & National Health Priorities
Chapter
Review the Moodle site and click on all the links.
Find out what is in Student Support.
Find out how to find the Library.
Click on the link and learn what is in the Academic Learning Centre.
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentations:
Welcome and Unit Introduction.
Weekly lecture/tutorial.
Activity: Access the General Discussion page and introduce yourself to your colleagues by providing your name and maybe why you are studying this unit and course.
Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Foundations of Academic Integrity Program: Complete your annual program if you have yet to do so. .
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Module/Topic
Social Determinants, Equity & Health Literacy
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Meeting – Tutorial and unit content and assessments
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
Lifestyle Factors in Acute & Chronic Illness
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Meeting – Tutorial
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
Early Recognition of Deterioration
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Meeting – Tutorial
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
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Management
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Meeting – Tutorial
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
Endocrine, Neurological & Haematological Management
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Meeting – Tutorial
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
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Gastrointestinal & Renal Health in Acute & Chronic Care
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Meeting – Tutorial
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Case Study (written assessment) Due: Week 7 Wednesday (7 Jan 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Person-Centred Discharge & Education Planning
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Meeting – Tutorial
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
Integration & Interdisciplinary Care
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Meeting – Tutorial
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
Acute and Chronic Pain Management
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Meeting – Tutorial
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
Capstone – Leadership & Reflection
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Meeting – Tutorial
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Presentation sessions will be held on Thursday, 5 February 2026 via Zoom. All students will be required to attend the sessions.
Poster Session (1-page) + 3-minute oral pitch (Zoom) + 2-minute Q&A Due: Week 11 Wednesday (4 Feb 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Wrap up
Chapter
Readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom Meeting – Tutorial
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
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
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.
1 Case Study
This written case study assessment requires you to demonstrate evidence-informed clinical reasoning and culturally safe practice in managing an acute-to-chronic cardiovascular condition. You will choose one of the two case scenarios provided—either Jack Williams or Aaliyah Johnson—and apply a structured, analytical approach to address the four key focus areas outlined below. Your discussion must be supported by a minimum of fifteen contemporary (≤7 years) peer-reviewed sources, with additional reputable grey literature used where relevant.
Artificial intelligence tools approved at Level 2 (AI planning)—Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Grammarly, and Studiosity—may be used for editing and proofreading only. Any use of generative AI must be acknowledged on the cover page in accordance with the provided declaration statement.
Week 7 Wednesday (7 Jan 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Week 10 Wednesday (28 Jan 2026)
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Adapt an evidence-based approach to identify socio-cultural and lifestyle issues that may predispose a person to an acute or chronic alteration in health.
- Evaluate factors associated with the early recognition of deteriorating patients in the acute and chronic care environment and plan relevant nursing care.
- Critique interventions to influence socio-cultural and lifestyle choices of individuals.
- Construct a collaborative discharge/education plan for a consumer who has a health challenge.
2 Poster Sessions
This assessment requires you to design and present a concise, evidence-informed academic poster and short oral presentation demonstrating your ability to critically evaluate health behaviour interventions and construct a collaborative, person-centred discharge or education plan. The task builds on Learning Outcomes 3 and 4 by linking theory to practice through a visual and spoken format suitable for professional and academic audiences.
Week 11 Wednesday (4 Feb 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment via the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Exam Week Friday (20 Feb 2026)
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Critique interventions to influence socio-cultural and lifestyle choices of individuals.
- Construct a collaborative discharge/education plan for a consumer who has a health challenge.
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?
