Comprehensive Academic Study Guide: Anatomy, Physiology, and Nursing Foundations Curriculum

Anatomy and Physiology I

Anatomy and Physiology I, designated with the course code GNS 111, is a comprehensive course placed in the first semester of the first year. The course duration totals $90\,hours$, composed of $30\,hours$ of lecture, $45\,hours$ of practical work, and $15\,hours$ of tutorial sessions, accumulating a total of $4$ credit units. This introductory course focuses on the structures and functions of the normal human body, which is presented as essential for students to understand deviations from the normal health state. A critical theme of the course is the interdependency of all body parts and functions. The practical aspect is emphasized to enhance students' comprehension of theoretical content.

The learning objectives for GNS 111 specify that students must be able to describe anatomical terms, general characteristics, and functions of the human body, as well as the structures and functions of the blood, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system. Unit I covers the organization of the human body, including anatomical positions, planes, body cavities, and body regions. It explores the basic unit of the body, the cell, through cell theory, cell properties, and cell division. This unit also provides an introduction to embryology, human genetics, tissues, and membranes, including their types, characteristics, and special adaptations. It concludes with the concept of organs and systems, adaptation, and homeostasis.

Unit II focuses on the blood and cardiovascular system. It details the composition of blood, including plasma and blood cells, blood groups under the $ABO$ and $Rhesus\,factor$ systems, and the clotting mechanism. The study of the heart includes its development, structure, and functions, such as cardiac activities, the conducting system, and Electro Cardiography ($ECG$). Blood vessels, including arteries, veins, and capillaries, are examined alongside blood circulation, blood pressure, cardiac rate, and pulse. Factors affecting these parameters are discussed, along with types of circulation including pulmonary, coronary, portal, and systemic circulation. The lymphatic system section covers lymph nodes, vessels, circulation, and the immune system. Unit III details the respiratory system, covering the organs of respiration: the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. It addresses the mechanism of internal and tissue respiration, respiratory volumes and capacities, and the control of breathing.

Foundation of Nursing I

Foundation of Nursing I, course code GNS 112, is a foundational course for nursing practice across home, community, and health institution settings. It is scheduled for the first year, first semester, with a duration of $90\,hours$ ($30\,hours$ lecture, $45\,hours$ practical, and $15\,hours$ tutorial) and carries $4$ credit units. The course emphasizes scientific principles over simple technical skills. The learning objectives include explaining basic health concepts, understanding nursing theories and models, demonstrating basic nursing care skills, utilizing diagnostic measures, and discussing first aid and safety principles.

Unit I introduces the definitions of nursing and the nurse, history and trends in the profession, and the concepts of health, illness, and basic human needs. It introduces professional organizations such as National and International associations and health maintenance agencies. The characteristics of a polyvalent nurse are also explored. Unit II covers health care institutions, discussing the organization of hospitals and wards, the structure of primary, secondary, and tertiary health facilities, and the role of the patient as a family and community member. Procedures for reception, admission, referral, and discharge are taught alongside health education techniques.

Unit III focuses on tools of nursing like interpersonal relationships, communication skills, interviewing, counseling, and techniques for reporting and recording. It introduces nursing theories and models from foundational figures such as Nightingale, Virginia Henderson, and Orem, as well as problem-solving techniques. Unit IV details comfort and safety measures, including the care of hospital equipment and various types of bed making: simple occupied or unoccupied beds and special beds like admission, operation, or cardiac beds. Accessories like the cradle and air-ring are discussed, as well as body posture, lifting techniques, and the nurse's role in promoting rest and sleep.

Unit V addresses basic patient care including personal hygiene (bathing adults, children, and babies), oral care, nail care, and hair care. A specific focus is placed on pressure sores, including their points of origin, causes, treatment, and prevention. This unit also covers feeding and elimination procedures, including the use of bedpans and urinals, as well as environmental hygiene and standard precautions. Unit VI introduces diagnostic measures such as general head-to-toe examination, vital signs, apex beat, and the collection of specimens like sputum, vomitus, urine, and stool. Unit VII details first aid for emergency conditions such as asphyxia, hemorrhage, shock, fractures, poisoning, and bites/stings, focusing on management priorities and the psychological support of casualties and families.

Introduction to Nursing Informatics

Introduction to Nursing Informatics, course code GNS 113, is a first-year, first-semester course with a duration of $60\,hours$ consisting of $15\,hours$ of lecture and $45\,hours$ of practical work, yielding $2$ credit units. The course aims to keep nurses abreast of Information Communication Technology ($ICT$) applications in healthcare to deliver quality patient care. Objectives include explaining basic computer concepts, demonstrating computer use, describing health informatics and electronic health records ($EHR$), and using monitoring devices.

Unit I covers the definition and importance of nursing informatics, identifying tools such as computers (classification and components) and software like Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. It also introduces the internet and tele-nursing. Unit II focuses on nursing information management, specifically Electronic Health Records ($EHR$), data access, integration of nursing data, documentation, and data security. Retrieval systems and reporting quality are highlighted as critical components.

Unit III discusses technology trends such as mobile health and wearable devices, the human-computer interface, workplace ergonomics, and electronic communication platforms like Zoom, Google Meets, Teams, Skype, and Moodle. Unit IV explores specific monitoring and care devices. Diagnostic devices include Ultrasound, $CT\,Scan$, and $MRI$. Monitoring devices include $Pulse\,Oximetry$, $Cardiac\,Monitor/Telemetry$, and video surveillance. Direct nursing delivery involves $I.V.\,pumps$ and Barcode Medication Administration. Patient-assisted devices like robotics and automated wheelchairs are highlighted, along with indirect systems like Radio Frequency Identification ($RFID$) and computerized staffing systems.

Use of English

Use of English, course code GST 111, is a $2$ credit unit course designed to improve communication skills in the official language of Nigeria. It takes place in the first year, first semester, for $30\,hours$ of lecture. The course objectives are to facilitate sound academic standards and help nurses write and interpret reports and instructions. Unit I covers grammatical conventions, including parts of speech and their functions, tenses, concord, punctuation, and effective speaking through rhythm and intonation patterns. Listening skills are also integrated into this section.

Unit II focuses on the techniques and forms of writing, from pre-writing to rewriting stages. Content includes paragraph structures, essays, articles, and formal and informal letters. Technical writing forms like reports, records, speech writing, agendas, and minutes are covered. Students also learn about book reviews, term paper writing, and proper referencing. Unit III addresses reading skills such as scanning and skimming, comprehension, summary writing, and the art of debate.

Applied Physics

Applied Physics, course code GST 112, is a $2$ credit unit course consisting of $15\,hours$ of lecture and $45\,hours$ of practical work ($60\,hours$ total). It provides physics knowledge specific to clinical nursing practice. Major themes include the principles of light, heat, sound, electricity, and magnetism, alongside the nature of radioactivity for radiological procedures. Precautionary measures for protecting clients and staff from radiation are explicitly addressed.

Unit I defines science and physics, exploring their relevance to nursing as a scientific inquiry. Unit II covers molecular phenomena including surface tension, states of matter, osmosis, and capillarity. Unit III focuses on measurements and units ($S.I.$ units and conversions) for length, weight, height, volume, pressure, and density. It introduces instruments like the barometer and sphygmomanometer. Pressure in fluids is explored through $Pascal's\,Law$ (e.g., water mattresses), $Boyle's\,Law$, and $Archimedes'\,principle$ (e.g., $CSF$, amniotic fluid). Viscosity applications are also covered.

Forces, work, energy, and power are detailed in Unit IV. Unit V covers simple machines, including the classification of levers and pulleys. Unit VI addresses heat, including sources, methods of providing body heat, types of thermometers, and heat content in calories for adult and baby food. Unit VII focuses on elasticity, defining stress, strain, $Hooke's\,Law$, $Young's\,modulus$, $Bulk's\,modulus$, and $Shear\,modulus$ with applications to blood vessels and shearing forces in decubitus ulcers. Unit VIII explores optics and waves, covering light properties, sound characteristics, electromagnetic waves, and lenses to address common eye defects. Unit IX covers electricity, magnetism, and X-rays, including their properties and precautions in investigations like $CT\,Scan$, $MRI$, and ultrasound. Unit X consists of practical applications and visits to radiology departments.

Applied Chemistry

Applied Chemistry, course code GST 113, is a $2$ credit unit course with $15\,hours$ of lecture and $45\,hours$ of practical work. It bridges chemical principles with nursing care, focusing on hydrocarbons, biochemical substances, and safety measures. Unit I defines science and chemistry and their relevance to nursing. Unit II examines the nature of matter, physical and chemical properties, separation of mixtures (e.g., blood, air), and atomic structure including chemical combinations.

Unit III covers acids, bases, and salts, including pH measurement, salt hydrolysis, and volumetric analysis. Metals and non-metals are also compared. Unit IV focuses on electrolysis, electrolytes, and the ionic theory. It also addresses the composition and purification of air and water. Unit V introduces organic chemistry, specifically carbons, allotropes, and hydrocarbons (saturated and unsaturated), along with functional groups like alcohols, amines, carbonyls, and carboxylic acids.

Unit VI classifies organic and inorganic compounds, covering carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and aldehydes, and their biological importance. Unit VII explores the atomic nucleus and nuclear energy, detailing radioactivity ($alpha$, $beta$, and $gamma\,radiation$), half-life, nuclear fission and fusion, and the health hazards of radioactive substances. Unit VIII involves practical applications of chemical principles to clinical nursing practice, specifically regarding metals and properties.

Microbiology

Microbiology, course code GST 114, is a $2$ credit unit course ($15\,hours$ lecture, $45\,hours$ practical). It defines microbiology as the study of unicellular and multicellular microscopic organisms. Medical microbiology focuses on those detrimental to human health, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Unit I details the historical development and classification of microorganisms. Unit II focuses on the infectious process and control, defining the chain of spread: causative agent, reservoirs, carriers, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host.

Control principles include hand washing, waste disposal, decontamination, sterilization, and asepsis. Legal and public health measures like surveillance, quarantine, and notification are also listed. Unit III covers clinical microorganisms, normal flora, and the microbiology of water, milk, and food. Unit IV introduces immunology, distinguishing between non-specific and specific defenses, antigens, and antibodies. It also lists abnormal responses like anaphylaxis and serum sickness. Unit V focuses on diagnostic microbiology, including specimen collection, incubation, and tests. Unit VI addresses environmental microbiology, including entomology, parasitology, and healthcare waste management.

Social and Behavioural Science

Social and Behavioural Science, course code GST 115, is a $3$ credit unit course involving $30\,hours$ of lecture in the first year, first semester. It explores sociology and psychology and their influence on health behavior. Unit I covers the scope of sociology, its relevance to nursing, and founders like $Auguste\,Comte$, $Herbert\,Spencer$, $Emile\,Durkheim$, $Max\,Webber$, and $Karl\,Marx$. It explores anthropology, social stratification, and the link between social class and health.

Unit II discusses adaptive processes such as socialization and institutions like the family, schools, and religious groups that affect health behavior. Unit III explores the cultural determinants of diseases, transcultural nursing, and pathways to healthcare. Unit IV focuses on relationships in healthcare, including bureaucracy, inter-professional, and nurse-patient relationships. Unit V details human growth and development theories, specifically those of $Freud\,($Psychosexual$)$, $Erikson\,($Psychosocial$)$, $Piaget\,($Cognitive$)$, $Carl\,Jung\,($Collective\,Unconsciousness$)$, and $Maslow\,($Needs$)$. It follows development from childhood to old age.

Unit VI covers emotions and behaviors like instinct, reflex, and attitude. Unit VII focuses on cognition and learning, including memory, intelligence, and learning theories like $Classical\,Conditioning$, $Operant\,Conditioning$, and $Cognitive\,Social\,Learning$. It also addresses problem-solving, crisis intervention, and personality defense mechanisms. Unit VIII introduces psychological methods like psychotherapy and behavior therapy, while Unit IX covers psychological testing, defining projective and non-projective tests and vocational inventories.

Anatomy and Physiology II

Anatomy and Physiology II, course code GNS 121, is a first-year, second-semester course with $90\,hours$ ($30\,L, 45\,P, 15\,T$) and $4$ credit units. It covers the digestive, urinary, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems. Unit I covers digestion, absorption, metabolism, $Basal\,Metabolic\,Rate\,(BMR)$, and $Body\,Mass\,Index\,(BMI)$. Unit II details the urinary system, specifically the kidneys, nephrons, urine formation, fluid/electrolyte balance, and the acid-base buffer system.

Unit III covers the musculoskeletal system, focusing on bone tissue development and muscle contraction physiology. Unit IV and V explore male and female reproductive systems, respectively. Male topics include spermatogenesis and andropause. Female topics include the menstrual cycle, ovulation, oogenesis, the bony pelvis, and the physiology of lactation. Unit VI focuses on foetal development, including fertilization, implantation, placenta formation, and foetal circulation changes at birth. Unit VII lists physiological changes during pregnancy, labor, and puerperium affecting various body systems such as cardiovascular and renal systems.

Foundation of Nursing II

Foundation of Nursing II, course code GNS 122, is a $3$ credit unit course in the second semester of the first year. It covers complex procedures and the legal aspects of nursing. Unit I focuses on drug administration, classification of routes (oral, $IM$, $I.V.$, etc.), and dosage calculation. Unit II addresses aseptic techniques, covering the Central Sterilizing Supply Department ($CSSD$), wound dressing, and barrier nursing. Unit III focuses on injection safety and healthcare waste management, citing policies like the $Basel\,Convention$. Unit IV and V specifically address risks of unsafe injections and the categorization of healthcare waste hazards.

Medical/Surgical Nursing I

Medical/Surgical Nursing I (GNS 123) is a first-year, second-semester course with $3$ credit units. It covers holistic care, health-illness continuum, and homeostasis. Unit II focuses on diagnostic measures like history taking, physical examination, and imaging such as $X-ray$, $MRI$, and $CT\,Scan$. Unit III explores threats to adaptation, such as inflammation, shock, fever, and asphyxia. Unit IV covers infectious disease management and the body's defense mechanisms. Unit V details operating room nursing, including perioperative asepsis, scrubbing, and nursing roles ($Scrub\,Nurse$, $Circulating\,Nurse$, $Nurse\,Anaesthetist$). Unit VI covers rehabilitation processes and team members.

Primary Health Care I

Primary Health Care I, course code GNS 124, provides foundational knowledge on global health access. It carries $3$ credit units. Unit I covers the history and philosophy of PHC in Nigeria and the structure of development committees from village to national levels. Unit II describes community structures, family patterns, and the roles of workers like Traditional Birth Attendants ($TBAs$) and Community Health Extension Workers ($CHEWs$). Unit III and IV address community diagnosis and mobilization. Unit V focuses on Information, Education, and Communication ($IEC$) and Behavioral Change Communication ($BCC$). Unit VI lists clinical skills in PHC, including nutritional assessment and the use of standing orders.

Pharmacology I

Pharmacology I, course code GNS 125, is a $2$ credit unit course focusing on drug preparation and administration. Unit I defines pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Unit II classifies drugs by source (traditional vs orthodox) and function. Unit III addresses dosage calculation, abbreviations (e.g., $bd, tds, nocte$), and legal implications. Unit IV lists routes of administration including oral, parenteral ($IV, IM$), and topical. Unit V focuses on safety and storage, while Unit VI explains drug action mechanisms such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and adverse drug reactions.

Nursing Ethics and Jurisprudence

Nursing Ethics and Jurisprudence, course code GST 126, is a $2$ credit unit course introducing ethico-legal issues. Unit I covers values, morality, and the codes of ethics from the International Council of Nurses ($ICN$). Unit II discusses regulation in Nigeria via the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria ($NMCN$). Unit III details legal aspects such as the Nursing Practice Act (Decree No. $89$ of $1979$), common offenses like tort and negligence, and legal safeguards such as the Good Samaritan Act and professional liability insurance.

Anatomy and Physiology III

Anatomy and Physiology III, GNS 211, is a second-year course with $3$ credit units focusing on the nervous system and special senses. Unit I covers the endocrine system and hormone receptors. Unit II addresses the skin's structure and function. Unit III provides a massive overview of the nervous system, including the brain structure (meninges, ventricles), brain stem (pons, medulla), cerebellum, spinal cord (reflex arch), and the autonomic nervous system (sympathetic and parasympathetic). Unit IV details the organs of special senses (eye, ear, nose, tongue, skin) and the mechanisms of sight, hearing, and balance.

Foundation of Nursing III & IV

Course GNS 212 and GNS 221 involve advanced patient care. GNS 212 ($3$ units) focuses on feeding and elimination problems, involving nasogastric tube care, gastrostomy feeding, and catheterization. It also covers Basic Life Support ($BLS$), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ($CPR$), and technologies like cardiac monitors and infusion pumps. GNS 221 ($3$ units) focuses on musculoskeletal injuries (traction and $POP$), neurological examinations, and the care of the dying patient, referencing the $Kubler-Ross$ stages of dying and the grieving process.

Medical/Surgical Nursing II & III

These courses (GNS 213, GNS 222) cover system-specific disorders. Cardiovascular assessments involve dysrhythmias and coronary artery disease. Respiratory management includes tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation. Digestive system topics cover mouth, esophagus, and duodenum disorders. Genito-urinary topics include glomerulonephritis and renal failure. Integumentary topics cover burns and leprosy. GNS 222 specifically adds musculoskeletal diseases like osteoarthritis, gout, and osteomyelitis, as well as neurologic disorders like cerebro-vascular disorders, trauma, and degenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Primary Health Care II

GNS 214 ($3$ units) focuses on disease prevention and PHC components. It includes the identification of endemic diseases like malaria, $HIV/AIDS$, Lassa fever, and Covid-19. It addresses food supply, nutrition, safe water, and basic sanitation. Maternal and Child Health ($MCH$) covers safe motherhood and family planning. Immunization strategies and the cold chain system are detailed. The course also addresses mental health, oral health, and primary eye care in the community, along with the provision of essential drugs and training of voluntary health workers.

Pharmacology II & III

Pharmacology II (GNS 215) covers the National Drug Policy, pharmacovigilance, and the Drug Revolving Fund ($DRF$). It explores toxicology and drugs for conditions like childhood illnesses via $IMNCI$ protocols. Pharmacology III (GNS 223) details system-specific drugs: cardiovascular agents (antihypertensives, haematinics), respiratory agents (bronchodilators, anti-TB), gastrointestinal agents (anti-ulcer, anthelminthics), and CNS agents (hypnotics, antipsychotics).

Research Methodology and Statistics I & II

These courses (GNS 217, GNS 224) teach the scientific method in nursing. Research I covers problem identification, literature review, and descriptive statistics ($Central\,tendency, Pie\,chart, Histogram$) and inferential statistics ($Chi\,square, T-test$). Research II focuses on quantitative vs qualitative designs (experimental, cross-sectional, longitudinal), population sampling, validity, reliability, research proposal writing, and dissemination of findings.

Community Health Nursing I & II

Community Health Nursing covers population-focused practice. I (GNS 225) explores characteristics of healthy communities, home visiting, school health programs, and care for special groups (orphans, street children, refugees). It also addresses harmful traditional practices like Female Genital Mutilation ($FGM$) and occupational health hazards. II (GNS 313) focuses on epidemiology, defining terms like incidence and prevalence, and the control of communicable diseases categorized by transmission routes (respiratory, gastrointestinal, human contact, arthropod-borne).

Mental Health-Psychiatric Nursing

Course GNS 314 ($3$ units) explores mental health. Unit II classifies neuroses (anxiety, phobias) and psychoses (schizophrenia, depression). Unit III addresses management in institutions, mental health laws, and psychiatric emergencies. Unit IV covers community treatment and Unit V focuses on rehabilitation methods such as half-way houses and sheltered workshops. Unit VI introduces Mental Health and Psychosocial Support ($MHPSS$) and the intervention pyramid.

Emergency and Disaster Nursing

Course GNS 315 ($3$ units) prepares students for life-threatening situations. Unit I focuses on disaster preparedness agencies. Unit III details the triage system and the $ABCDEF$ of resuscitation. Unit IV covers advanced support like tracheotomy and automated external defibrillators. Unit V addresses disaster management efforts including rapid response centers, search and rescue, and multi-sectorial collaboration.

Medical Surgical Nursing IV & V

Medical Surgical IV (GNS 311) covers reproductive disorders, haematological disorders (anaemia, sickle cell), and special senses. It includes procedures like suturing lacerations and male circumcision. Medical Surgical V (GNS 321) covers oncology (cell proliferation, cancer detection), critical care (pacemakers and resuscitation), gerontology (physiological changes in the elderly), and palliative care including pain management and end-of-life support.

Principles of Management and Teaching

Course GST 321 ($3$ units) covers management principles like planning, organizing, staffing, and directing. It introduces Management by Objectives ($MBO$) and leadership dynamics. Resource management focuses on man, materials, money, and time. Conflict management and resolution techniques are explored. The course also details the teaching and learning process, instructional materials, evaluation techniques, and administrative laws relating to civil service and negligent malpractice.

Health Economics and Entrepreneurship

Health Economics (GST 322) involves the study of scarce resources and financing mecanismos like the National Health Insurance Scheme and $HMOs$. Entrepreneurship in Nursing (GST 323) covers business mindsets, wealth creation, and nursing opportunities allowed by law, such as maternity homes or patent medicine stores. It also discusses the transition from student to professional nurse through mentorship and professional identity.

Glossary of Procedures in General Nursing

The glossary outlines essential clinical competencies required for the nursing student. Medication administration includes dangerous drugs, intravenous infusions, and vaccinations ($oral, IM, IV, intradermal$). Patient hygiene procedures consist of baby baths, bed baths, mouth care, and treatment of pressure areas. Gastrointestinal care includes gastric lavage and colostomy washout. Urinary care covers catheterization and peritoneal dialysis. Wound care involves suturing and removal of drainage tubes. Diagnostic observations include lumbar puncture and vital signs. Special interventions list oxygen administration, blood transfusion, tracheostomy care, and traction. Administrative routines cover ward reports, hospital discharge, and referral procedures.