Date of Learning: 29/03/2023
Time: 09:30-16:30
Learning Activity 1: Cells
Understanding Health and Illness across Lifespan module was introduced in class today. The learning outcomes was to identify anatomical directional terms, outline hierarchy for organisation of life, identify different type of cells and their characteristics and lastly, defining homeostasis and example of how body maintains homeostasis.
The first topic we looked at cells. The cell is basic structural and functional unit of living organism. Microscope are needed to study cell such as compound microscope and electron microscope. In the learning activity we discussed about structure of cells and their functions.
As cell makes up to all living things, we looked at animal, plant and human cells. We also looked at the two distinctive types of cells which are the prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. The differences are that prokaryotic cells do not have nucleus and eukaryotic cell contains nucleus. When the organisms are unicellular it is made of only one cell. On the other hand, multicellular organisms contains more than one cells. We also learned the sizes of cells. The smallest cell is the sperm cell, largest cell is the ovum and the longest is the nerve cell. From sizes of the cell, we then moved to shapes of cells.
The delivery of the class was quite fast, and a lot of information was given. However, the tutor was open to feedback and gave us plenty of time to ask questions and slowed down when asked. Learning how cells work made me understand about what the biological process of a healthy body is. Some diseases and illness are caused by problems with cells or by molecular levels an example of this are cancer cells.
Learning Activity 2: Human Body
Analysing differences between adult and children body was the first exercise we did. We then looked at positional of the body such as anatomical position and positional terms. Body cavities and regional body are also discussed such as the dorsal (back), ventral (front). The abdominal area and where the organs are located.
Learning about the human body is important as a nursing associate and familiarising myself with its medical terminology. A detailed knowledge of human body parts is essential when it comes to clinical assessments for example if a patient is in pain its easier to identify when you know what the body part is called. In the future this learning activity will be essential for me when I become a nursing associate as I now know the fundamental concept of the body and its functions. By gaining knowledge about the body I will be able to analyse and recognise the cause and roots of illness.
Learning Activity 3: Levels of Organisation
In this learning activity we learned about the 6 levels of organisation in the human body. We discussed about chemical levels (atoms combined with molecules), cellular level (cells that are made up of molecules), tissue level (epithelial, muscle and nervous tissue), organ level (composed of different tissues that carries out a specific function), organ system level (consist of human organs working together) and organismal level (made up of many organ systems).
Learning about levels of organisation helps me gain knowledge and insight of complexities of functions and structures of human beings. I get a clear understanding of the outline of systematic organisation of life. Learning about levels of organisation in general can comprehend evolution of organisms and how other living things such as animal or plants can benefit from human beings.
Learning Activity 4: Characteristics of Life and Homeostasis.
5 essentials for survival in human beings are water, oxygen, nutrients, normal oxygen levels and normal pressure. In the class we looked at these 5 essentials for survival and discussed each importance for the human body. We then looked at the characteristics of life and discuss about how body systems linked.
Homeostasis was then defined as state of balance in which the body system needs to survive and function correctly. The importance of regulating body temperature, blood glucose, electrolyte etc.
Regulating and balancing homeostatic needs to be maintained to its optimal condition. Unbalance homeostatic can cause illness and the organism can die. Learning about homeostatic made me realise the importance of regulating body temperature, water levels and blood glucose. I also now know why we take observation with patients and what may happen if the homeostatic is inaccurate and the dangers that can occur if homeostasis isn’t regularly monitored.
KSB Addressed:
| K1 | Understand the code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC 2018), and how to fulfill all registration requirements |
| K3 | Understand the professional responsibility to adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain the level of personal fitness and well-being required to meet people’s needs for mental and physical care |
| K4 | Understand the principles of research and how research findings are used to inform evidence-based practice |
| K9 | Understand the aims and principles of health promotion, protection and improvement and the prevention of ill health when engaging with people |
| K10 | Understand the principles of epidemiology, demography, and genomics and how these may influence health and well-being outcomes |
| K11 | Understand the factors that may lead to inequalities in health outcomes |
| K14 | Understand the importance of health screening |
| K16 | Understand body systems and homeostasis, human anatomy and physiology, biology, genomics, pharmacology, social and behavioural sciences as applied to delivery of care |
| K20 | Know how people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep can be met |
| K26 | Understand where and how to seek guidance and support from others to ensure that the best interests of those receiving care are upheld |
SKILLS:
| S1 | Act in accordance with the Code: Professional standards of practice and behaviour for nurses, midwives and nursing associates (NMC, 2018), and fulfil all registration requirements |
| S4 | Take responsibility for continuous self-reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills |
| S6 | Act as an ambassador for their profession and promote public confidence in health and care services |
| S7 | Communicate effectively using a range of skills and strategies with colleagues and people at all stages of life and with a range of mental, physical, cognitive and behavioural health challenges |
| S10 | Provide, promote, and where appropriate advocate for, non-discriminatory, person-centred and sensitive care at all times, reflecting on people’s values and beliefs, diverse backgrounds, cultural characteristics, language requirements, needs and preferences, taking account of any need for adjustments |
| S13 | Apply the aims and principles of health promotion, protection and improvement and the prevention of ill health when engaging with people |
| S14 | Promote preventive health behaviours and provide information to support people to make informed choices to improve their mental, physical, behavioural health and wellbeing |
| S15 | Identify people who are eligible for health screening |
| S17 | Protect health through understanding and applying the principles of infection prevention and control, including communicable disease surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship and resistance |
| S18 | Apply knowledge, communication and relationship management skills required to provide people, families and carers with accurate information that meets their needs before, during and after a range of interventions |
| S30 | Recognise when a person’s condition has improved or deteriorated by undertaking health monitoring, interpreting, promptly responding, sharing findings and escalating as needed |
| S33 | Maintain safe work and care environments |
| S43 | Contribute to team reflection activities to promote improvements in practice and services |
BEHAVIOUR:
| B1 | Treat people with dignity, respecting individual’s diversity, beliefs, culture, needs, values, privacy and preferences |
| B2 | Show respect and empathy for those you work with, have the courage to challenge areas of concern and work to evidence based best practice |
| B3 | Be adaptable, reliable and consistent, show discretion, resilience and self-awareness |