Date of Learning: 14/04/2023
Time: 09:30-16:30
Learning Activity 1: Respiratory System
In today’s class we learned about respiratory system. I had an overview and good understanding of its anatomical structures and functions of the respiratory system. I learned about gas exchange, diffusion and the role of respiratory in homeostasis. I had a good understanding of the importance of knowing a healthy respiratory and the effects of respiratory disorder.
I learned about primary function of respiratory system and its main role to our body system. The role of the respiratory system is to exchange gas by inhaling oxygen from nose or mouth and waste gas is then processed from blood stream to lungs where we exhale carbon dioxide. Respiratory system brings air for body temperature and moisturises to the right level of humidity. Without respiratory and circulatory system oxygen cannot travel through our whole-body system. For example, the heart needs oxygen to function and cells requires oxygen to make energy. The role of respiratory in homeostasis is exchanging gas and by removing waste gas it neutralises the bloods pH.
I was extremely excited to learn about the respiratory system as I had no experience with patients with respiratory disorder. I have also done several respiratory observations during my work practice and have no idea why it is being done. In this class we were showed clinical applications and why it may be carried out such as tracheotomy and laryngectomy. In my understanding the procedures may be carried out for patients who struggles to breathe normally and needs assistance to deliver oxygen to the lungs. It also reduces the risks of aspirations. Laryngectomy is a procedure in which requires removing a part or all the larynx maybe due to cancer or larynx being damage.
Learning Activity 2: The Structure and Function of Blood
The blood is responsible in transporting gases, nutrients and waste products in our body. It also removes toxins in our body, help fight infections and maintains body temperature. In this learning activity we focused on structure and function of Blood, how it maintains homeostasis, understanding blood cell disorders and blood transfusions.
In this class we learned about the three types of cells which the blood consists of and its functions to our body. The three types of cells in blood are red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Our blood’s main role is to bring oxygen and nutrients to all part of our body and carries out carbon dioxide and other waste substances. White blood cells are disease fighting agents to fight off infections. The blood prevents blood loss after injury by its clotting factors. Blood maintains the body homeostasis by stabilising pH, temperature, osmotic pressure and eliminates excess heat.
The class delivery was excellent as we had plenty of time to ask different questions about the topic. It was also good that our lecturer included different type of blood diseases or disorders. Overall, I had a good understanding of the topic and the importance of knowing its structure and functions to be able to understand the whole anatomy of the body as it all linked to different parts.
Learning Activity 3: Cardiovascular System
In this class I had an overview of the structure and function of the cardiovascular system. We looked at the structure of the heart and its position, circulation of blood through heart and blood vessels of the body. We also looked at arteries, veins and capillaries and some clinical applications such as heart rate, pulse, blood pressure and ECG. I also participated in a group activity where we learned about using manual blood pressure machine.
The class begun by learning what cardiovascular system consists of which are the heart, blood vessels, blood and its circulation circuits. We were then showed where our heart is located and its anatomical position in our body. It was also discussed how normal heart rate can varies with age. I then understood the importance of systolic and diastolic in cardiac cycle.
Blood pressure monitoring is important in my workplace and conducting these observations would analyse risks that may occur. However, during my practice I have only used an automatic blood pressure machine as I never had a chance to use a manual blood pressure machine. I enjoyed the group activity and that I learned how to use the manual blood pressure machine, monitoring pulses and saturations. This made the class delivery more practical rather than knowing its theory. Doing the practical clinical application made me understand the topic more and just by physically doing it I get to learn about doing it properly and what is expected during the observations.
KSB ADDRESSED:
Knowledge:
| K2 | Understand the demands of professional practice and demonstrate how to recognise signs of vulnerability in themselves or their colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health |
| 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 |
| K14 | Understand the importance of health screening |
| K35 | Understand own role and the roles of all other staff at different levels of experience and seniority in the event of a major incident |
| K36 | Understand the roles of the different providers of health and care |
| K40 | Understand own role and contribution when involved in the care of a person who is undergoing discharge or a transition of care between professionals, settings or services |
| K41 | Know the roles, responsibilities and scope of practice of different members of the nursing and interdisciplinary team, and own role within it |
| K42 | Understand and apply the principles of human factors and environmental factors when working in teams |
| K43 | Understand the influence of policy and political drivers that impact health and care provision |
Skills:
| S4 | Take responsibility for continuous self-reflection, seeking and responding to support and feedback to develop professional knowledge and skills |
| S5 | Safely demonstrate evidence-based practice in all skills and procedures required for entry to the register: Standards of proficiency for nursing associates Annex A & B (NMC 2018) |
| 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 |
| S8 | Recognise signs of vulnerability in self or colleagues and the action required to minimise risks to health |
| 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 |
| S16 | Promote health and prevent ill health by understanding the evidence base for immunisation, vaccination and herd immunity |
| 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 |
| S23 | Work in partnership with people, to encourage shared decision making, in order to support individuals, their families and carers to manage their own care when appropriate |
| S24 | Perform a range of nursing procedures and manage devices, to meet people’s need for safe, effective and person-centred care |
| S25 | Meet people’s needs for safety, dignity, privacy, comfort and sleep |
| S26 | Meet people’s needs related to nutrition, hydration and bladder and bowel health |
| S27 | Meet people’s needs related to mobility, hygiene, oral care, wound care and skin integrity |
| S28 | Support people with commonly encountered symptoms including anxiety, confusion, discomfort and pain |
| S29 | Give information and support to people who are dying, their families and the bereaved and provide care to the deceased |
| S30 | Recognise when a person’s condition has improved or deteriorated by undertaking health monitoring, interpreting, promptly responding, sharing findings and escalating as needed |
| S37 | Participate in data collection to support audit activity, and contribute to the implementation of quality improvement strategies |
| S38 | Prioritise and manage own workload, and recognise where elements of care can safely be delegated to other colleagues, carers and family members |
| S39 | Recognise when people need help to facilitate equitable access to care, support and escalate concerns appropriately |
| S40 | Support and motivate other members of the care team and interact confidently with them |
| S41 | Monitor and review the quality of care delivered, providing challenge and constructive feedback when an aspect of care has been delegated to others |
| S42 | Support, supervise and act as a role model to nursing associate students, health care support workers and those new to care roles, review the quality of the care they provide, promoting reflection and providing constructive feedback |
| S43 | Contribute to team reflection activities to promote improvements in practice and services |
| S44 | Access, input, and apply information and data using a range of methods including digital technologies, and share appropriately within interdisciplinary teams |
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 |