Module 12 – Health Conditions

Module length: 45 Hours

SUBJECT DESCRIPTION

As the result of an ongoing condition, many clients will require the assistance of another person in
order to accomplish routine activities of living. Although PSWs are not expected to make functional
assessments, they do require an understanding of the effects of disability, disease, or condition on
functioning in order to provide appropriate assistance. As partners in a support or care team (along
with the client and others), PSWs need to understand why, what, when, and how maintenance,
rehabilitation, and restorative care are used to benefit the client. They will likely assist the client in a
variety of activities, and must be able to interpret and carry out the instructions of clients and
professionals involved with the client so the client receives the maximum benefit from their
assistance.

This module introduces students to basic concepts of assistance as well as the general effects on the
person of common disabilities, ongoing conditions, and diseases. Focusing on the importance of
providing support safely, effectively, and comfortably, students will gain skill in necessary
techniques. Concepts of maintenance, rehabilitation, and restoration are discussed, as is the
importance of the support team in providing assistance. Activities will be discussed that require
additional training, who is responsible for providing the training, and transferability of these
additional skills.

TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

Required

• Mosby’s Canadian Textbook for the Support Worker, Sorrentino, Remmert, Wilk and Newmaster,
5th Canadian Edition, ISBN 978-1-77172-043-4 (Elsevier)

oChapter 32, 33
Review chapters
22,23,24,34,35,
36,37,38,39,40,
43

• Internet Based Resources and Instructor Handouts

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 1 | 15

METHOD OF EVALUATION

Type of Evaluation Number % Value

Theory Exams 1 80
Practical Exams - -
Assignments 1 20

TEACHING METHOD

[X] Lecture 35 hours

[X] Supervised Lab 10 hours

LOCATION

[X] Classroom/Lab (School)

FORMAL EVALUATION

Does the subject require a final examination or formal evaluation? [X] Yes

Pass mark: 70%

KNOWLEDGE CONTRIBUTING COMPETENCIES

The relevant core KNOWLEDGE competencies are from Appendix F and are followed by the
appropriate contributing knowledge competencies (objectives) for this Module.

Core Competency #7: Define what constitutes a safe and comfortable environment in
keeping with employer policies and procedures and all applicable legislation.

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 2 | 15

1. Understand the importance of providing support safely, effectively, and comfortably to clients
with disabilities and ongoing health conditions.

2. Know the procedures and techniques commonly used to assist clients with disabilities and
ongoing health conditions.
Core Competency #8: Understand growth and development, alterations in functioning, disease
prevention, health promotion, rehabilitation, and restorative care.

1. Know the common diseases and disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

2. Know the common diseases and disorders of the digestive system.

3. Know the common diseases and disorders of the urinary system.

4. Know the common diseases and disorders structures and functions of the integumentary
system.

5. Know the common diseases and disorders of the male and female reproductive systems.

6. Know the common diseases and disorders of the cardiovascular system.

7. Know the common diseases and disorders of the respiratory system.

8. Know the common diseases and disorders of the nervous system.

9. Know the common diseases and disorders of the endocrine system.

10. Understand the concepts of disease prevention, health promotion and maintenance,
convalescence, rehabilitation, and restorative care in relation to ongoing health conditions.

11. Understand the role and limits of the PSW in the care of patients with ongoing health
conditions.

SKILL CONTRIBUTING COMPETENCIES

The relevant core SKILL competencies are from Appendix F and are followed by the appropriate
contributing skill competencies (objectives) for this Module.

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 3 | 15

Core Competency #7: Promote and maintain a safe and comfortable environment to clients and
their family in accordance with legislation and employer policies.

1. Provide support safely, effectively, and comfortably to clients with disabilities and ongoing health
conditions.

Core Competency #8: Assist clients across the lifespan with routine activities of daily living.

1. Apply knowledge of common diseases and disorders when assisting a client with routine
activities of living.

2. Employ the concepts of disease prevention, health promotion and maintenance, convalescence,
rehabilitation, and restorative care in relation to ongoing health conditions.

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 4 | 15

Module12. Health Conditions (45 hours)

Main Topic Relative

Contact
Value in
Hours
Sub-Topics %

45 Hours

1 Hour 1. Overview 2%

a. Review of Procedures for taking Height, Weight, Vital Signs and

Measuring Fluids
b. Normal Ageing Changes in Function and Responses
c. Concepts of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Restoration

3 Hours 2. Tumours 6.5%

a. Benign vs. Malignant Tumours

b. Risk Factors for Cancer
c. Warning Signs of Cancer
d. Tumour Treatments and Therapies including surgery, radiation,
chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and specialized procedures
e. Needs of People with Cancer

3 Hours 3. Musculoskeletal Disorders: Definitions, Signs and Symptoms, 6.5%

Treatment/Care of the Person

a. Arthritis
• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• gout
• total joint replacement
b. Osteoporosis
c. Fractures including types, cast care, traction, and special
considerations in hip fractures

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 5 | 15

 d. Loss of a Limb

Main Topic Relative

Contact
Value in
Hours
Sub-Topics %

3 Hours 4. Respiratory Disorders: Definitions, Signs and Symptoms, Treatment/Care 6.5%

of the Person

a. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• chronic bronchitis
• emphysema
b. Asthma
c. Pneumonia
d. Tuberculosis

4 Hours 5. Cardiovascular Disorders: Definitions, Signs and Symptoms, 9%

Treatment/Care of the Person

a. Hypertension and Hypotension

b. Coronary Artery Disease
• angina pectoris
• myocardial infarction
c. Cardiac Arrest
d. Heart Valve Disorders
e. Heart Failure
f. Thrombi and Emboli

2 Hours 6. Endocrine System Disorders: Definitions, Signs and Symptoms, 5%

Treatment/Care of the Person

a. Diabetes Mellitus
• type I
• type II
• gestational
• glucose monitoring

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 6 | 15

 Main Topic Relative
Contact
Value in
Hours
Sub-Topics %

2 Hours 7. Urinary System Disorders: Definitions, Signs and Symptoms, 5%

Treatment/Care of the Person

a. Urinary Tract Infections

• cystitis
• pyelonephritis
b. Urinary Diversions
• ureterostomy
c. Renal Calculi
d. Renal Failure
• acute
• chronic

4 Hours 8. Urinary System: Procedures 9%

a. Catheter Care
b. Changing a Leg Bag to a Drainage Bag
c. Emptying a Urinary Drainage Bag
d. Applying a Condom Catheter
e. Collection of Urine Specimens (theory only)
• random
• midstream
• 24 hour
f. Urine Testing
• reagent strips
• testing procedure

Main Topic Relative

Contact
Value in
Hours
Sub-Topics %

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 7 | 15

 3 Hours 9. Gastrointestinal System Disorders: Definitions, Signs and Symptoms, 6.5%
Treatment/Care of the Person

a. Vomiting
b. Constipation
c. Acid Reflux and GERD
d. Gastric Ulcers
e. Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
f. Cirrohsis
g. Gastrointestinal System Procedures
• giving an enema
• colostomy care
• ileostomy care
• collection of stool specimens
• testing a stool specimen for blood

2 Hours 10. Communicable Diseases: Definitions, Signs and Symptoms, 5%

Treatment/Care of the Person

a. Hepatitis: types (A, B, C, D, E)

b. Chicken Pox
c. Diphtheria
d. Measles
e. Mumps
f. Rubella
g. Scarlet fever
h. Influenza
i. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

1 Hour 11. Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Definitions, Signs and Symptoms, 2%

Treatment/Care of the Person

a. Genital Herpes
b. Venereal Warts
c. Gonorrhea
d. Syphilis
e. Chlamydia

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 8 | 15

 Main Topic Relative
Contact
Value in
Hours
Sub-Topics %

3 Hours 12. Hearing Problems 6.5%

a. Ear Structures and Functions

• outer ear: pinna, external auditory canal
• tympanic membrane
• middle ear: malleus, incus, stapes, eustachian tube
• inner ear: semicircular canals, cochlea, auditory nerve
b. Hearing Disorders
• conductive
• neurological
c. Effects of Hearing Loss on the Person
d. Hearing Aids: types, use, and care
e. Communicating with a Hearing Impaired Person
f. Sign Language

3 Hours 13. Vision Problems 6.5%

a. Eye Structure and Function

• Layers: sclera, choroid, retina
• pupil
• lens
• aqueous chamber and aqueous humor
• vitreous body
• optic nerve
b. Eye Disorders
• glaucoma
• cataracts
• macular degeneration
c. Corrective Lenses
• eye glasses
• contact lenses
d. Care of Artificial Eyes

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 9 | 15

 e. Effects of Blindness
f. Assisting and Caring for the Blind Person

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 10 | 15

 Main Topic Relative
Contact
Value in
Hours
Sub-Topics %

5 Hours 14. Heat and Cold Applications 11%

a. Heat Applications
• uses, effects
• complications
• types (moist vs. dry)
b. Cold Applications
• uses
• effects
• complications
• types (moist vs. dry)
c. Rules for Applying Heat and Cold
d. Heat and Cold Temperature Ranges
e. Clinical Procedures
• hot compresses and packs
• hot soak
• sitz bath
• heating pad
• ice bags and cold packs
• cold compress
• cooling and warming blankets

| 11

Main Topic Relative

Contact
Value in
Hours
Sub-Topics %

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 11

 5 Hours 15. Oxygen Needs 11%

a. Factors Affecting Oxygen Needs

b. Altered Respiratory Function
• hypoxia
• abnormal respirations: tachypnea, bradypnea, apnea,
hypoventilation, hyperventilation, dyspnea, Cheyne-Stokes,
orthopnea, Biot’s, Kussmaul’s
• signs and symptoms of altered respiratory function
• diagnostic testing
c. Collection of Sputum Specimens
d. Promoting Oxygenation
• positioning
• coughing/deep breathing exercises
e. Assisting with Oxygen Therapy
• oxygen sources
• fire safety rules when using oxygen
• devices used to administer oxygen
• oxygen flow rates
• rules for oxygen therapy
f. Artificial Airways
• tracheostomy
• suctioning the airway
g. Mechanical Ventilation
h. Chest Tubes

1 Hour 16. Review 2%

a. Identification of conditions which require assistance beyond the

PSW’s abilities
b. Procedures that require training by the client, their designate, or the
appropriate professional prior to use by the PSW

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 12

Using PRICE in Evaluation
Introduction
Based on feedback from a cross-section of our community partners (employers, clinical sites, workforce
centers), Herzing has developed a framework of behaviours and attributes, that supports a successful and
meaningful career. This framework is called the “PRICE of Success.”

Employer feedback regarding our graduates has almost always included comments about students having
strong “soft” skills including professionalism, a customer focus, and knowing how to best interact with
clients and coworkers. This is the purpose of the PRICE framework.

To effectively communicate the importance of these skills and ensure that students entering the workforce
possess these abilities, assessments in many of our courses should incorporate these ideals and qualities as
part of the evaluation process. The following is an outline of how to effectively incorporate PRICE into
student evaluations.

Notes
 A PRICE evaluation will be part of every course grade in all programs. The PRICE grade will be a total
value of 5% of the final grade for the course.
 PRICE evaluation will be addressed based on each of the five attributes: one mark each.

Evaluating PRICE
Professionalism
Overview:

 Assume responsibility for my own actions

 Demonstrate professional and appropriate communication skills
 Present an appropriate professional appearance for the environment
 Handle sensitive or difficult issues with grace and confidence
This aspect of PRICE can be addressed in evaluation using the following:

 Respond appropriately to feedback from assignments, tests, and exercises

 Dress appropriately for any presentations, role plays, video sessions, etc.
 Interact with students and faculty in an appropriate way
Respect
Overview:

 Provide consideration and mutual respect to other students, instructors, staff, and colleagues
 Approach others with a positive mindset
 Exhibit respect in all settings including internship or clinical rotations
 Demonstrate genuine interest in the thoughts, opinions, values, and needs of others
This aspect of PRICE can be addressed in evaluation using the following:

 Demonstrate respect for other’s opinions and ideas, particularly when there is disagreement
 Show positivity in relation to the coursework and student progress

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 13

  Avoid verbal and non-verbal displays of impatience with faculty or other students
 Encourage others to engage with the class and the material
Integrity
Overview:

 Practice academic and professional integrity

 Follow rules and policies of the environment
 Exhibit effort necessary to accomplish goals and objectives
 Give proper credit to others for their work and contributions
This aspect of PRICE can be addressed in evaluation using the following:

 Ensure that all work is properly cited and sourced when referring to the work of others
 When helping others, provide direction and support, and not final answers
 Make sure that all the rules and guidelines for coursework are followed
 Point out any errors in marking, particularly when receiving unearned grades
Caring
Overview:

 Exhibit a customer-focus and caring mindset in the workplace and clinical settings
 Approach others with a positive attitude
 Provide encouragement and support to fellow students and colleagues
 Build relationships through honest communication and follow-through
 Make meaningful social impact through community involvement
This aspect of PRICE can be addressed in evaluation using the following:

 Assist other students with their work

 Provide constructive feedback regarding the course content and coursework
 Show empathy and support to students having difficulty with the material
 Relate the content of the courses to how it can help employers and the community at large
Engagement
Overview:

 Actively contribute to the classroom and workplace environment

 Participate in and support positive community events
 Seek opportunities to perform above minimum expectations in the workplace and classroom
 Maintain a continuous improvement mindset
This aspect of PRICE can be addressed in evaluation using the following:

 Doing more than the bare minimum for assignments and other coursework
 Participate equally in group work and projects
 Ask questions in class discussions
 Respond substantively to posts in discussion forums
 Excellent attendance in class or virtual sessions

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 14

Academic Policies & Procedures
The Herzing College Handbook addresses academic dishonesty in general in the “Student Conduct” section
of the College Handbook. Cheating, Plagiarism, and Paraphrasing are addressed in greater detail below.

Cheating is defined as “the giving or receiving of aid, whether written, oral or otherwise, in order for a
student to receive undeserved credit on class work, homework, tests or any other assignment that is his or
her own responsibility.” While collaboration on class assignments is encouraged, each student must submit
their own work.

Plagiarism violates the central core of Herzing College’s educational philosophy. It involves stealing another
person's work and claiming it as your own. It occurs whenever one directly copies another person’s
intellectual effort and integrates it into your class work without giving proper credit to the author.

Paraphrasing is defined as “a restatement of a text or passage giving the meaning in another form”
(Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, 1996). When one paraphrases but intentionally omits
authorship of the work, this, too, is a serious violation of academic honesty.

As a Herzing College student, you have an individual responsibility to understand what cheating, plagiarism,
and paraphrasing are. You must also be aware that the consequences for doing any of these activities are
severe. Whenever you have doubt about what constitutes cheating, plagiarism or paraphrasing, contact your
instructor. With the advent of the Internet, the potential for cheating by simply cutting and pasting
information into your paper is tempting. Be aware that these dishonest activities will not be tolerated and
instructors have access to increasingly sophisticated search engines to “test” the validity of your work.
Plagiarism, in particular, is easily traced.

Student signature: __________Chika Oguike___________________________

Date: __June 20, 2024________________________

| 11

© NACC2017V.4 Section III. Module 12. Health Conditions 15