NURS 4840 - Complex Care
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 40704,
Credit hours: 5
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Eiryn McKay
Email: ecmckay@ysu.edu
Course Description
4840. Complex Care. High acuity, restorative, and health promoting care of clients with complex health problems. Three hours lecture, six hours clinical experience in a variety of settings per week. Prereq.: NURS 3743, NURS 3743L, Entry-level BSN senior status. 5 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Engage Adult Medical Surgical RN (modules). | ATI (2023) | |
| Optional | RN adult medical surgical nursing (ed. 12.0). Review Modules 2023 RN - eBook. | ATI (2023) | |
| Optional | High-acuity nursing (7th ed.). Pearson | Wagner, K. D., & Hardin-Pierce, M. G. |
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Day | Date | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 8/24 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Intro to CC & Emergency Nursing • Critical Alterations in Gas Exchange OPTIONAL: • ATI RN Adult M/S Nursing eBook: Ch.27: Resp. Failure • ATI RN Adult M/S Nursing eBook: Ch.20: Resp. Mgmt. & Mech. Vent. • Wagner & Hardin-Pierce text: Ch.1: 1-2, 7 (Intro content) • Wagner & Hardin-Pierce text: Ch.2: 20-22, 24-26 • Wagner & Hardin-Pierce text: Ch.3: 32-35, 39-41 • Wagner & Hardin-Pierce text: Ch.4: 64-69 • Wagner & Hardin-Pierce text: Ch.7: 137-168 (Resp/Vents) |
Syllabus Review Intro to CC & Emergency Nursing Critical Alterations in Gas Exchange |
Week 1 Clinical: campus Sim-Lab Watch assigned videos: Intro to ICU Nursing Watch assigned videos: PPT Arterial Lines video |
| Wed | 8/26 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Intro to CC & Emergency Nursing • Critical Alterations in Gas Exchange OPTIONAL • ATI RN Adult M/S Nursing eBook: Ch.27: Resp. Failure • ATI RN Adult M/S Nursing eBook: Ch.20: Resp. Mgmt. & Mech. Vent. • Wagner & Hardin-Pierce text: Ch.1: 1-2, 7 (Intro content) • Wagner & Hardin-Pierce text: Ch.2: 20-22, 24-26 • Wagner & Hardin-Pierce text: Ch.3: 32-35, 39-41 • Wagner & Hardin-Pierce text: Ch.4: 64-69 • Wagner & Hardin-Pierce text: Ch.7: 137-168 (Resp/Vents) |
Intro to CC & Emergency Nursing Critical Alterations in Gas Exchange |
Week 1 Clinical: campus Sim-Lab Watch assigned videos: Intro to ICU Nursing Watch assigned videos: PPT Arterial Lines video |
| Mon | 8/31 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Alterations in Gas Exchange Alterations in Health: • Disrupted Homeostasis: Acid-Base imbalance info • Alterations in Gas Exchange OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 18: Resp. Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures • ATI: Ch. 46: Acid-Base imbalances • Wagner: Ch 7: 137-168 (Resp/Vents) • Wagner: Ch. 11: 289-319 (Pulm/ABGs) |
Critical Alterations in Gas Exchange Disrupted Homeostasis: Acid-Base Imbalance Info Alterations in Gas Exchange |
Week 2 Clinical: campus Sim-Lab Week 2 Clinical: Math Test* |
| Wed | 9/2 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Alterations in Gas Exchange Alterations in Health: • Disrupted Homeostasis: Acid-Base Imbalance Info • Alterations in Gas Exchange OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 18: Resp. Diagnostic & Therapeutic Procedures • ATI: Ch. 46: Acid-Base imbalances • Wagner: Ch 7: 137-168 (Resp/Vents) • Wagner: Ch. 11: 289-319 (Pulm/ABGs) |
Critical Alterations in Gas Exchange Disrupted Homeostasis: Acid-Base Imbalance Info Alterations in Gas Exchange |
Week 2 Clinical: campus Sim-Lab Week 2 Clinical: Math Test* |
| Mon | 9/7 | No Class | ||
| Wed | 9/9 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Alterations in Gas Exchange Alterations in Health: • Disrupted Homeostasis: Acid-Base Imbalance Info OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 25: Pulm Embolism • ATI: Ch. 26: Pneumo/Hemothorax • ATI: Ch. 19: CT insertion & Monitoring • Wagner: Ch. 11: 289-319 (Pulm/ABGs) • Wagner: Ch. 12: 321-359 (Pulm Alterations) |
Critical Alterations in Gas Exchange Disrupted Homeostasis: Acid-Base Imbalance Info |
Hospital Clinicals Begin |
| Mon | 9/14 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in Health: • Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 28: CV Diagnostics/Procedures • ATI: Ch. 29: ECG/Dysrhythmias • Wagner: Ch. 8: 171-196 (Hemodynamics) • Wagner: Ch. 9: 198-251 (ECG) |
Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion |
*Quiz 1 - covers content through 9/9 Virtual Application-Critical Alterations in Gas Exchange: due this Friday 9/18/26 by 11:59pm |
| Wed | 9/16 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in Health: • Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 28: CV Diagnostics/Procedures • ATI: Ch. 29: ECG/Dysrhythmias • Wagner: Ch. 8: 171-196 (Hemodynamics) • Wagner: Ch. 9: 198-251 (ECG) |
Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion |
Virtual Application-Critical Alterations in Gas Exchange: due this Friday 9/18/26 by 11:59pm |
| Mon | 9/21 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in Health: • CV Function and Perfusion OPTIONAL ATI: Ch. 29: ECG/Dysrhythmias ATI: Ch. 30: Pacemakers/ICDs Wagner: Ch. 9: 198-251 (ECG) |
Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion |
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| Wed | 9/23 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in Health: • Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 29: ECG/Dysrhythmias • ATI: Ch. 30: Pacemakers/ICDs • Wagner: Ch. 9: 198-251 (ECG) |
Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion |
|
| Mon | 9/28 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in Health • Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 33: HF and Pulm Edema • ATI: Ch. 34: Valvular Heart Disease • Wagner: Ch. 13: 365-389 (Cardiac assessment) • Wagner: Ch. 14: 391-415 (Alt. Cardiac Fx) |
Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion |
*Quiz 2 - covers content through 9/23/26 |
| Wed | 9/30 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in Health: • Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 33: HF and Pulm Edema • ATI: Ch. 34: Valvular Heart Disease • Wagner: Ch. 13: 365-389 (Cardiac assessment) • Wagner: Ch. 14: 391-415 (Alt. Cardiac Fx) |
Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion |
|
| Mon | 10/5 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in Health: • Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 31: Invasive CV Procedures • ATI: Ch. 32: Angina and MI • ATI: Ch. 39: Aneuryms • Wagner: Ch. 15: 418-440 (Alt. Myocardial Perfusion) |
Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion |
*Quiz 3 - covers content through 9/30/26 |
| Wed | 10/7 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in Health: • Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 31: Invasive CV Procedures • ATI: Ch. 32: Angina and MI • ATI: Ch. 39: Aneuryms • Wagner: Ch. 15: 418-440 (Alt. Myocardial Perfusion) |
Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in CV Function and Perfusion |
Wrap up of listed content/Midterm Review |
| Mon | 10/12 | MIDTERM EXAM | Comprehensive Midterm Exam | |
| Wed | 10/14 | MODULES Alterations in Health • Disrupted Homeostasis: Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance Lessons • Alterations in Kidney Function and Elimination OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 44: Fluid Imbalances • ATI: Ch. 45: Electrolyte Imbalances • ATI: Ch. 77: Endocrine diagnostics (SIADH & DI content) • ATI: Ch. 61: AKI content • ATI: Ch. 59: HD & Peritoneal Dialysis • Wagner: Ch. 25/26: 656-691 (F&E alterations) • Wagner: Ch. 27: 692-716 (Alterations in Kidney Function) |
Disrupted Homeostasis: Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance Lessons Alterations in Kidney Function and Elimination |
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| Mon | 10/19 | MODULES Alterations in Health: • Disrupted Homeostasis: Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance Lessons • Alteration in Kidney Function and Elimination OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 44: Fluid Imbalances • ATI: Ch. 45: Electrolyte Imbalances • ATI: Ch. 77: Endocrine diagnostics (SIADH & DI content) • ATI: Ch. 61: AKI content • ATI: Ch. 59: HD & Peritoneal Dialysis • Wagner: Ch. 25/26: 656-691 (F&E alterations) • Wagner: Ch. 27: 692-716 (Alterations in Kidney Function) |
Disrupted Homeostasis: Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance Lessons Alterations in Kidney Function and Elimination |
Virtual Application: Disrupted Homeostasis due Friday 10/23/26 by 11:59pm |
| Wed | 10/21 | MODULES Alterations in Health: • Disrupted Homeostasis: Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance Lessons • Alterations in Kidney Function and Elimination OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 44: Fluid Imbalances • ATI: Ch. 45: Electrolyte Imbalances • ATI: Ch. 77: Endocrine diagnostics (SIADH & DI content) • ATI: Ch. 61: AKI content • ATI: Ch. 59: HD & Peritoneal Dialysis • Wagner: Ch. 25/26: 656-691 (F&E alterations) • Wagner: Ch. 27: 692-716 (Alterations in Kidney Function) |
Disrupted Homeostasis: Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance Lessons Alterations in Kidney Function and Elimination |
Virtual Application: Disrupted Homeostasis due Friday 10/23/26 by 11:59pm |
| Mon | 10/26 | MODULES Alterations in Health: • Alterations in Digestion and Bowel Elimination • Alterations in Hematologic Function OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 47: GI Diagnostic Procedures • ATI: Ch. 48: GI Therapeutic Procedures • ATI: Ch. 56: Hepatitis/Cirrhosis • ATI: Ch. 54: Cholecystitis/Pancreatitis • Wagner: Ch. 23: 619-634 (Alterations in Liver Function • Wagner: Ch. 24: 636-653 (Alterations in Pancreas Function) |
Alterations in Digestion and Bowel Elimination Alterations in Hematologic Function |
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| Wed | 10/28 | MODULES: Alterations in Health: • Alterations in Digestion and Bowel Elimination • Alteration in Hematologic Function OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 47: GI Diagnostic Procedures • ATI: Ch. 48: GI Therapeutic Procedures • ATI: Ch. 56: Hepatitis/Cirrhosis • ATI: Ch. 54: Cholecystitis/Pancreatitis • Wagner: Ch. 23: 619-634 (Alterations in Liver Function) • Wagner: Ch. 24: 636-653 (Alterations in Pancreas Function) |
Alterations in Digestion and Bowel Elimination Alterations in Hematologic Function |
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| Mon | 11/2 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Neurologic Dysfunction • Intro to CC (Triage and Burns) Alterations in Health: • Alterations in Neurologic Function • Alterations in Tissue Integrity OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 15: Head Injury • ATI: Ch. 76: Burns • Wagner: Ch. 16: 443-473 (Cerebral Perfusion) • Wagner: Ch. 36: 906-929 (Acute Burn Injury) |
Critical Neurologic Dysfunction Intro to CC (Triage and Burns) Alterations in Neurologic Function Alterations in Tissue Integrity |
*Quiz 4 - content covered through 10/28/2026 Concept Maps Due 11/2/2026 to Clinical Instructor Virtual Application: Critical Neurological Dysfunction due Friday 11/6/2026 by 11:59PM ATI Practice A Due Sunday 11/8/2026 |
| Wed | 11/4 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Neurologic Dysfunction • Intro to CC (Triage and Burns) Alterations in Health: • Alterations in Neurologic Function • Alterations in Tissue Integrity OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 15: Head Injury • ATI: Ch. 76: Burns • Wagner: Ch. 16: 443-473 (Cerebral Perfusion) • Wagner: Ch. 36: 906-929 (Acute Burn Injury) |
Critical Neurologic Dysfunction Intro to CC (Triage and Burns) Alterations in Neurologic Function Alterations in Tissue Integrity |
Virtual Application: Critical Neurological Dysfunction due Friday 11/6/2026 by 11:59PM ATI Practice A Due Sunday 11/8/2026 |
| Mon | 11/9 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Intro to CC (Triage and Burns) • Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in Health: • Alterations in Tissue Integrity • Alterations in Spinal Cord Function OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 76: Burns • ATI: Ch. 38: Shock • ATI: Ch. 43: Coagulation Disorders (DIC) • Wagner: Ch. 36: 906-929 (Acute Burn Injury) • Wagner: Ch. 37/38: 932-973 (Shock/MODS) |
Intro to CC (Triage and Burns) Critical Alterations in Perfusion Alterations in Tissue Integrity Alterations in Spinal Cord Function |
Research Articles Due 11/9/2026 to Clinical Instructor ATI Practice B due Sunday 11/15/2026 Any recorded content will be on Quiz 5 |
| Wed | 11/11 | No Class | ||
| Mon | 11/16 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Endocrine Dysfunction Alterations in Health: • Alterations in Endocrine Dysfunction OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 77: Endocrine Diagnostics • ATI: Ch. 82: Acute Adrenal Crisis • ATI: Ch. 84: Complications of Diabetes • Wagner: Ch. 32: 820-838 (Metabolic Stress Response) • Wagner: Ch. 33: 841-861 (Diabetic Crisis) |
Critical Endocrine Dysfunction Alterations in Endocrine Dysfunction |
*Quiz 5 - content covered through 11/11/2026 Clinical Presentations Week (In Clinical) |
| Wed | 11/18 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Critical Endocrine Dysfunction Alterations in Health: • Alterations in Endocrine Dysfunction OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 77: Endocrine Diagnostics • ATI: Ch. 82: Acute Adrenal Crisis • ATI: Ch. 84: Complications of Diabetes • Wagner: Ch. 32: 820-838 (Metabolic Stress Response) • Wagner: Ch. 33: 841-861 (Diabetic Crisis) |
Critical Endocrine Dysfunction Alterations in Endocrine Dysfunction |
Clinical Presentations Week (In Clinical) Virtual Application: Critical Endocrine Dysfunction due Friday 11/20/2026 by 11:59PM |
| Mon | 11/23 | ATI RN PHARMACOLOGY 2023 EXAM | In Class ATI Pharmacology Exam | |
| Wed | 11/25 | No Class | ||
| Mon | 11/30 | MODULES Critical Care Nursing: • Comfort/Dignity with Death: End of Life Surgical Nursing: • Caring for the Surgical Client: Transplant OPTIONAL • ATI: Ch. 60: Kidney Transplant • Wagner: Ch. 39: 975-1001 (Transplant) |
Comfort/Dignity with Death: End of Life Caring for the Surgicial Client: Transplant |
*Quiz 6- content covered through 11/25/2026 Clinical Simulation Week - On Campus |
| Wed | 12/2 | Catch Up and Final Review | Final Exam Review Clinical Simulation Week - On Campus |
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| Mon | 12/7 | Final Exam | Final Exam | Comprehensive Final Exam - Monday 12/7/2026 (08:00AM-10:00AM) |
| Wed | 12/9 | No Class |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.