Expanded Nursing Uganda Explanation
Excitability should be understood beyond a short definition. Link the concept to patient history, focused assessment, common risks, nursing priorities, documentation and evaluation of outcomes.
Contents — 15 sections (tap to expand)
Overview
General and Cellular Physiology
Blood (Hematology)
Respiratory Physiology
Cardiovascular Physiology
Gastrointestinal (GIT) Physiology
Renal Physiology
General Endocrinology
Reproductive Physiology
Nervous System Functions
Higher Brain Functions
Nursing Uganda Clinical Lens
Assessment Guide
Nursing Priorities, Rationales and Outcomes
Patient Teaching and Revision Check
01 Overview
An in-depth look at the function of the human body, from cellular mechanisms to the integrated operations of major organ systems.
Explore the complete Physiology curriculum from Year I to Year II.
02 General and Cellular Physiology
- Cell Function & Transport
- Homeostasis
- Body Fluids
- Excitability
- Nerve and Muscle Physiology
03 Blood (Hematology)
- Blood Introduction
- Red Blood Cells
- White Blood Cells
- Hemostasis and Coagulation
- Blood Groups & Transfusion
- Blood Indices & Metabolism
- Related Pathophysiology
04 Respiratory Physiology
- Mechanics of Breathing
- Gas Exchange, Transport & V/Q
- Control of Respiration
- Respiratory Function Tests
05 Cardiovascular Physiology
- Circulation & Hemodynamics
- The Heart & Cardiac Cycle
- Vasculature & Blood Pressure
- Systemic Regulation
06 Gastrointestinal (GIT) Physiology
- GIT Functions, Neuro & Motility
- Digestion, Absorption & GI Disorders
- GI Secretions
07 Renal Physiology
- Functional, GFR, Haemodynamics & Diuretics
- Renal Clearance & Micturition
- Endocrine Role of Kidney
- Renal Function Assessment
08 General Endocrinology
- Endocrine System Intro
- Hypothalamus & Pituitary Gland
- Hormone Regulation & Disorders
- Specific Endocrine Glands
- Transport, Clearance & Action of Hormone
- Thyroid Gland Physiology
- Parathyroid Gland Physiology
- Adrenal Gland Physiology
- Pancreas Physiology
- Growth Hormone Physiology
09 Reproductive Physiology
- Male Reproductive System
- Female Reproductive System
- Pregnancy & Lactation
10 Nervous System Functions
- Cellular Neurophysiology
- Sensory Systems
- Motor Systems
- Autonomic Nervous System
- Special Senses
11 Higher Brain Functions
- Temperature Regulation
- Limbic System & Emotion
- Learning and Memory
- Speech & EEG
A selection of key texts and resources cited in this course unit.
- Tortora, G.J. & Derickson N.,P. (2006) Principles of Anatomy and Physiology . Harper and Row
- Drake, R, et al. (2007). Gray's Anatomy for Students . London: Churchill Publishers
- Snell, S.R. (2004) Clinical Anatomy by Regions . Philadelphia: Lippincott Publishers
- Marieb, E.N. (2004). Human Anatomy and physiology . London: Daryl Fox Publishers.
- Young, B, et al. (2006). Wheater's Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas . Churchill
- Sadler, T.W. (2009). Langman's Medical Embryology . Philadelphia: Lippincott Publishers
12 Nursing Uganda Clinical Lens
Use Cell Function & Transport as a practical nursing topic, not only a memorized definition. Start with normal structure and function, then connect it to assessment findings and disease.
- What to understand first: define cell function & transport, identify the normal or expected pattern, then explain what changes when the patient is unwell.
- Why it matters in care: the nurse must recognize risk early, explain findings clearly, document accurately and know when to escalate.
- How to revise it: connect each point to assessment, nursing diagnosis or care problem, intervention, rationale and evaluation.
13 Assessment Guide
- Relevant inspection, palpation, movement, auscultation, vital signs or neurological checks.
- Normal findings, abnormal findings and what each abnormality may indicate.
- Patient history, risk factors and how the body system affects other systems.
14 Nursing Priorities, Rationales and Outcomes
- Use anatomy to explain symptoms and guide focused assessment.
- Recognize findings that need urgent escalation.
- Teach the patient using simple body-system language.
The rationale for these priorities is patient safety: nursing actions should prevent deterioration, reduce discomfort, support recovery and create clear evidence for the next caregiver.
- Expected outcome: The learner can explain normal function, identify abnormal signs and connect them to nursing action.
15 Patient Teaching and Revision Check
- Explain cell function & transport in simple language the patient or caregiver can repeat back.
- Teach warning signs, medicine or follow-up instructions, hygiene or lifestyle points where relevant.
- For exams, prepare a short answer using: definition, causes or risk factors, signs, assessment, management, complications and prevention.
- For ward practice, document baseline findings, actions taken, patient response and the plan for review.
Related Video Lectures
Watch nursing lecture videos on YouTube for this topic. Opens in a new tab.
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