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Assessment: Examples from practical nursing

Examples for the cognitive and psychomotor domains: Practical Nursing

Cognitive Domain

Sample Learning Outcome – Students will be able to…

Sample Assessment

Sample Instructional Activities/ Learning Experiences

Apply

Demonstrate competency with mathematical drug calculations related to medication administration in peri-operative patients.

Drug calculations test.

Instructor reviews content on drug calculations.

Instructor demonstrates several examples with input from the class. 

Students practice drug calculations using worksheets.  Compare answers with a peer.

Analyze

Evaluate lab values related to the perioperative client.

Exam questions to assess knowledge and ability to apply this to more complex scenarios.

Instructor teaches typical lab values for perioperative clients.

Students work through scenarios to identify abnormal lab values.

Comprehend

Identify potential complications and treatments related to general, spinal, regional and local anaesthesia.

Exam questions.

Think, pair, share common complications.

Synthesis

Generate a postoperative care plan based on preoperative assessments.

Exam questions – case study format.

Instructor presents theory on post-op care plans.

Students work in small groups to develop a care plan based on a case scenario.

Instructor provides feedback to each group.

Psychomotor Domain

Sample Learning Outcome – Students will be able to…

Sample Assessment

Sample Instructional Activities/ Learning Experiences

Demonstrate

Demonstrate the nursing management of a perioperative client, with considerations to client diversity and cultural safety.

Instructor observes practice and provides feedback.

At end of course, students participate in Integrated Lab Assessments where instructors assess student’s ability to integrate their learning during a case scenario.

Instructor reviews the theory behind the skills.

Instructor demonstrates the skills.

Students practice in pairs using a variety of case scenarios.

Demonstrate

Demonstrate the nursing management of a client returning from the post-anaesthetic care unit (PACU) including principles of medication administration.

Demonstrate

Demonstrate postoperative client teaching.