This course focuses on the process of decision making in managing the care of adult clients experiencing critical conditions that are life threatening and/or involve multiple body systems. Complex medical-surgical conditions in adults are discussed in terms of pathophysiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatments that are based on current research. A collaborative care approach will be stressed to meet the critically ill client and his family?s physiological, psychological, and developmental needs taking into consideration the client? s and his family?s sociocultural context. Students will use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to integrate knowledge acquired in class into the nursing process while caring for clients and their families.