PNA100 – Anatomy and Physiology for the Practical Nurse

Assessment 1: Body Systems Analysis Report (2025)

Weighting: 25% of total course grade
Word Count: 1,200–1,500 words
Submission Format: Typed, APA 7th edition, via LMS
Due Date: Week 5

Purpose

This assignment evaluates students’ understanding of the structure and function of a major human body system and their ability to relate anatomy and physiology concepts to nursing practice. Students demonstrate foundational knowledge by analyzing how system components maintain homeostasis and identifying key pathophysiological changes affecting patient health.

Instructions

1. Select one body system from the following:
   • Cardiovascular System
   • Respiratory System
   • Digestive System
   • Musculoskeletal System
   • Nervous System
2. Explain the system’s major organs and structures, describing their functions in maintaining physiological stability.
3. Analyze interrelationships with at least two other systems, showing how these systems collaborate in sustaining health.
4. Discuss one common disorder or disease related to the chosen system. Include:
   • Etiology and pathophysiology
   • Signs and symptoms
   • Diagnostic procedures
   • Nursing care and patient education strategies
5. Integrate evidence-based research from peer-reviewed sources published between 2019–2025 to support your discussion.

Assessment Criteria

• Accurate description of anatomy and physiology (25%)
• Integration of pathophysiological concepts and clinical application (30%)
• Use of evidence-based sources and critical thinking (25%)
• Organization, grammar, and APA formatting (20%)

Submission Guidelines

• Typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman.
• Include cover page, in-text citations, and reference list in APA 7th edition.
• Late submissions penalized 5% per day unless prior approval granted.

Academic Integrity

All work must be original. Use of AI-generated content or paraphrased material without citation will be treated as academic misconduct under institutional policy.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

• Identify and describe the structure and function of major body systems.
• Apply anatomical and physiological concepts to nursing practice.
• Analyze physiological alterations in disease states.

Additional Notes

Students are encouraged to link theoretical knowledge with clinical examples drawn from lab or practicum experiences. Focus on the connection between physiological understanding and safe, competent nursing care.

References

Marieb, E. N., & Hoehn, K. (2023). Human Anatomy & Physiology (12th ed.). Pearson. https://www.pearson.com/en-us/subject-catalog/p/human-anatomy-physiology/P200000009703

Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. (2022). Principles of Anatomy and Physiology (16th ed.). Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119807880

Sherwood, L. (2021). Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (11th ed.). Cengage Learning. https://www.cengage.com/c/human-physiology-from-cells-to-systems-11e-sherwood

Hall, J. E. (2024). Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology (15th ed.). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2020-0-03048-6

Giddens, J. F. (2020). Concepts for Nursing Practice (3rd ed.). Elsevier. https://evolve.elsevier.com