In the myriad of undergraduate chemistry for pre-health majors course offerings, a connection that is often overlooked is the prevailing role of density metrics in diagnostics. As such, this course instructor attempted to evaluate BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) student perspectives on the importance of chemical density in healthcare and nursing education, by examining student responses to an anonymous and voluntary Qualtrics survey on the topic. To perform this study, an in-class demonstration was designed to evaluate 1) Density and 2) Density in Diagnostics (through mock urine samples for “patients” exhibiting symptoms of diabetes insipidus and mild dehydration). Prior to the demonstration, BSN students completed an online lab on density of metals with a discussion on density in healthcare practices (submitted via electronic lab report), in the co-requisite virtual lab course. Through examination of chemical densities in lecture, virtual lab and in-class demonstration, students formulated opinions on the importance of chemical density metrics in modern-day healthcare practices. The primary goal of this presentation is to highlight student perspectives on density in healthcare; with the secondary being to provide details on the online lab protocol and in-class demonstration, as a pedagogical template to assist faculty in chemistry courses aimed toward undergraduate pre-health enrollees.<br/><b>Qualitative Analysis:</b> Results of the pre/post-demonstration qualitative student surveys yielded the following: 1) That 98.77% of the 162 student respondents agreed to the IMPORTANCE of chemical density in nursing education, 2) Nearly 69.40% of 162 participants identified elements of density in the following areas of healthcare diagnostics: specific gravity, heavy metal toxicity, pharmacology, and urinalysis. The larger of the remaining selected urinalysis only, and 3) Of 162 participants, 97.85% recommended the “Density in Health” in-class demonstration be offered to future BSN students, to help visualize the correlations between chemical density and healthcare diagnostics.

From density to diagnostics: A need-to-know for undergraduate nursing education

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