Cognition (24)
Description: This module focuses on the concept of cognition. The exemplars for this concept
are listed below. Cognition is the process of thought by which an individual learns, stores,
retrieves, and uses information.
Definition: Thinking skills including, language use, calculations, perception, memory,
awareness, reasoning, judgment, learning, intellect, social skills and imagination.
Exemplars: Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Ticket to Class: Complete assigned readings and review course syllabus prior to class. Refer to
LMS for Ticket to Class assignments as applicable.
Class Learning Objectives:
1. Explain the concept of cognition including physiological processes and consequences of
cognitive impairment.
2. Identify conditions and factors that place an individual or populations at risk for
imbalance leading to cognitive impairment.
3. Identify the major reactions of and effects on the family of a child with cognitive
impairment.
4. Apply the nursing process with collaborative interventions that promote optimal
development for individuals experiencing alterations in Cognition: Down syndrome &
Autism Spectrum Disorder.
5. Demonstrate therapeutic and effective communication with patients who have cognitive
impairment.
Suggested Activities:
1. Online Activity: Have student view: Down Syndrome in the 21st century
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I13KxRYqoo0
2. Online Activity: Have students visit the National Down Syndrome Society at
http://www.ndss.org/Down-Syndrome/What-Is-Down-Syndrome/ or National Association
for Down Syndrome at http://www.nads.org/
3. Online Activity: Have students visit the CDC website for information re: Down
syndrome. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/DownSyndrome.html
4. Online Activity: Have students visit the NIH website for information re: Autism
Spectrum Disorder. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-
asd/index.shtml
5. Online Activity: Have students visit the CDC website for information re: Autism
Spectrum Disorder. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/index.html