This course provides the basis for clinical decision-making processes and diagnostic reasoning/differential diagnosis in advanced practice nursing, focusing on pathophysiological processes in major organ systems in individuals across the lifespan. By applying advanced knowledge of the complex physiological functions and pathophysiological processes related to the care of individuals with health care problems, the student can differentiate between normal and abnormal underlying mechanisms of changes in physiology by comparing and contrasting differential diagnosis within physiological systems of cellular and sub-cellular origin, biochemical, and anatomical changes across the life span. Students are expected to gain knowledge needed to assess and synthesize findings related to acute and chronic health problems, to recommend clinical and pharmacological interventions, and to support decisions for restoring, maintaining, and promoting health.