10091109Pharmacology 1 - Animals
Course Information
Description
Introduction to drugs and other substances used in veterinary medicine. Emphasizes drug usage, client education, measurement, administration, and safe storage of antiparasitics, antiinflammatories, antibiotics and nervous system drugs.
Total Credits
2

Course Competencies
  1. Classify drugs
    Assessment Strategies
    Tests, exams and quizzes
    Participate in class
    Criteria
    Classify drugs into major groups
    Organize drugs by body system affected
    Analyze drugs by mode of action
    Differentiate between drug chemical, generic and trade names

  2. Fill drug prescriptions
    Assessment Strategies
    Participate in class and discussions regularly
    Tests, exams and quizzes
    Criteria
    Record prescription orders in a medical record
    Interpret written prescription orders
    Identify drug prescribed
    Place correct amount of drug in prescription vial or syringe
    Record all legally required information on a prescription label
    Explain proper drug administration to owner
    Inform owner of potential drug side effects if any

  3. Use weights and measures
    Assessment Strategies
    Lecture evaluations, practical laboratory evaluations, and completion of skill sheets
    Participate in class regularly
    Criteria
    Convert units of weight, volume and length in the metric system
    Convert units of volume in the household system
    Convert units between the metric, household and apothecary systems

  4. Calculate drug dosages
    Assessment Strategies
    Lecture evaluations, practical laboratory evaluations, and completion of skill sheets
    Participate in class regularly
    Criteria
    Use correct weight measure
    Read drug concentration from drug label
    Apply appropriate formula for the dose calculation
    Use appropriate conversion factors to convert the dose to a measurable form

  5. Handle biologics, therapeutics, pesticides and hazardous wastes
    Assessment Strategies
    Lecture evaluations, practical laboratory evaluations, and completion of skill sheets
    Participate in class regularly
    Criteria
    Complete OSHA hazardous chemical data sheets
    Store biologics, therapeutics and pesticides
    Safely handle biologics, therapeutics, pesticides and hazardous wastes
    Dispose of biologics, therapeutics, pesticides and hazardous wastes
    Apply appropriate OSHA required labels to chemicals commonly used in veterinary clinics

  6. Handle controlled substances
    Assessment Strategies
    Lecture evaluations, practical laboratory evaluations, and completion of skill sheets
    Participate in class regularly
    Criteria
    Categorize controlled substances according to potential for abuse
    Recognize a controlled substance
    Properly store controlled substances
    Complete controlled substance logs
    Recognize that prescription requirements for controlled substances vary by category
    Order controlled substances

  7. Prepare medications and reconstitute vaccines
    Assessment Strategies
    Lecture evaluations, practical laboratory evaluations, and completion of skill sheets
    Participate in class regularly
    Criteria
    Convert percent concentration to mg/ml
    Convert mg/ml to percent concentration
    Fill container with correct amount of medication
    Fill syringe using aseptic technique
    Mix dry and liquid portions of vaccine using correct technique
    Maintain sterility when preparing medications and vaccines

  8. Differentiate between normal and abnormal responses to medication
    Assessment Strategies
    Lecture evaluations, practical laboratory evaluations, and completion of skill sheets
    Participate in class regularly
    Criteria
    Analyze Veterinary Drug Handbook for response to medication
    Assess animals for normal and abnormal responses to medication
    Analyze drug inserts for information on potential side effects

  9. Explain appropriate routes and methods of drug and vaccine administration
    Assessment Strategies
    Lecture evaluations, practical laboratory evaluations, and completion of skill sheets
    Participate in class regularly
    Criteria
    Interpret drug administration route abbreviations
    Explain appropriate administration methods to owner
    Interpret drug regimen
    Predict potential problems with major routes of administration

  10. Differentiate prescription drugs from over-the-counter drugs
    Assessment Strategies
    Lecture evaluations, practical laboratory evaluations, and completion of skill sheets
    Participate attending class regularly and arriving on time
    Criteria
    Interpret drug labels to determine if medication can be dispensed over-the-counter or needs a prescription
    Obtain prescription order from veterinarian prior to dispensing prescription medication

  11. Differentiate between label and extra-label drug use
    Assessment Strategies
    Participate in class regularly
    Lecture evaluations, practical laboratory evaluations, and completion of skill sheets
    Criteria
    Interpret drug manufacturer's label
    Interpret drug use indications and insert
    Evaluate criteria determining extra-label use
    Recognize drug compounding