10-512-129Surgical Pharmacology
Course Information
Description
Basic study of drug classifications, care, and handling of drugs and solutions, application of mathematical principles in dosage calculations, terminology related to pharmacology, anesthesia, and drugs used in surgery.
Total Credits
2
Course Competencies
  1. Apply general terminology associated with pharmacology
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    you define the words and phrases
    you differentiate between volumes of pharmaceutical standards and reference sources for drugs
    you apply the fundamental principles of pharmacology
    you identify various pharmaceutical preparations

  2. Categorize drugs according to their classifications
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    you compare groups of drugs that produce local effects to groups of drugs that produce systemic effects
    you cite examples of drugs that produce local and or systemic effects
    you identify factors that influence onset of action and amount of drug reaching a specific area of the body
    you identify common drug interactions

  3. Describe the federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing medications
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    you identify regulating bodies for drugs
    you illustrate the process for drug development
    you explain medication labeling

  4. Identify the surgical technologist's role in handling drugs and solutions
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    you explain safe practice in drug handling and transfer in a non-sterile area
    you explain safe practice in drug handling and transfer in a sterile area
    you explain the method for drug identification on the sterile field
    you describe the Surgical Technologist's role and responsibilities in handling drugs and solutions

  5. Calculate medication conversions and dosages
    Assessment Strategies
    by performing calculations
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    you convert from one system to another
    you convert civilian time to military time
    you use fractions, decimals, ratios, proportions, and percentages in conversions and calculations

  6. Describe the action, uses, and modes of administration of pharmacologic agents for specific body systems relating to the surgical patient
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    response identifies the chemical, generic and brand names for each medication
    response identifies drug classifications
    response describes the route of administration
    response describes medication actions on the human body - pharmacodynamics
    you relate the drug to its use on the sterile field

  7. Examine various types of anesthesia agents categorizing drugs as to the effects produced
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    you identify the purpose and role of preoperative drugs
    you identify factors influencing the selection of anesthetic agents
    you compare types of anesthesia that produce local, regional, or general action
    you summarize the events that occur in the induction phase of general anesthesia
    you describe the objectives during maintenance of general anesthesia
    you categorize various anesthetic agents as to the route of administration and function
    you summarize the action and adverse effects of skeletal muscle relaxants and antagonist agents
    you identify routes of administration of local anesthesia as topical application, local infiltration, regional application, spinal, caudal, or epidural anesthesia
    you state the use and route of administration of anesthesia related drugs
    you identify potential complications during general anesthesia
    you relate the role of hypothermia as an anesthesia adjunct

  8. Distinguish among various types of diagnostic agents
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    differentiation includes a comparison of contrast media, dyes, and stains
    differentiation includes examples of contrast media, dyes, and stains
    you relate the application of diagnostic agents in the surgical setting

  9. Differentiate among various coagulants and anticoagulants
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    you outline the blood clotting process
    you state the function and route of administration of the coagulants and anticoagulants
    you identify antidotes to anticoagulants

  10. Recognize medication related emergencies
    Assessment Strategies
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    you describe circulatory and respiratory conditions that may require emergency drugs
    you categorize emergency drugs based on patient affect
    you state the function and route of administration of the emergency drugs
    you list clinical signs and protocol for malignant hyperthermia

  11. Describe solutions used during surgical procedures
    Assessment Strategies
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    you distinguish agents utilized in blood replacement and IV therapy
    you indicate the uses for irrigants
    you list solutions used in abdominal cavity, urinary bladder, uterus, joint, or exposed wound irrigants