10-543-103Nursing Pharmacology
Course Information
Description
This course introduces the principles of pharmacology, including drug classifications and their effects on the body. Emphasis is on the use of the components of the nursing process when administering medications.
Total Credits
2
Prior Learning Assessment
  • Exam-College Developed Challenge Exam
Course Competencies
  1. Apply basic pharmacology principles to medication management
    Assessment Strategies
    oral, written or performance assessment
    Criteria
    discuss the processes of pharmacokinetics
    use multiple professional resources to identify pertinent medication information
    describe the processes of pharmacodynamics
    consider pharmacodynamic differences across the life span
    use correct medical terminology
    differentiate among prescription medications, over the counter medications, herbals, and dietary supplements

  2. Examine legal, ethical, social, and cultural issues related to medication administration
    Assessment Strategies
    oral, written or performance assessment
    Criteria
    identify medication administration guidelines within the State Nurse Practice Act
    identify nursing responsibilities to prevent and respond to medication errors
    identify nursing responsibilities associated with controlled substances
    identify ethical responsibilities related to medication errors
    recognize client’s rights and responsibilities within medication therapy
    recognize client-centered care by respecting client's identified gender, psychosocial and cultural needs
    identify nursing responsibilities associated with safe medication administration
    identify nursing responsibilities associated with client medication education

  3. Apply the nursing process to the administration of antimicrobial medications
    Assessment Strategies
    oral, written or performance assessment
    Criteria
    identify the classifications and actions of antimicrobial medications
    identify when, how and to whom antimicrobial medications may be administered
    identify the side effects and special considerations associated with antimicrobial therapy
    identify considerations and implications of using antimicrobial medications across the life span
    interpret relevant laboratory tests

  4. Apply the nursing process to the administration of autonomic nervous system medications
    Assessment Strategies
    oral, written or performance assessment
    Criteria
    identify the classifications and actions of autonomic nervous system medications
    identify when, how and to whom autonomic nervous system medications may be administered
    identify the side effects and special considerations associated with autonomic nervous system medications
    identify considerations and implications of using autonomic nervous system medications across the life span
    interpret relevant laboratory tests

  5. Apply the nursing process to the administration of respiratory system medications
    Assessment Strategies
    oral, written or performance assessment
    Criteria
    identify the classifications and actions of respiratory system medications
    identify when, how and to whom respiratory system medications may be administered
    identify the side effects and special considerations associated with respiratory system medications
    identify the considerations and implications of using respiratory systems medications across the life span
    interpret relevant laboratory tests

  6. Apply the nursing process to the administration of cardiovascular and renal systems medications
    Assessment Strategies
    oral, written or performance assessment
    Criteria
    identify the classifications and actions of cardiovascular and renal system medications
    identify when, how and to whom cardiovascular and renal system medications may be administered
    identify the side effects and special considerations associated with cardiovascular and renal system medications
    identify considerations and implications of using cardiovascular and renal system medications across the life span
    interpret relevant laboratory tests

  7. Apply the nursing process to the administration of gastrointestinal system medications
    Assessment Strategies
    oral, written or performance assessment
    Criteria
    identify the classifications and actions of gastrointestinal system medications
    identify when, how and to whom gastrointestinal system medications may be administered
    identify the side effects and special considerations associated with gastrointestinal system medications
    identify considerations and implications of using gastrointestinal system medications across the life span
    interpret relevant laboratory tests

  8. Apply the nursing process to the administration of central nervous system medications
    Assessment Strategies
    oral, written or performance assessment
    Criteria
    identify the classifications and actions of central nervous system medications
    identify the classifications and actions of medications used to treat psychiatric disorders
    identify when, how and to whom central nervous system medications may be administered
    identify the side effects and special considerations associated with central nervous system medications
    identify considerations and implications of using central nervous system medications across the life span
    interpret relevant laboratory tests

  9. Apply the nursing process to the administration of endocrine system medications
    Assessment Strategies
    oral, written or performance assessment
    Criteria
    identify the classifications and actions of endocrine system medications
    identify when, how and to whom endocrine system medications may be administered
    identify the side effects and special considerations associated with endocrine system medications
    identify the considerations and implications of using endocrine system medications across the life span
    interpret relevant laboratory tests

  10. Apply components of the nursing process to the administration of analgesic and musculoskeletal system drugs
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written or performance assessment
    Criteria
    identify the classifications and actions of analgesics
    identify the classifications and actions of musculoskeletal system drugs
    identify when, how and to whom analgesics and musculoskeletal system drugs may be administered
    identify the side effects and special considerations associated with analgesics
    identify the side effects and special considerations associated with musculoskeletal system drugs
    identify the considerations and implications of using analgesics across the life span
    identify the considerations and implications of using musculoskeletal system medications across the life span
    interpret relevant laboratory tests