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Course Number:
NUR 145

Course Title:
Introduction to Pharmacology & Pathophysiology

Credit Hours:
1

Lecture Hours:
10

Lecture/Lab Hours:
0

Lab Hours:
0

Special Fee:
none

Course Description

Introduces connections between pathophysiology of selected disease processes, associated pharmacological treatments and nursing responsibilities.

Intended Outcomes for the Course

  1. Use knowledge of pharmacodynamics and pathophysiology to identify nursing implications associated with administration of medications from select drug classifications.
  2. Relate the pathophysiology of select disorders to the actions and nursing implications associated with caring for patients receiving medications for those disorders.
  3. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of drug therapy, focusing on interpretation of nursing assessments to detect therapeutic effects, side effects and adverse reactions, and drug-drug, drug-food, and drug-natural product interactions for specific classes of drugs.
  4. Use knowledge of select drug classifications, uses, general drug actions, adverse reactions, contraindications, precautions and interactions to outline a patient plan of care.
  5. Teach patients and family members regarding safe and effective use of drugs.

Course Activities and Design

  1. Lecture
  2. Class discussions
  3. Assignments

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  1. Multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions that require integration, application, and critical examination of material covered in class
  2. Written assignments designed to stimulate critical thinking related to clinical decision-making and pharmacology.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  1. Pharmacology Principles and Safe Administration of Medications
  2. Medications Affecting the Endocrine System
    • Pathophysiology of diabetes
    • Anti-diabetic medications
    • Pathophysiology of thyroid disease
    • Anti-thyroid medications & thyroid preparations
  3. Medications Affecting the Respiratory System
    • Bronchodilators
    • Mucolytics & antitussives
    • Antihistamines & decongestants
  4. Medications Affecting the Cardiovascular System
    • Anti-hyperlipidemics
    • Cardiac glycosides
    • Anti-hypertensives
  5. Medications affecting the Gastrointestinal system