STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Perform the skills necessary to provide safe and efficient preparation and administration of medications as a Medical Assistant.  Evaluation is based on oral and written performance.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Language of Pharmacology

         A.      Define pharmacology abbreviations.

         B.      Calculate dosages using various systems of measurement.

         C.      Calculate conversions form one measurement system to another.

 II.     Regulations

         A.      Describe the regulations passed by The Controlled Substance Act.

         B.      Identify regulations involving prescription drugs.

         C.      Define regulations involving over-the-counter drugs.

 III.    Medication Forms and Applications

         A.      Discuss the history of various drug forms.

         B.      Identify solid preparations and their applications.

         C.      Describe liquid preparations and their applications.

         D.      Discuss topical and local preparations and their applications.

         E.      Identify injectables and their applications.

 IV.     Drug Classifications and Interactions

         A.      Define the nomenclature used to describe drug classifications and  interactions .

         B.      Identify drugs by classification.

         C.      Describe the uses of drugs.

         D.      Discuss factors that alter the effects of drugs.

         E.      Define drug-drug interactions.

         F.      Identify drug reference materials and how to use them.

         G.      Describe therapeutic drug classification.

 V.      Drug Safety and Patient Care

         A.      Define universal precautions and their use in drug administration.

         B.      Discuss the safety precautions for the preparation of drugs.

         C.      Assess the proper drug administration for the patient.

         D.      Identify medication allergies and the proper treatment.

         E.      Describe the patient education necessary for drug administration.

         F.      Discuss the pediatric rules of drug safety.

         G.      Discuss drug use in the pregnant women.

         H.      Describe geriatric rules of drug safety.

 VI.     Measuring Medication

         A.      Describe how to measure liquid medication.

         B.      Identify how to measure an injectable medication.

 VII.    Calculating Dosages and Solutions

         A.      Define the terms related to dosage and solutions.

         B.      Identify the basics of drug calculations.

         C.      Calculate drugs for administration.

         D.      Describe the making of stock solutions.

         E.      Identify alternative methods of formulation.

 VIII.   Routes of Administration

         A.      Define the process of pharmacokinetics.

         B.      Describe the administration of oral medications.

         C.      Discuss drugs that are administered through the mucous membranes.

         D.      Identify the process of topical drug administration.

         E.      Describe parenteral (injectable) drugs and the methods of administration.

 IX.     Drugs Administered in the Medical Office.

         A.      Emergency Drugs

         B.      Immunizations

         C.      Products for Passive Immunity

         D.      Immunotherapy

         E.      Pain Medication

         F.      Anesthetics

         G.      Anti-microbial and Anti-infective Agents

         H.      Drugs Used for Coronary Artery Disease

         I.      Insulin