STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1. Describe the theoretical basis of pharmacology that contributes to safe care of patients incorporating developmentally and culturally appropriate interventions.

 2. Describe how the nurse uses knowledge of all aspects of medications to promote desired patient outcomes.

 3. Plan nursing care for patients for quality patient outcomes related to the administration of medications including the use of technology and resources.

 4. Explain the collaborative role of the nurse to improve patient outcomes related to medication administration.

 5. Safely and accurately  compute medication dosages

 

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I. Introduction to Pharmacology

 A.  Pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics

 B.  Drug interactions

 C.  Nursing Process

 D.  Psychological, cultural, ethical, legal aspects

 1. Patient centered care

 2.  Patient Education

 E.  Safety, quality guidelines

 1.  Drug legislation and regulation

 2.  Culture of safety

 3.  Error Mitigation

 F.  Application to practice

 II.    Critical thinking/ clinical reasoning

 A.  Technology Applications and Resources

 B.  Evidenced based nursing practice

 C.  Pharmacological considerations across the lifespan

 1. Obstetric Patient

 2. Pediatric Patient

 3. Geriatric Patient(Considerations of polypharmacy)

 III.     Drug classifications, actions, therapeutic and adverse effects, and interactions (Prototype drugs)

 A.  Vitamins and Minerals

 B.  Supplements and Herbal Therapies

 1.  OTC medications

 C.  Pharmacology of infectious diseases

 1. Immunizations

 2. Antibiotics

 3. Antifungals

 D.  Pharmacology of immune/inflammatory diseases

 1. Corticosteriods

 2. NSAIDS

 3. Antineneoplastic agents

 E.  Pharmacology of the nervous system (central & peripheral)

 1.  Anxiolytic and Hypnotic Agents

 2.  Antidepressant Agents

 3.  Antiparkinsonism Agents

 4.  Dementia Agents

 5.  Narcotics

 6.  General and Local Anesthetic Agents

 F.  Pharmacology of autonomic nervous system

 1.  Adrenergic Agents

 2.  Adrenergic Blocking Agents

 3.  Cholinergic Agents

 4.  Anticholinergic Agents

 G.  Pharmacology of the endocrine system

 1.  Thyroid Agents

 2.  Antidiabetic Agents

 H.  Pharmacology of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems

 1. Drugs Affecting Blood Pressure

 2. Cardiotonic Agents (Digoxin)

 3. Antianginal Agents

 4. Lipid-Lowering Agents

 5. Oral and subcutaneous Blood Anti-Coagulation agents

 6.  Pharmacology of the of the gastrointestinal system

 a.  Drugs affecting gastrointestinal secretions

 b.  Laxative and Antidiarrheal Agents

 c.  Antiemetic Agents

 I.  Pharmacology of the respiratory system

 1. Upper Respiratory Tract Agents

 2. Lower Respiratory Tract Agents

 J.  Pharmacology of the renal system

 1. Diuretic Agents

 2. Urinary Tract and the Bladder Agents

 K.  Pharmacology of ophthalmic agents

 1.  Glaucoma agents

 L   Pharmacology of the Musculoskeletal system

 1.  Bisphosphonate Agents

 2. Anti-gout agents