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NUR 114 Pharmacology for Nurses

This elective course is designed to provide nursing students with additional knowledge of pharmacology. This course introduces the principles of pharmacology, including drug classifications and their effects on the body. Drug prototypes are used to examine major drug classifications highlighting therapeutic use, adverse reactions, precautions, and contraindications, and health teaching. Legal, ethical, and contemporary issues are presented as they relate to nursing practice.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: BIO 120 and BIO 121.

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

NUR 114 Pharmacology for Nurses

Campus Location

  • Georgetown

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: BIO 120 and BIO 121.

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This elective course is designed to provide nursing students with additional knowledge of pharmacology. This course introduces the principles of pharmacology, including drug classifications and their effects on the body. Drug prototypes are used to examine major drug classifications highlighting therapeutic use, adverse reactions, precautions, and contraindications, and health teaching. Legal, ethical, and contemporary issues are presented as they relate to nursing practice.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Integrate the knowledge of basic pharmacology into the clinical application of nursing practice. (CCC 2, 6; PGC 1 )
  2. Apply theoretical knowledge of pharmacology to the understanding of interactions, side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications of drug therapy. (CCC 2, 6; PGC 1)
  3. Develop individualized teaching plans for patients receiving drug therapy. (CCC 1; PGC 1, 3)
  4. Explore contemporary issues that apply to pharmacology. (CCC 3, 4, 5; PGC 3, 5 )
  5. Discuss ethical and legal principles applicable to the nurse's role in caring for patients receiving drug therapy. (CCC 4; PGC 5)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1.  Integrate the knowledge of basic pharmacology into the clinical application of nursing practice.
    1. Explain the role of pharmacology in medication administration.
    2. Contrast pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to the treatment of pathophysiologic processes.
    3. Explore the application of the four principles of pharmacotherapeutics to nursing practice.
    4. Identify interventions that maximize therapeutic effectiveness of drugs.
    5. Discuss immunosuppressive therapy.
  2. Apply theoretical knowledge of pharmacology to the understanding of interactions, side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications of drug therapy.
    1. Discuss the indications, contraindications, and effects of drugs that affect the following body systems: nervous system, cardiovascular system, renal system, endocrine system, respiratory system, and gastrointestinal system.
    2.  Contrast the indications for and the effects of general local anesthetics.
    3.  Identify the physiologic effects resulting from the administration of a stimulant or a depressant.
    4. Identify significant drug, laboratory tests, and food interactions associated with commonly administered medications.
    5. Discuss the various solutions that affect fluid volume.
    6. Describe the general principles of antimicrobial therapy.
    7. Explore the treatment of nutritional imbalances, including vitamin and minerals.
  3. Develop individualized teaching plans for patients receiving drug therapy. 
    1.  Explore cultural, genetic, and racial or ethnic factors that affect an individual's response to medications.
    2. Discuss teaching and learning principles related to patient education.
    3. Develop a teaching plan for patients receiving commonly administered medications.
    4.  Develop a teaching plan that incorporates lifespan considerations.
  4. Explore contemporary issues that apply to pharmacology.
    1. Discuss the relationship of age to the effects of medications.
    2. Identify the process involved in developing new medications.
    3. Explore common medication errors made in clinical nursing practice.
    4. Contrast the advantages and disadvantages of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and herbal products.
    5. Identify the concerns of hormonal replacement therapy.
    6. Describe the concerns related to overuse of antibiotics.
    7.  Explain the role of gene therapy in treating disease processes.
  5. Discuss ethical and legal principles applicable to the nurse's role in caring for patients receiving drug therapy.
    1.  Discuss all phases of the nursing process as it relates to drug administration.
    2. List the five rights of drug administration.
    3. Identify professional responsibility for safe medication administration.
    4. Identify the categories of controlled substances.
    5.  Discuss the ethical aspects of drug administration.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

 

  1. Integrate sound nursing judgment, incorporating theoretical knowledge, and clinical reasoning skills to provide clinically competent nursing care for individuals, families and communities.
  2. Integrate the diversity of the individual, family, and community to maintain caring relationships.
  3. Employ appropriate communication techniques while functioning as a member of the healthcare team.
  4. Manage care for a group of patients using organization, collaboration, and delegation.
  5. Integrate civic professionalism, ethical, and legal standards into nursing practice.

 

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.

Academic Integrity

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Academics/Academic-Integrity

Attendance

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Cell phone/Electronic Device

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Student-Policy/Cell-Phone-and-Electronic-Device-Policy

Tuition Adjustment Policy

https://dtcc.smartcatalogiq.com/Current/Catalog/Financial/Tuition-Fee-Adjustment-Policy-Course-or-Semester-Withdrawal