Catalog Course Description

Students study medications to maintain health or treat disorders in all stages of human development. Origins of medications and commonly used medications are examined as well as how they are changed, produce effects in the body and their compounds excreted. Students examine toxic side effects and adverse reactions to commonly used medications. Students also learn to calculate medication dosages that are titrated to maintain blood pressure, heart rate, and other specific parameters.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Evaluate the action, usual dosage, therapeutic effects, adverse reactions and pharmacodynamics of commonly used and newly emerging medications as they apply to the practice of professional nursing using critical thinking and evidence.
(QSEN 2,4,5)
2. Analyze the impact of alterations in physiological and psychosocial health and diverse cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds on pharmacology.
(QSEN 1,2)
3. Evaluate the role of the nurse and other members of the healthcare team in promoting and maintaining patient safety relating to pharmacology.
(QSEN 3,6)