Pharmacology for Nursing DNSG 2325

Course description:

This course aims to help nursing students to understand basic pharmacological aspects of patient-centered nursing care throughout the lifespan. This includes building a principle knowledge of pharmacology such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, toxicities, drug classifications, actions, dosages, adverse effects for major body systems and discovering the connection between pathophysiology, pharmacology and nursing care related to drug administration. The roles and responsibilities together with ethical and legal considerations in drug administration will be explored. Application of the nursing process concerning pharmacology will be discussed. The need for safety and reduction of risk through improvement of the drug administration process will be incorporated throughout the course, including review and testing of accurate dosage calculation.

Course Aims:

The goal of this course is provide students with a solid grounding in the basic concepts and scientific pharmacology regarding pharmacotherapeutic agents used in the treatment of illness and the promotion, maintenance and restoration of wellness in diverse individuals across the lifespan. Emphasis is on the principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics , drugs classifications drugs used for different body systemsdisorders.  Also focusing on concepts of safe administration and monitoring the effects of pharmacotherapeutic agents.

Course outcomes:

At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Identify the nursing implications of the various procedures used for disease management by medications.
  • Assess the nurse capabilities to proper utilization of medications.
  • Proper understanding of medication orders.
  • Nursing application of patient's rights to utilize medications.  
  • Good understanding of medication errors and their consequences.
  • Adverse and side effects of drugs and nursing implication of these effects.
  • Drug and drug food interactions & nursing responsibilities.
  • Nursing implications in drug utilization for vulnerable group; e.g. pediatrics' geriatrics & pregnancy and lactation.