NURS 104 - Pharmacology for Nurses

Credits: 3
Lecture Contact Hours: 3
Description: This course introduces pharmacological concepts and major drug classifications. Drug information includes mechanism of action, drug effects, therapeutic uses, side effects, adverse effects, toxicity, drug interactions, medication calculations and dosage, example drugs and patient teaching for specified drug classifications. The nursing process and evidence-based principles of nursing within the practical and registered nurse scope of practice are utilized as a framework for safe medication administration as a member of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.

Prerequisites: Acceptance into the Nursing Career Ladder Curriculum for the forthcoming or current year.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended: None.

Course Category: Occupational
This Course is Typically Offered: Winter, Spring, Fall
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Course Competencies

Examine legal, ethical, social and cultural issues related to medication administration.
Apply basic pharmacology principles to medication management.
Apply the nursing process to the administration of antimicrobial drugs.
Apply the nursing process to the administration of analgesic and musculoskeletal system drugs.
Apply the nursing process to the administration of central nervous system drugs.
Apply the nursing process to the administration of respiratory system drugs.
Apply the nursing process to the administration of cardiovascular and renal system drugs.
Apply the nursing process to the administration of neurologic and neuromuscular drugs.
Apply the nursing process to the administration of otic, ophthalmic and dermatologic drugs.
Apply the nursing process to the administration of antineoplastic agents.
Apply the nursing process to the administration of gastrointestinal system drugs.
Apply the nursing process to the administration of psychotropic medications.
Apply the nursing process to the administration of endocrine system drugs.
Apply the nursing process to the administration of immunologic agents and other drugs affecting the immune system.
Apply the nursing process to the administration of alternative agents, complementary medications and homeopathic medications.
Demonstrate proficiency with medication dosage calculations.
Demonstrate proficiency on select standardized computer assessments.