SURG 210 - Surgical Pharmacology

Credits: 2
Lecture Contact Hours: 2
Description: Surgical Pharmacology will teach students about medications and how they are used in the surgical field. Label identification, safety measurements and basic applied mathematics will be used to prepare students for medication handling. Concepts of sterile technique will be referenced while practicing medication preparation and medication receiving/passing. Pharmacologic classifications, regulatory standards and agencies will also be examined. Emergency patient response and recognition of medication reactions will be reviewed and practiced. Students must pass the course and skills competencies successfully with a 3.0 or better to continue in the program.

Prerequisites: General Education Mathematics with a minimum grade of 2.0, MATH 102 or MATH 111 recommended. SURG 101 with a minimum grade of 3.0 SURG 102 with a minimum grade of 3.0.
Corequisites: SURG 201 , if not taken previously, with a minimum grade of 3.0. SURG 202 , if not taken previously, with a minimum grade of 3.0. SURG 220 , if not taken previously, with a minimum grade of 3.0.
Recommended: None

Course Category: Occupational
This Course is Typically Offered: Winter
Check Course Availability

Course Competencies
Main Learning Domains: Cognitive, Affective

1. Evaluate terminology related to surgical medication and anesthesia administration.

a. Differentiate the different pharmacologic processes, including pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics.

b. Examine all related medication terminology in related surgical specialties.

2. Examine the sources and classification of surgical medications.

a. Assess the main sources of medication creation.

b. Examine the forms of medication and affiliated routes of administration.

c. Evaluate the importance of the drug class and control substance systems.

d. Assess drug classifications related to surgical treatments.

3. Assess the regulatory agencies related to pharmacology.

a. Assess the role of each related regulatory agency affiliated with pharmacology.

b. Examine valid resources and publications that contain medication information.

4. Evaluate the role of the surgical technologist when handling medications.

a. Examine facility, local and state policies of the surgical technologist.

b. Demonstrate use of mathematical concepts to the application of medication preparation.

c. Demonstrate safe evaluation of measurement for medication preparation.

d. Prepare medications/solutions in the sterile field.

e. Prepare medications/solutions in the nonsterile area.

5. Analyze prevention safety measures used in pharmacology.

a. Explain the ‘rights of medication administration’.

b. Assess the actions and effects of medication.

c. Evaluate side effects and adverse effects.

6. Assess medical errors in medication handling processes.

a. Research medication errors and identify which process related to handling was broken.

b. Develop solutions to possible prevention strategy.

7. Examine the information on medication labels.

a. Examine different storage methods for medications.

b. Assess quantity/volume vs medication strength.

c. Evaluate generic vs brand name.

d. Evaluate directions for preparation.

e. Examine warnings and expirations.

8. Evaluate supplies and equipment related to medication and anesthesia delivery.

a. Examine different packaging, labeling and delivery supplies used in surgery.

b. Evaluate required safety devices and shut off switches/panels.

9. Examine the different types of anesthesia administration and when they are used.

a. Assess local anesthesia delivery and medication options.

b. Evaluate when regional or general anesthesia may be used for different types of surgical procedures.

c. Examine the anesthesia patient assessment.

d. Analyze complications of anesthesia.

e. Consider alternative anesthesia methods.

10. Assess the responsibilities of the surgical technologist in emergency situations.

a. Examine each type of surgical patient emergency and the role of the surgical team members.

i. Anesthesia/medication reactions

ii. Cardiac failure

iii. Respiratory distress

iv. Blood loss

v. Fluid loss