1. TITLE OF COURSE: BASIC CONCEPTS OF PHARMACOLOGY
PREFIX/NUMBER: NUR 112 CREDIT HOURS: 2.0 Total
CONTACT HOURS: 30.0 Theory
2. PREREQUISITE: Admission to Nursing or Psychiatric Technician Program
3. CO-REQUISITE: Completion of concurrent course work or permission of the program director.
4. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
.
Utilizes nursing process to introduce the basic concepts of pharmacology related to the actions, therapeutic and adverse effects, interactions of drugs, drug classification, and the basic pharmacology of commonly used medications. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic interventions and client education. Learners will apply knowledge gained in selected clinical settings situations in caring for a diversity of clients across the lifespan health illness continuum.
5. STANDARD COMPETENCIES:
Course Competencies
I. Demonstrate knowledge of the classification of drugs and their physiologic and therapeutic effects on the body.
II. Discuss factors influencing drug action and interaction.
III. Recognize the importance of therapeutic dosage range of drugs.
IV. Explain the ethical, legal and regulatory framework of nursing and standards of professional practice that are unique to basic medication administration.
V. Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate reference materials when seeking information about drugs that are to be administered.
VI. Demonstrate knowledge of selected drugs, their specific therapeutic, adverse and side effects, and related nursing considerations for each drug classification.
VII. Describe the impact of psychological and cultural values and practices in relation to the therapeutic use of medications in providing care to the individual with basic health care needs across the life span.
VIII. Describe the importance of patient education.
IX. Demonstrate critical thinking skills related to the recognition of pharmacologic concepts within the scope of professional practice for the practical nurse or the professional nurse.
X. Describe how the knowledge of pharmacology enhances the roles as a care provider, educator, and patient client advocate for one’s professional score of practice.
XI. Demonstrate use of information technologies related to pharmacology.
6. EVALUATION PROCEDURES:
Exams – 5 15% (each)
Quizzes/homework 20%
*Designated ERI Testing 5%
* Students passing (achieve at or above national average)ERI testing on first attempt will receive the full 5%.
Students passing on the second attempt, along with written documentation of remediation to the instructor, will receive 3%.
Students not passing after 2 attempts will receive 0%.
To pass this course a student must achieve an average of 76% or above on exams given in the theory portion of the course.
Grading Scale
Raw Score Range Letter Grade
93 to 100 A
85 to 92 B
76 to 84 C
69 to 75 D
0 to 68 F
Special Remarks:
It is the philosophy of the nursing faculty that students are adult learners. Conferences are available on request for enhancing theory comprehension, clinical interventions and test review.
A passing grade of 76% or above is necessary to pass the course. When a student has failed (less than 76%) or withdrawn from a course, the student is ineligible to continue in the program or until the course is repeated and a satisfactory grade is achieved.
For complete information regarding failure/continuation/readmission see Failure/Continuation/Readmission Policies in the Nursing Student Handbook.
Each exam grade will be calculated as a percent and carried out to the nearest hundredth. The final course grade will be rounded off to an even number.
The tardiness policy as listed in the Nursing Student Handbook will be followed.
Punctuality is essential. Students must report to the class/clinical site at or before the time designated for the experience. In the case of tardiness, students are required to notify the instructor prior to the time scheduled for the class/clinical experience.
Assignments/Missed Exams: It is the student's responsibility to obtain all material presented and to complete all course assignments. If prior arrangements are made or extenuating circumstances exist, makeup of tests may be allowed. Late homework papers will not be accepted unless those same extenuating circumstances exist.
Test Taking:
1. Retaking the same test, for any reason, is not permitted.
2. Ten percent will be deducted from original grade if a test is taken after the scheduled time. Final exams must be taken at scheduled time.
3. Papers or extra assignments cannot be completed to raise a test grade, test average, or course grade to 76%.
7. TOPICAL OUTLINE:
Outline View
I Drug classifications, actions, therapeutic and adverse effects, and interactions of:
A. Pharmacology of Infectious/Inflammatory diseases
B. Antineoplastic agents
C. Pharmacology of Nervous System (central & peripheral)
D. Pharmacology of Endocrine System
E. Pharmacology of Cardiovascular and Lymphatic System
F. Pharmacology of Gastrointestinal System
G. Pharmacology of the Respiratory System
H. Pharmacology of the Urinary System
I. Pharmacology of the Musculoskeletal System
II Nursing Process
III Nursing Implications and Patient Education
IV Age Specific Considerations Related to Individual Medication
V Technology Applications Regarding Nursing Care Related to Pharmacology
8. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
To be successful in this course, students are expected to participate in discussions, readings, in-class writing, computer assisted testing and presentations. The instructor may assign point values to such activities.
9. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
The very nature of higher education requires that students adhere to accepted standards of academic integrity. Therefore, Pueblo Community College has adopted a policy of academic conduct as described in the Student Handbook and outlined in the Nursing Student Handbook. Violation of academic integrity may be defined to include the following: cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty, plagiarism and unauthorized collaboration, falsification, abuse of academic materials, and personal misrepresentation. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the behaviors that constitute academic dishonesty. If an instructor determines that an act of academic/ clinical dishonesty has taken place, the student(s) will receive a zero for the test or assignment. This grade penalty will result in a failing grade in lecture or clinical and dismissal from the program. Conditions for readmission to the program may be specified by the Department Chair/Coordinator.
10. ADA NOTICE:
Students who have a documented disability may be eligible to receive accommodations for this class. Please contact the Disability Resources Center at 549-3446 for further information.