NURS 631: Advanced Pharmacology
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing in Nursing or Permission of Instructor
Cross-Listed: NURS 716
Credit Hours: (3) Three hours seminar
Every Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) should have a well-grounded understanding of basic pharmacologic principles, which includes the cellular response level. This area of core content incorporates both pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacokinetics of broad categories of pharmacologic agents. Emphasis of this online course is on the understanding of pharmacology in health promotion, protection, and restoration.
Detailed Description of Content of the Course
This course is designed to provide the student with the knowledge and skills to assess, diagnose, and manage (including the prescription of pharmacologic agents) a patient’s common health problems in a safe, high quality, and cost-effective manner. The course addresses both pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacokinetics of pharmacologic agents, incorporating both broad pharmacologic principles and cellular response mechanisms. The role of pharmacology in health promotion, protection, and restoration is emphasized. As part of the course, students may access current national standards and clinical guidelines.
Topical Outline
A. Overview of Pharmacology and Terminology
1. Pharmacodynamics/Pharmacokinetics
2. Issues in Client Education and Adherence to Medication Regimens
3. Special Populations
a. Children and Adolescents
b. Pregnant Women
c. Older Adults
d. Ethnic Groups
B. Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
1. Psychoneuroimmunology
2. Genetics
3. Autonomic Nervous System
4. Central Nervous System
C. Categories of Medications
1. Respiratory
2. Cardiovascular
3. Hematological (Anemias)
4. Infection
5. Gastrointestinal
6. Renal
7. Endocrine
8. Opiate Narcotics
9. Analgesics and Anti-inflammatory Agents
10. Neurological
11. Psychiatric
12. Other Agents such as Alternative, Complementary, and Integrative Medications; Cancer Medications; and Sleep Medications
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
This online course may incorporate lectures, discussion, and case studies. Because the course is online, audio or video presentations/lectures, discussion boards, and chat rooms may be used.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Upon completion of this course, the student will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. comprehend the pharmacotherapeutics of broad categories of drugs;
2. analyze the relationship between pharmacologic agents and physiologic/pathologic
responses;
3. understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of broad categories of drugs;
4. understand the motivations of patients in seeking prescriptions and the willingness to
adhere to prescribed regimens;
5. safely and appropriately select pharmacologic agents for the management of patient health problems based on patient variations, the problem being managed, and cost-effectiveness.
Assessment Measures
Evaluation measures to assess achievement of course objectives may include case studies, presentations, and quizzes/tests.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
Approved: February 2010