MCCCD Program Description

Pharmacology and Medication Administration I

Course: NUR117

First Term: 2006 Summer I

Lec + Lab 2 Credit(s) 4 Period(s) 3.4 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: S

Description: Introduction to pharmacology. Includes foundation knowledge and skills instruction. Emphasis on core medication prototypes and skills necessary for safe administration of selected medication categories. Concepts of medication administration by selected routes introduced. Application of previous knowledge of physical, biological and social sciences

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe primary legislation affecting regulation of drugs in the U.S. (I) 2. Describe types and classifications of specific drugs. (II) 3. Describe pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of selected drugs. (III) 4. Demonstrate drug dosage calculation and safe medication administration. (IV) 5. Demonstrate techniques to safely administer medications by selected routes. (IV) 6. Identify critical thinking strategies which support safe medication administration. (V) 7. Identify strategies which support safe medication administration for adult and elderly clients. (V) 8. Explain nurse`s role in teaching clients about medications. (VI) 9. Explain pharmacological implication of life span, culture, and complementary therapies in selected categories. (VII, VIII) 10. Identify selected prototypes within drug classifications and/or categories affecting specific body systems. (IX, X, XI, XII, XIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. U.S. Drug Legislation A. Primary Drug Laws B. Narcotic Laws C. Scope of Practice Issues II. Introduction to Pharmacology A. Drug Preparations B. Nomenclature C. Overview of Classifications III. Pharmacologic Principles A. Pharmacokinetics B. Pharmacodynamics C. Contraindications and Precautions D. Adverse Effects E. Food/Drug Interactions IV. Medication Administration A. Medication Supply Systems B. Medication Orders C. Dosage Calculation D. Preparation of Medications E. Medication Administration Routes F. Nursing Considerations G. Documentation H. Client Evaluation V. Critical Thinking and Nursing Process During Medication Administration A. Client Data Collection B. Parameters for Safe Medication Administration C. Client Teaching D. Strategies for Error Prevention E. Management of Errors VI. Education of Clients About Medication A. Readiness to Learn B. Teaching Plan C. Implementation D. Evaluation VII. Life Span and Cultural Considerations VIII. Herbal and Supplemental Therapies IX. Common Medications Prescribed for Selected Populations A. Assessment and Observation B. Implications for Nursing Care X. Anti-infective Agents A. Antibiotics B. Antiviral C. Antitubercular D. Anti-HIV E. Antifungal F. Antimalarial G. Antiprotozoal H. Antihelmintic XI. Drugs Affecting the Musculoskeletal Systems A. Anti-Inflammatory B. Antispasmotic/Muscle Relaxants C. Anti-rheumatoid D. Anti-gout XII. Drugs Affecting the Central Nervous System A. Psychotherapeutic Agents B. Analgesic Agents C. General and Local Anesthetics XIII. Drugs Affecting the Body`s Defense System A. Immunizations B. Oral Chemotherapeutic Agents C. Immunosuppressant Agents

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 10/25/2005

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.