NURS 360
Pharmacology

1. Catalog Entry

NURS 360. Pharmacology
Three hours lecture (3).

Prerequisites: NURS 340, 342, 343, and 352

Semester offered: Fall and Spring

Emphasis on relationship of drugs and their effects on humans.

2. Detailed Description of Content of the Course

The objectives and content of this Level 2 Course are derived from the School of Nursing’s philosophy and conceptual framework, and facilitate achievement of the School’s program objectives. Additionally, the major topics and skills covered in this course represent areas covered on standardized achievement examinations and the NCLEX-RN Test Plan. Current research and advancement in theory and clinical practice also determine content.

Emphasis is placed on the following concepts/theories:

1. Nursing process and fundamentals of drug therapy

a. Application of pharmacology in practice
b. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
c. Drug reactions
d. Pharmacotherapeutics across the lifespan

2. Clinical aspects of pharmacology

a. Nervous system
b. Mental functioning
c. Cardiovascular system
d. Anti-infective medications
e. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy for neoplasms
f. Endocrine system
g. Anti-inflammatory medications
h. Respiratory system
i. Gastrointestinal system
j. Drugs used in selected medical disorders
k. Herbal remedies

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The following teaching strategies will be employed:

• Lectures, discussion, multimedia, and case studies.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Apply skills basic to the nursing process in discussing mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, side effects, and adverse reactions of selected drugs.
• Discuss the importance of adhering to established standards of professional nursing practice, and accepting individual responsibility for nursing interventions, when providing pharmacological agents for individuals and families.
• Demonstrate increasing understanding of the necessity to acquire skill in the use of health care and information technology to provide current, accurate information about drug therapies to patients and families.
• Utilize critical thinking in discussing nursing implications of administering selected drugs across the lifespan.
• Demonstrate competency in defining selected terms used in pharmacology, and discussing principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
• Refine skills for effective written, oral, and nonverbal communications with individuals and families related to pharmacotherapeutic regimens.
• Demonstrate legal and ethical decision-making in relation to pharmacological responsibilities of the nurse.
• Discuss the influence of health beliefs, cultural background, and psychologic aspects of drug therapy in order to provide culturally sensitive nursing care.
• Identify the importance of ongoing learning in order to apply pharmacological principles to patient care in concurrent and subsequent clinical courses.

5. Assessment Measures

May include:

• Exams; Quizzes
• Paper
• Project, Individual or Group
• Care Plan
• Oral Presentations
• Class Participation

The course grade is determined by an evaluation of the extent to which the student meets the stated course objectives. Students must have a minimum of 75% (“C”) in theory, measured through testing. Other written work will be included in the final grade after the minimum 75% (“C”) has been attained through testing.

6. Other Course Information

Course may be appropriate for students in disciplines other than Nursing.

Honor Code: By accepting admission to Radford University, each student makes a commitment to understand, support, and abide by the University Honor Code without compromise or exception. Violations of academic integrity will not be tolerated. This class will be conducted in strict observance of the Honor Code. Refer to your Student Handbook for details.

Students with Disabilities: If you are seeking classroom accommodations under the Americans With Disabilities Act, you are required to register with the Disability Resource Office (DRO). The DRO is located in Room 32, Tyler Hall, telephone 540-831-6350. To receive academic accommodations for this class, please obtain the proper DRO forms and meet with me no later than the second week of the semester.

Attendance: For Attendance policies and other course-related requirements, see School of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook and Course Description.

7. Review and Approval

Date Action Reviewed by
April 2006 Undergraduate Curriculum Marcella Griggs, Director