IICHP
International Institute For Health Care Professionals, Inc.
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title:
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Course Syllabus
Course Number:
Course Length:
Credit Hours:
Course Length:
NUR
60-lecture hrs
3-semester credits
12- weeks
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Instructor: Dr. Matthews
Phone: 561-394-5822
E-mail: dr.matthews55@gmail.com
Start Date: 12/12/2014
End Date: On or About March 12, 2015
Class: online
This course is designed to equip the professional nursing student with knowledge and skills to
safely administer drugs in various healthcare settings according to their legal scope of practice in
preparation for entry level employment in the healthcare industry in various employment
settings. The course includes theory, lab and clinical applications designed to assist the student in
acquiring proficient skills to implement according to evidenced-based practice.
On completion of this course the student will be able to
1. Discuss the role of the nursing process as it related to the legal and ethical principles
of medication administration.
2. Identify the role of the registered nurse and the laws that govern their administration
of medication.
3. Discuss their scope of practice as mandated by the Florida Board of Nursing for the
administration of medication by the registered nurse.
1|Page
IICHP
4. Identify classifications of medications and their major side effects.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of safe practice in administering medications.
6. Recognize side effects of drugs commonly administered in healthcare.
Textbook & References
1.
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process
7th Edition
Julie Synder; Linda Lilley; Shelly Rainforth Collins
ISBN: 9781455748778
Copyright 2014
Mosby
2.
Florida Board of Nursing: Nurse Practice Act
The professional student is expected to read the textbook, complete workbook assignments;
complete all homework assignments, and come to class prepared to discuss, explain and
demonstrate knowledge through application of skills and pass all evaluations exam as
administered,
Course Outline
Unit 1- The Nursing Process and Pharmacological Principles
On completion of this unit of study the student will be able to
1. List the five phases of the nursing process.
2. Identify the components of the assessment process for patients receiving medications,
including collection and analysis of subjective and objective data.
3. Discuss the process of formulating nursing diagnoses for patients receiving medications.
4. Identify goals and outcome criteria for patients receiving medications.
5. Discuss the evaluation process as it relates to the administration of medications and as
reflected by goals and outcome criteria.
6. Develop a nursing care plan that is based on the nursing process as it relates to
medication administration.
7. Briefly discuss the steps (Rights) associated with safe medication administration.
8. Discuss the professional responsibility and standards of practice for the professional
nurse as related to the medication administration process.
9. Understand the general concepts such as pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, and
pharmacodynamics and their application in drug therapy and the nursing process.
10. Demonstrate an understanding of the various drug dosage forms as related to drug
therapy and the nursing process.
2|Page
IICHP
11. Discuss the relevance of the four aspects of pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution,
metabolism, excretion) to professional nursing practice as related to drug therapy for a
variety of patients and health care settings.
12. Discuss the use of natural drug sources in the development of new drugs.
13. Develop a nursing care plan that takes into account general pharmacologic principles,
specifically pharmacokinetic principles, as they relate to the nursing process.
14. Discuss the importance of patient education in the safe and efficient administration of
drugs (e.g., prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, herbal preparations, dietary
supplements).
15. Summarize the various teaching and learning principles appropriate to patient education
and drug therapy across the lifespan as applicable to any health care setting.
16. Identify the impact of the various developmental phases (as described by Erikson) on
patient education as it relates to drug therapy and the nursing process.
17. Develop a complete patient teaching plan as part of a comprehensive nursing care plan
for drug therapy and the nursing process for the adult patient.
Textbook Pharmacology and the Nursing Process; 7th Edition
Chapters 1, 2, & 6
Florida Board of Nursing: Nurse Practice Act- (Access FBON web site and print copy of Nurse
Practice act for class discussion)
Unit 2- Pharmacology Principles and Practices Across Cultures and Life Spans Situations
On completion of this unit of study the student will be able to
1. Discuss the influences of the patient’s age on the effects of drugs and drug responses.
2. Identify drug-related concerns during pregnancy and lactation and provide an explanation
of the physiologic basis for these concerns.
3. Summarize the impact of age-related physiologic changes on the pharmacokinetic aspects
of drug therapy.
4. Explain how these age-related changes in drug pharmacokinetics influence various drug
effects and drug responses across the lifespan.
5. Provide several examples of how age affects the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and
excretion of drugs.
6. Calculate a drug dose for a pediatric patient using the various formulas available.
7. Identify the importance of a body surface area nomogram for drug calculations in
pediatric patients.
8. Develop a nursing care plan for drug therapy and the nursing process that takes into
account lifespan considerations.
9. Discuss the various cultural factors that may influence an individual response to
medications.
10. Identify various cultural phenomena affecting health care and use of medications.
3|Page
IICHP
11. List the drugs that are more commonly associated with variations in response due to
cultural and racial/ethnic factors.
12. Briefly discuss the important components of drug legislation at the state and federal
levels.
13. Provide examples of how drug legislation impacts drug therapy, professional nursing
practice, and the nursing process.
14. Discuss the various categories of controlled substances, and give specific drug examples
in each category.
15. Identify the process involved in the development of new drugs, including the
investigational new drug application, the phases of investigational drug studies, and the
process for obtaining informed consent.
16. Discuss the nurse role in the development of new and investigational drugs and the
informed consent process.
17. Discuss the ethical principles and how they apply to pharmacology and the nursing
process.
18. Identify the ethical principles involved in making an ethical decision.
19. Develop a nursing care plan that addresses the cultural, legal, and ethical care of patients
with a specific focus on drug therapy and the nursing process.
20. Compare the following terms related to drug therapy in the context of professional
nursing practice: adverse drug event, adverse drug reaction, allergic reaction,
idiosyncratic reaction, medical error, and medication error.
21. Describe the most commonly encountered medication errors.
22. Develop a framework for professional nursing practice for prevention of medication
errors.
23. Identify potential physical and emotional consequences of a medication error.
24. Discuss the impact of culture and age on the occurrence of medication errors.
25. Analyze the various ethical dilemmas related to professional nursing practice associated
with medication errors.
26. Identify agencies concerned with prevention of and response to medication errors.
27. Discuss the possible consequences of medication errors for professional nurses and other
members of the health care team.
Textbook Pharmacology and the Nursing Process; 7th Edition
Chapters 3, 4, & 5
Unit 3- Drug Classification- 1
On completion of this unit of study the student will be able to
1. Define acute pain and chronic pain.
2. Contrast the signs, symptoms, and management of acute and chronic pain.
3. Discuss the pathophysiology and characteristics associated with cancer pain and other
special pain situations.
4. Describe pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches for the management of acute
and chronic pain.
4|Page
IICHP
5. Discuss the use of non-opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and opioids
(opioid agonists, opioids with mixed actions, or opioid agonists-antagonists and
antagonists), and miscellaneous drugs in the management of pain, including acute and
chronic pain, cancer pain, and special pain situations.
6. Identify examples of drugs classified as non-opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs, opioids (opioid agonists, opioids with mixed actions, opioid agonists-antagonists
and antagonists), and miscellaneous drugs.
7. Briefly describe the mechanism of action, indications, dosages, routes of administration,
adverse effects, toxicity, cautions, contraindications, and drug interactions of nonopioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (see Chapter 44), opioids (opioid agonists,
opioids with mixed actions, opioid agonists-antagonists and antagonists), and
miscellaneous drugs.
8. Contrast the pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management of acute and chronic
pain with the management of pain associated with cancer and pain experienced in
terminal conditions.
9. Briefly describe the specific standards of pain management as defined by the World
Health Organization and The Joint Commission.
10. Develop a nursing care plan based on the nursing process related to the use of non-opioid
and opioid drug therapy for patients in pain.
11. Identify various resources, agencies, and professional groups that are involved in
establishing standards for the management of all types of pain and for promotion of a
holistic approach to the care of patients with acute or chronic pain and those in special
pain situations.
12. Define anesthesia and the basic differences between general and local anesthesia.
13. List the most commonly used general and local anesthetics and associated risks.
14. Discuss the differences between depolarizing neuromuscular blocking drugs and nondepolarizing blocking drugs and their impact on the patient.
15. Compare the mechanisms of action, indications, and adverse effects, routes of
administration, cautions, contraindications, and drug interactions for general and local
anesthesia as well as drugs used for moderate or conscious sedation.
16. Develop a nursing care plan for patients before anesthesia (pre-anesthesia), during
anesthesia, and after anesthesia (post-anesthesia) related to general anesthesia.
17. Develop a nursing care plan for patients undergoing local anesthesia and/or moderate or
conscious sedation.
18. Contrast the effects of central nervous system depressant drugs and central nervous
system stimulant drugs (see Chapter 13) as relates to their basic actions.
19. Define the terms hypnotic, rapid eye movement, rapid eye movement sleep interference,
rapid eye movement rebound, sedative, sedative-hypnotic, sleep, and therapeutic index.
20. Briefly discuss the problem of sleep disorders.
21. Identify the specific drugs within each of the following categories of central nervous
system depressant drugs: benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and
miscellaneous drugs.
22. Contrast the mechanism of action, indications, adverse effects, toxic effects, cautions,
contraindications, dosage forms, routes of administration, and drug interactions of the
5|Page
IICHP
following medications: benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and
miscellaneous drugs.
23. Discuss the nursing process as it relates to the nursing care of a patient receiving any
central nervous system depressants and/or muscle relaxant.
24. Develop a thorough nursing care plan related to the use of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches to the treatment of sleep disorders.
25. Briefly describe the pathophysiology of epilepsy.
26. Discuss the rationale for the use of the various classes of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in
the management of the different forms of epilepsy.
27. Identify the various drugs in each of the following drug classes: iminostilbenes,
benzodiazepines, barbiturates, hydantoins, and miscellaneous drugs.
28. Identify the mechanisms of action, indications, cautions, contraindications, and dosages,
routes of administration, adverse effects, toxic effects, therapeutic blood levels, and drug
interactions for each antiepileptic drug.
29. Develop a nursing care plan, including patient education, based on the nursing process
for patients receiving AEDs.
30. Discuss the impact of acetylcholine and dopamine on the brain.
31. Describe the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease.
32. Identify the different classes of medications used to manage Parkinson’s disease, and list
the drugs in each class.
33. Discuss the mechanisms of action, dosages, and indications, routes of administration,
contraindications, cautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, and toxic effects of
antiparkinson drugs.
34. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
taking antiparkinson drugs.
Textbook Pharmacology and the Nursing Process; 7th Edition
Chapters 10-thru 15
Unit 4- Drug Classification- 2
On completion of this unit of study the student will be able to
1. Briefly discuss the various mental illnesses.
2. Identify the various psychotherapeutic drug classes, such as anxiolytic drugs,
antidepressants, mood-stabilizing drugs, and antipsychotics.
3. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, therapeutic effects, adverse effects, toxic
effects, drug interactions, contraindications, and cautions associated with the various
psychotherapeutic drugs.
4. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
taking psychotherapeutic drugs.
5. Develop patient education guidelines for patients taking psychotherapeutic drugs.
6|Page
IICHP
6.
7.
8.
9.
Discuss substance abuse and the significance of the problem in the United States.
Identify the drugs or chemicals that are most frequently abused.
Contrast the signs and symptoms of the most commonly abused drugs/chemicals.
Compare the treatments for drug withdrawal for the most commonly abused opioids
(narcotics), central nervous system (CNS) depressants, amphetamines and other CNS
stimulants, nicotine, and alcohol.
10. Describe alcohol abuse syndrome with a focus on signs and symptoms, mild to severe
alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and associated treatment.
11. Describe other drug abuse syndromes, signs and symptoms, withdrawal symptoms, and
treatment regimens.
12. Identify various assessment tools used in the nursing assessment of substance abuse.
13. Develop a nursing care plan encompassing all phases of the nursing process for a patient
undergoing treatment for substance abuse and dependency.
14. Briefly describe the functions of the sympathetic nervous system and the specific effects
of adrenergic stimulation.
15. List the various drugs classified as adrenergic agonists or sympathomimetic.
16. Discuss the mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, indications, adverse and toxic
effects, cautions, contraindications, drug interactions, and available antidotes to over
dosage for the various adrenergic agonists or sympathomimetic drugs.
17. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
taking adrenergic agonists.
18. Briefly review the functions of the sympathetic nervous system and the specific effects of
adrenergic-blocking drugs.
19. List the various drugs classified as adrenergic antagonists (blockers) or sympatholytic.
20. Discuss the mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, indications, adverse and toxic
effects, cautions, contraindications, drug interactions, dosages, routes of administration,
and any antidotal management for the various alpha antagonists (blockers), beta
nonselective blockers, and the beta1 and beta2 blockers.
21. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
taking adrenergic antagonists.
22. Briefly review the functions of the autonomic nervous system and the impact of the
parasympathetic division.
23. List the various drugs classified as cholinergic agonists (also
called parasympathomimetics).
24. Discuss the mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, indications, adverse and toxic
effects, drug interactions, cautions, contraindications, dosages, routes of administration,
and any antidotal management for the various cholinergic agonists (or
parasympathomimetics).
25. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
taking cholinergic agonists.
26. Briefly review the functions of the sympathetic nervous system and the specific effects of
blocking cholinergic receptors (parasympatholytic effects).
27. List the various drugs classified as cholinergic antagonists (blocking) or sympatholytic.
28. Discuss the mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, indications, adverse and toxic
effects, drug interactions, cautions, contraindications, dosages, routes of administration,
and any antidotal management for the various cholinergic antagonists (blockers).
7|Page
IICHP
29. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
taking cholinergic antagonists.
Textbook Pharmacology and the Nursing Process; 7th Edition
Chapters 16 through 21
Unit 5- Drug Classification- 3
On completion of this unit of study the student will be able to
1. Briefly discuss the normal anatomy and physiology of the autonomic nervous system,
including the events that take place within the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions
and the way they relate to long-term and short-term control of blood pressure.
2. Define hypertension, and compare primary and secondary hypertension and their related
manifestations.
3. List the criterion pressure values (in millimeters of mercury) for the hypertension
categories of normal blood pressure, prehypertension, hypertension stage 1, and
hypertension stage 2 as defined in JNC 7.
4. Using the most recent guidelines, compare the various drugs used in the pharmacologic
management of hypertension with regard to mechanism of action, specific indications,
adverse effects, toxic effects, cautions, drug interactions, contraindications, dosages, and
routes of administration.
5. Discuss the rationale for the nonpharmacologic management of hypertension.
6. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving antihypertensive drugs.
7. Briefly describe the pathophysiology of myocardial ischemia and the subsequent
occurrence of angina.
8. Describe the various factors that may precipitate angina, as well as measures that
decrease its occurrence.
9. Contrast the major classes of antianginal drugs (nitrates, calcium channel blockers, and
beta blockers) with regard to their mechanisms of action, dosage forms, routes of
administration, cautions, contraindications, drug interactions, adverse effects, patient
tolerance, and toxicity.
10. Develop a nursing care plan incorporating all phases of the nursing process related to the
administration of antianginal drugs.
11. Differentiate between the terms inotropic, chronotropic, and dromotropic.
12. Briefly discuss the pathophysiology of heart failure.
13. Identify the approach to treatment of heart failure as outlined by the American Heart
Association and American College of Cardiology Guidelines for the Diagnosis and
Management of Heart Failure in Adults (last updated in 2009).
14. Compare the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, indications, dosages, and dosage
forms, routes of administration, cautions, contraindications, adverse effects, and toxicity
of the following drugs used in treatment of heart failure: Lisinopril, valsartan, carvedilol,
8|Page
IICHP
metoprolol, dobutamine, nesiritide, hydralazine/isosorbide dinitrate, milrinone, and
digoxin.
15. Briefly discuss the process of rapid versus slow digitalization as well as the use of the
antidote digoxin immune Fab.
16. Identify significant drug-drug, drug laboratory test, and drug-food interactions associated
with digoxin and other heart failure drugs.
17. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
undergoing treatment for heart failure and that complies with the American Heart
Association and American College of Cardiology Guidelines for the Diagnosis and
Management of Heart Failure in Adults.
18. Describe the anatomy and physiology of the heart as well as cardiac electrophysiology,
including normal conduction patterns, rate, and rhythm.
19. Briefly discuss the various disorders of cardiac electrophysiology and consequences to
the patient.
20. Define the terms dysrhythmia and arrhythmia.
21. Identify the various causes of abnormal heart rhythms and their impact on the patient’s
health and activities of daily living.
22. Identify the most commonly encountered dysrhythmias.
23. Compare the various dysrhythmias with regard to their basic characteristics, impact on
the structures of the heart, and related symptoms.
24. Contrast the various classes of antidysrhythmic drugs, citing prototypes in each class and
describing their mechanisms of action, indications, routes of administration, dosing, any
related drug protocols, adverse effects, cautions, contraindications, drug interactions, and
any toxic reactions.
25. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving each class of antidysrhythmic drug.
26. Briefly review the coagulation process and the impact of coagulation modifiers, including
anticoagulants, antiplatelets, thrombolytics, and antifibrinolytics.
27. Compare the mechanisms of action, indications, cautions, contraindications, drug
interactions, adverse effects, routes of administration, and dosages of the various
anticoagulants, antiplatelets, thrombolytics, and antifibrinolytics.
28. Discuss the administration procedures and techniques as well as related standards of care
for the various coagulation modifiers.
29. Identify any available antidotes for the coagulation modifiers.
30. Compare the laboratory tests used in conjunction with treatment with the various
coagulation modifiers and their implications for therapeutic use of these drugs and
monitoring for adverse reactions.
31. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving anticoagulants, antiplatelets, thrombolytics, and antifibrinolytics.
32. Explain the pathology of primary and secondary hyperlipidemia, including causes and
risk factors.
33. Discuss the different types of lipoproteins and their role in cardiovascular diseases and in
hyperlipidemia.
34. List the overall drug classes and specific drugs that are used to treat hyperlipidemia.
9|Page
IICHP
35. Compare the various drugs used to treat hyperlipidemia with regard to the rationale for
treatment, indications, and mechanisms of action, dosages, and routes of administration,
adverse effects, toxicity, cautions, contraindications, and associated drug interactions.
36. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving antilipemic drugs.
Textbook Pharmacology and the Nursing Process; 7th Edition
Chapters 22- through 27
Unit 6- Drug Classification- 4
On completion of this unit of study the student will be able to
1. Describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the renal system.
2. Briefly discuss the impact of the renal system on blood pressure regulation.
3. Describe how diuretics work in the kidneys and how they lower blood pressure.
4. Distinguish among the different classes of diuretics with regard to mechanisms of action,
indications, and dosages, routes of administration, adverse effects, toxicity, cautions,
contraindications, and drug interactions.
5. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving diuretics.
6. Review the function of fluid volume and compartments within the body as well as the
role of each of the major electrolytes in maintaining homeostasis.
7. Identify the various electrolytes, and give normal serum values for each.
8. Briefly discuss the various fluid and electrolyte disorders that commonly occur in the
body with attention to fluid volume and/or electrolyte deficits and excesses.
9. Identify the fluid and electrolyte solutions commonly used to correct states of deficiency
or excess.
10. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, and dosages, routes of administration,
contraindications, cautions, adverse effects, toxicity, and drug interactions of the various
fluid and electrolyte solutions.
11. Compare the various solutions used to expand and/or decrease a patient’s fluid volume
and electrolytes with regard to how they work, why they are used, and specific antidotes
available to counter any toxic effects.
12. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving fluid and electrolyte solutions.
13. Describe the normal function of the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland
and the impact of the pituitary gland on the human body.
10 | P a g e
IICHP
14. Compare the various pituitary drugs with regard to their indications, mechanisms of
action, dosages, and routes of administration, adverse effects, cautions, contraindications,
and drug interactions.
15. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving pituitary drugs, such as desmopressin, vasopressin, octreotide, and somatropin.
16. Briefly describe the normal anatomy and physiology of the thyroid gland.
17. Discuss the various functions of the thyroid gland and related hormones.
18. Describe the differences in the diseases resulting from the hyposecretion and
hypersecretion of thyroid gland hormones.
19. Identify the various drugs used to treat the hyposecretion and hypersecretion states of the
thyroid gland.
20. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, dosages, routes of administration,
contraindications, cautions, drug interactions, and adverse effects of the various drugs
used to treat hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
21. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving thyroid replacement therapy as well as for patients receiving antithyroid drugs.
22. Discuss the normal functions of the pancreas.
23. Contrast age of onset, signs and symptoms, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic
treatment, incidence, and etiology of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
24. Differentiate gestational diabetes from type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
25. Discuss the various factors influencing blood glucose level in nondiabetic individuals and
in patients with diabetes mellitus.
26. Identify the various drugs used to manage type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
27. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, cautions, drug
interactions, and adverse effects of insulin, oral antidiabetic drugs, and injectable
antidiabetic drugs.
28. Compare rapid-, short-, intermediate-, and long-acting insulins with regard to their onset
of action, peak effects, and duration of action.
29. Compare the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and their related
treatments.
30. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
with type 1 or type 2 diabetes with a focus on drug therapies.
31. Discuss the normal anatomy, physiology, and related functions of the adrenal glands,
including specific hormones released from the glands.
32. Briefly compare the hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla with those secreted by the
adrenal cortex.
33. Contrast Cushing’s syndrome, Addison’s disease, and addisonian crisis.
11 | P a g e
IICHP
34. Compare the glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids with regard to the roles they perform
in normal bodily functions, the diseases that alter them, how they are used in
pharmacotherapy, and their basic properties.
35. Contrast the mechanisms of action, indications, dosages, and routes of administration,
cautions, contraindications, drug interactions, and adverse effects of glucocorticoids,
mineralocorticoids, and antiadrenal drugs.
36. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
taking adrenal and antiadrenal drugs.
Textbook Pharmacology and the Nursing Process; 7th Edition
Chapters 28 through 33
Unit 7- Drug Classification- 5
On completion of this unit of study the student will be able to
1. Discuss the normal anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system.
2. Describe the normal hormonally mediated feedback system that regulates the female
reproductive system.
3. Briefly describe the variety of disorders affecting women’s health and the drugs used to
treat them.
4. Discuss the rationale for use, indications, adverse effects, cautions, contraindications,
drug interactions, dosages, and routes of administration for estrogen, progestins, uterine
motility’s altering drugs, and osteoporosis drugs.
5. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving any of the drugs related to women’s health (e.g., estrogens, progestins, uterine
mobility’s altering drugs and osteoporosis drugs).
6. Discuss the normal anatomy, physiology, and functions of the male reproductive system.
7. Compare the various men’s health drugs, with discussion of their rationale for use,
dosages, and dosage forms.
8. Describe the mechanisms of action, dosages, adverse effects, cautions, contraindications,
drug interactions, and routes of administration for the various men’s health drugs.
9. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving men’ s health drugs for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, sexual
dysfunction, hormone deficiency, or prostate cancer.
10. Provide specific examples of the drugs categorized as antihistamines (both sedating and
nonsedating), decongestants, antitussives, and expectorants.
11. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, cautions, drug
interactions, adverse effects, dosages, and route of administration for antihistamines,
decongestants, antitussives, and expectorants.
12. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
taking any of the antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives, and/or expectorants.
13. Describe the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system.
12 | P a g e
IICHP
14. Discuss the impact of respiratory drugs on various lower and upper respiratory tract
diseases and conditions.
15. List the classifications of drugs used to treat diseases and conditions of the respiratory
system, and provide specific examples.
16. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, cautions, drug
interactions, dosages, routes of administration, adverse effects, and toxic effects of the
bronchodilators and other respiratory drugs.
17. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
who use bronchodilators and other respiratory drugs.
18. Discuss the general principles of antibiotic therapy.
19. Explain how antibiotics work to rid the body of infection.
20. Briefly compare the characteristics and uses of antiseptics and disinfectants.
21. List the most commonly used antiseptics and disinfectants.
22. Discuss any nursing-related considerations associated with the environmental use of
antiseptics and disinfectants.
23. Discuss the pros and cons of antibiotic use with attention to the overuse or abuse of
antibiotics and the development of drug resistance.
24. Classify the various antibiotics by general category, including sulfonamides, penicillins,
cephalosporins, macrolides, and tetracyclines.
25. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, cautions, contraindications, routes of
administration, and drug interactions for the sulfonamides, penicillins, cephalosporins,
macrolides, and tetracyclines.
26. Identify drug-specific adverse effects and toxic effects of each of the antibiotic classes
listed earlier, and cite measures to decrease their occurrence.
27. Briefly discuss superinfection, including its etiology and prevention.
28. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving drugs in each of the following classes of antibiotic: sulfonamides, penicillins,
cephalosporins, macrolides, and tetracyclines.
29. Review the general principles of antibiotic therapy, and review all of the antibiotics
covered previously in Chapter 38 in preparation for discussion of the following
antibiotics or antibiotic classes: aminoglycosides, quinolones, clindamycin,
metronidazole, nitrofurantoin, vancomycin, and several other miscellaneous antibiotics.
30. Describe the advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of antibiotics,
including overuse and abuse of antibiotics, development of drug resistance,
superinfections, and antibiotic-associated colitis.
31. Discuss the indications, cautions, contraindications, and mechanisms of action, adverse
effects, toxic effects, routes of administration, and drug interactions for the
aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, clindamycin, metronidazole, nitrofurantoin,
vancomycin, and miscellaneous antibiotics.
32. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for the patient
receiving antibiotics.
Textbook Pharmacology and the Nursing Process; 7th Edition
13 | P a g e
IICHP
Chapters 34-39
Unit 8- Drug Classification- 6
On completion of this unit of study the student will be able to
1. Discuss the effects of the immune system with attention to the various types of immunity.
2. Describe the effects of viruses in the human body.
3. List specific drugs categorized as non–human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
antivirals and HIV antivirals or antiretrovirals.
4. Discuss the process of immunosuppression in patients with viral infections, specifically
those with HIV infection.
5. Describe the stages of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and various drugs
used to manage the illness.
6. Discuss the mechanism of action, indications, contraindications, cautions, routes, adverse
effects, and toxic effects of the various non-HIV antiviral and HIV antiviral drugs.
7. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving non-HIV and HIV antiviral drugs.
8. Identify the various first-line and second-line drugs indicated for the treatment of
tuberculosis.
9. Discuss the mechanisms of action, dosages, and adverse effects, routes of administration,
special dosing considerations, cautions, contraindications, and drug interactions of the
various antitubercular drugs.
10. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving antitubercular drugs.
11. Develop a comprehensive teaching guide for patients and families impacted by the
diagnosis and treatment of antitubercular drugs.
12. Identify the various antifungal drugs.
13. Describe the mechanisms of action, indications, and contraindications, routes of
administration, adverse and toxic effects, and drug interactions of the various antifungal
drugs.
14. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving antifungal drugs.
15. Briefly discuss the infectious process associated with malaria, other protozoal infections,
and helminthic infections.
16. Compare the signs and symptoms of malarial, other protozoal, and helminthic infection
processes.
17. Identify the more commonly used antimalarial, antiprotozoal, and anthelmintic drugs.
18. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, cautions, contraindications, adverse
effects, dosages, drug interactions, and routes of administration of the antimalarial,
antiprotozoal, and anthelmintic drugs.
19. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving antimalarial, antiprotozoal, or anthelmintic drugs.
20. Discuss the inflammatory response and the part it plays in the generation of pain.
21. Compare the disease processes or pathologies that are inflammatory in nature with those
of gout.
14 | P a g e
IICHP
22. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, adverse effects, dosage ranges, and routes
of administration, cautions, contraindications, drug interactions, and toxicities of the
various anti-inflammatory and antigout drugs.
23. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving anti-inflammatory and/or antigout drugs.
24. Briefly describe the concepts related to carcinogenesis.
25. Define the different types of malignancy.
26. Discuss the purpose and role of the various treatment modalities in the management of
cancer.
27. Define antineoplastic.
28. Discuss the role of antineoplastic therapy in the treatment of cancer.
29. Contrast the cell cycle of normal cells and malignant cells with regard to growth,
function, and response of the cell to chemotherapeutic drugs and other treatment
modalities.
30. Compare the characteristics of highly proliferating normal cells (including cells of the
hair follicles, gastrointestinal tract, and bone marrow) with the characteristics of highly
proliferating cancerous cells.
31. Briefly describe the specific differences between cell cycle specific and cell cycle
nonspecific antineoplastic drugs
32. Identify the drugs that are categorized as cell cycle specific, including mitotic inhibitors,
topoisomerase inhibitors, and antineoplastic enzymes.
33. Describe the common adverse effects and toxic reactions associated with the various
antineoplastic drugs, including the causes for their occurrence and methods of treatment,
such as antidotes for toxicity.
34. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, and dosages, routes of administration,
cautions, contraindications, and drug interactions of cell cycle specific drugs, including
mitotic inhibitors, topoisomerase inhibitors, and antineoplastic enzymes.
35. Apply knowledge about the various antineoplastic drugs to the development of a
comprehensive nursing care plan for patients receiving cell cycle specific drugs,
including mitotic inhibitors, topoisomerase inhibitors, and antineoplastic enzymes.
36. Briefly describe the concepts related to carcinogenesis.
37. Define the different types of malignancy.
38. Discuss the purpose and role of the various treatment modalities in the management of
cancer.
39. Define antineoplastic.
40. Discuss the role of antineoplastic therapy in the treatment of cancer.
41. Contrast the cell cycle of normal cells and malignant cells with regard to growth,
function, and response of the cell to chemotherapeutic drugs and other treatment
modalities.
42. Compare the characteristics of highly proliferating normal cells (including cells of the
hair follicles, gastrointestinal tract, and bone marrow) with the characteristics of highly
proliferating cancerous cells.
43. Briefly describe the specific differences between cell cycle “specific and cell nonspecific
antineoplastic drugs.
15 | P a g e
IICHP
44. Identify the drugs that are categorized as cell cycle specific, including mitotic inhibitors,
topoisomerase inhibitors, and antineoplastic enzymes.
45. Describe the common adverse effects and toxic reactions associated with the various
antineoplastic drugs, including the causes for their occurrence and methods of treatment,
such as antidotes for toxicity.
46. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, and dosages, routes of administration,
cautions, contraindications, and drug interactions of cell cycle “specific drugs, including
mitotic inhibitors, topoisomerase inhibitors, and antineoplastic enzymes.
47. Apply knowledge about the various antineoplastic drugs to the development of a
comprehensive nursing care plan for patients receiving cell cycle specific drugs,
including mitotic inhibitors, topoisomerase inhibitors, and antineoplastic enzymes.
Textbook Pharmacology and the Nursing Process; 7th Edition
Chapters 40 through 46
Unit 9- Drug Classification- 7
On completion of this unit of study the student will be able to
1. Describe the basic anatomy, physiology, and functions of the immune system.
2. Compare the two major classes of biologic response modifying drugs: hematopoietic drugs
and immunomodulating drugs.
3. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, and dosages, routes of administration, adverse
effects, cautions, contraindications, and drug interactions of the different biologic response
modifying drugs.
4. Describe the pathology associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, and dosages, routes of administration, adverse
effects, cautions, contraindications, and drug interactions of the different ant rheumatoid
drugs.
6. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving biologic response modifying drugs and for those receiving ant rheumatoid drugs.
7. Discuss the role of immunosuppressive therapy in organ transplantation and in the treatment
of autoimmune diseases.
8. Discuss the mechanisms of action, contraindications, cautions, adverse effects, routes of
administration, drug interactions, and toxicity of the most commonly used
immunosuppressants.
9. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving immunosuppressants after organ transplantation or for the treatment of autoimmune
disease
10. Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, including the process of
peristalsis.
11. Identify the various factors affecting bowel elimination and/or bowel patterns.
12. List the various groups of drugs used to treat alterations in bowel elimination, specifically
diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
16 | P a g e
IICHP
13. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, cautions, contraindications, drug interactions,
dosages, routes of administration, and adverse effects of the various antidiarrheals,
probiotics, laxatives, and IBS drugs.
14. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients taking
antidiarrheals, probiotics, laxatives, and IBS drugs.
15. Discuss the role of immunosuppressive therapy in organ transplantation and in the treatment
of autoimmune immunosuppressants diseases.
16. Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, including the process of
peristalsis.
17. Identify the various factors affecting bowel elimination and/or bowel patterns.
18. List the various groups of drugs used to treat alterations in bowel elimination, specifically
diarrhea, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
19. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, cautions, contraindications, drug interactions,
dosages, routes of administration, and adverse effects of the various antidiarrheals,
probiotics, laxatives, and IBS drugs.
20. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients taking
antidiarrheals, probiotics, laxatives, and IBS drugs.
21. Discuss the pathophysiology of nausea and vomiting, including specific precipitating factors
and/or diseases.
22. Identify the various antiemetic and antinausea drugs and their drug classification groupings.
23. Describe the mechanisms of action, indications for use, contraindications, cautions, and drug
interactions of the various categories of antiemetic and antinausea drugs.
24. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients taking
antiemetic and antinausea drugs.
Textbook Pharmacology and the Nursing Process; 7th Edition
Chapters 47 through 52
Unit 10- Drug Classification- 8
On completion of this unit of study the student will be able to
1. Discuss the importance of the various vitamins and minerals to the normal functioning of
the human body.
2. Briefly describe the various acute and chronic disease states and conditions that may lead
to various imbalances in vitamin and mineral levels.
3. Discuss the pathologies that result from vitamin and mineral imbalances.
4. Describe the treatment of these vitamin and mineral imbalances.
5. Identify mechanisms of action, indications, cautions, contraindications, drug interactions,
dosages, recommended daily allowances, and routes of administration of each of the
vitamins and minerals.
6. Develop a nursing care plan related to the use of vitamins and minerals that includes all
phases of the nursing process.
7. Discuss the importance of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid in the formation of blood cells.
17 | P a g e
IICHP
8. Describe the various types of anemia-related drug treatments.
9. Discuss the mechanisms of action, cautions, contraindications, drug interactions, uses,
dosages, and special administration techniques of the various drugs used to treat anemia,
as well as measures to enhance the effectiveness and decrease the adverse effects of these
drugs.
10. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
taking drugs used to treat anemia.
11. Describe the various pathophysiologic processes and/or disease states that may lead to
nutritional deficiencies and require nutritional supplemental support.
12. Discuss the various enteral and parenteral nutritional supplements used to treat the
various deficiencies, including specific ingredients.
13. Describe the nurse's role in the process of initiating and maintaining continuous or
intermittent enteral feedings, total parenteral nutrition, and other forms of nutritional
supplementation.
14. Compare the various enteral feeding tubes, including specific uses, and detail the special
needs of patients requiring this nutritional support.
15. Discuss the mechanisms of action, cautions, and contraindications, routes of
administration, drug interactions, adverse effects, and complications associated with
enteral and parenteral nutritional supplementation.
16. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving enteral and parenteral supplemental feedings.
17. Discuss the various laboratory values related to nutritional deficits or altered nutritional
status and their impact on monitoring the therapeutic effects of the therapy
18. Discuss the normal anatomy, physiology, and functions of the skin.
19. Describe the different disorders, infections, and other conditions commonly affecting the
skin.
20. Identify the various dermatologic drugs used to treat these disorders, infections, and other
conditions, and describe the various classifications of these drugs.
21. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, cautions, other drug
interactions, application techniques, and adverse effects of the various topical
dermatologic drugs.
22. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
using topical dermatologic drugs.
23. Discuss the anatomy and physiology of the structures of the eye and the impact of
glaucoma and other disorders and disease processes on these structures.
24. List the various classifications of ophthalmic drugs, with examples of specific drugs in
each class.
25. Discuss the mechanisms of action, indications, and dosage forms with application
techniques, adverse effects, cautions, contraindications, and drug interactions of the
various ophthalmic drugs.
26. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
receiving ophthalmic drugs.
27. Describe the anatomy of the ear including external, middle, and inner ear.
28. Cite the various categories of ear disorders, and describe their causes and signs and
symptoms.
18 | P a g e
IICHP
29. List the various types of otic preparations and their indications.
30. Discuss the mechanisms of action, dosage, cautions, contraindications, drug interactions,
and specific application techniques of each of the otic drugs.
31. Develop a nursing care plan that includes all phases of the nursing process for patients
taking otic drugs.
Textbook Pharmacology and the Nursing Process; 7th Edition
Chapters 53 through 58
You have successfully completed your pharmacology course when you have met all objectives to
which the textbook has designed to prepare you. Although you may not discuss in class every
single objective, you are responsible to read and complete them in preparation for every exam.
19 | P a g e