NURS 3424 Pharmacology: Nursing Implications
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course will focus on the fundamental principles of pharmacology and
investigation of the major classifications of drugs with emphasis on pharmacotherapeutic actions and nursing
implications. Previously learned skills and concepts as well as prerequisite science courses are integrated into the
discussions. Students will be required to take an assessment Pharmacology Exam (ATI).
CREDIT: 4 Credit hours (6 clock per week)
Class time:
Online check in at least 3 times per week for any new announcements. Class assignments based on
Mondays, Wednesdays
PROGRAM LEVEL: I
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS:
Kee, J, Hayes, E.R., McCuistion, L.E., (2012). Pharmacology : A Nursing Process Approach (7th edition). St.
Louis: Saunders.
Kee, J, Hayes, E.R., McCuistion, L.E. , (2012). Pharmacology : A Nursing Process Approach 7th Ed Study Guide.
St. Louis: Saunders. Worksheets or other learning tools may be used @ instructor’s discretion.
Course Coordinator: Debby Ginbey, RN, MSN, MA
Office Hours M-Th, 8-5 Phone: Cell: 325-232-1580
Email: debby.ginbey@wayland.wbu.edu
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Recognize pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynanamics of selected agents, and be able to administer
medications according to current and approved standards.
2. Select and prioritize nursing interventions based on differentiating side effects from adverse reactions in
clients.
3. Identify specific client responses influenced by pharmacodynamic interactions of categories of drugs.
4. Utilize the nursing process and critical thinking skills to assist clients with management of drug therapy.
5. Identify key elements to be included in client teaching programs related to medications.
EVALUATION AND GRADING:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89
C = 75-79
D = 70-74
F = 69 and below
Grading Rubric
NURS 3424 Pharmacology: Nursing Implications
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5 tests
Drug Paper
Critical Thinking Papers – 5 (20 pts each)
Comprehensive final
ATI (100% for level 3; 90% for level 2; 80% for level 1; 70% for below level 1)
Total
50%
15%
10%
20%
5%
100%
Testing/ Quizzes/Exam
Test and exam dates and content will be published in the course syllabi. A blueprint will be prepared by the faculty
and distributed to the student prior to the test or exam. The blueprint will provide the student with the subject
content, the number of questions in that subject area and the type of question. The type of question will be
categorized two ways. First the question will be categorized by the areas of the nursing process; assessment,
planning, intervention and evaluation. The question will also be categorized by cognitive level; knowledge, analysis,
application, and comprehension. If the student must miss a test or exam, he or she must notify the faculty as soon as
possible with good cause provided before the scheduled test/exam. A date for the make-up test must be arranged
with the instructor within one week of the missed test. An alternate test on the subject matter will be provided and
no blueprint will be provided for the make-up test. Pop quizzes are not announced. There will be no make-up
quizzes. Challenges to test-bank questions shall be accepted until 6 pm the day of test review, no challenges to final
exam questions shall be accepted. Scantron answers are the only answers that will be accepted.
Grading Criteria for Drug Paper
Points
Describe a Pharmacologic Classification relevant to pharmacology
20
Describe the generic & trade names & therapeutic classification
Mechanism of Action & Indication for use
20
Usual route, administration & dose & contraindications, side effects, adverse effects, drug interactions
Nurse management
30
Discuss assessment, management, including how self-care & holistic needs are encouraged
Review evidence base cited 2 professional nursing sources (not textbooks or websites) 20
APA citation – paper,
3-5 pages, proper grammar, double-spaced & APA format with cover sheet, references 10
Research and writing competency is an expectation in professional nursing, therefore, effective writing and
proficiency in research is required in this course. ENGL 1301 and RSWR 3345 are required prior to this course and
provide preparation for the writing level required in this course. Consult Purdue’s OWL website or WBU’s
Saturday clinic for writing assistance in APA citation. Research and writing competencies are expected, source
selection shall be nursing peer reviewed, format, citations, organization, grammar and mechanics can impact your
grade on written assignments.
Group process is an essential part of professional nursing, therefore, group projects will be required in various
nursing courses. Just as various shifts are responsible for patient care and nurses rely on each other and other
professionals to accomplish total care, you will rely on each other and work together for a particular project. The
grade earned goes to the entire group, therefore, it is crucial that students work together, review the grading rubric,
and review the work together before presentation or paper submission.
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Policy on Academic Integrity. Standards of academic honesty are expected. Academic dishonesty includes, but is
not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, counterfeit work, unauthorized reuse of work, theft, and collusion.
Policy Regarding Due Dates for Assignments: Hard copies of the assignments are due to faculty on assigned
dates at the beginning of the class period. Students are responsible for contacting the course faculty if there is any
difficulty in understanding the course materials or completing the course assignments. Up to 10% may be deducted
for each day of late assignments, late or incomplete care plans may result in clinical failure.
Student Responsibilities: Students are adult learners and responsible for self-directed study to complete this
course. Check postings on blackboard each week, learn to use blackboard postings provided by professors, as they
are intended to increase your professional nursing knowledge bank. Learn to become a resource broker, speak
professionally and use citations, it is part of professional nursing. Assignments, blogs, and presentation have due
dates and points will be reduced if not punctual. The profession of nursing requires punctuality in documentation
and attendance. It also requires reliability as fellow staff and administration rely on you to come to work prepared.
Patients rely on you to know the current state of their health and current professional standards. Citations and
references are to be used and documented using the professional citation of nursing, APA (5th edition) format.
Disability Statement: Wayland Baptist University adheres to a policy of providing equal opportunity to students
with disabilities. Disability is defined by the University as any condition that falls under the purview of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Wayland will strive to achieve optimum opportunity for participation in the University
experience for all students, regardless of their circumstance. The University encourages any student who has a
disability, as defined by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to inform the University of any Special Requirements or
needs by reporting these to the Dean of Students or the Vice President for Academic and Student Services. The
University will strive to meet these needs in accordance with applicable federal guidelines and Christian ethical
considerations.
Student Conduct: (This is a statement of conduct standards. It is enforced in conjunction with the Discipline
Policy and Substance Abuse Policy found elsewhere in this handbook.) Wayland proudly adheres to high standards
of intellectual, moral, ethical, and spiritual values. Convinced that self-discipline is more desirable than outside force
and that the truly educated person must pursue what is right under all circumstances, Wayland entrusts each student
with the solemn obligation of preserving these standards.
However, in the light of revelation, reason, and the custom of the Christian community from which Wayland has
sprung, certain practices are evaluated:
1. Personal integrity in keeping with New Testament standards is expected of all students.
2. Respect for the property, knowledge, and rights of other people must prevail.
3. The use or possession of alcoholic beverages and/or illegal drugs is forbidden.
4. Gambling, hazing, and the on-campus possession of firearms or deadly weapons are prohibited. BB Guns and
Paint Ball Guns are also prohibited.
5. The use of tobacco by students is discouraged, though permitted in certain designated areas of the campus. In
consideration of the rights of others and the requirements of safety, such areas are designated.
The authority of the University is exercised over all student groups or organizations bearing the name of the
university, or any student enterprises to the extent necessary to safeguard the good name and well being of Wayland.
Specifically, each student is expected to conduct himself in such a manner as to uphold, not detract from, the good
name of Wayland Baptist University. If one feels that he/she cannot subscribe to the moral and social practices of
the University, he/she will find greater acceptance elsewhere.
NURS 3424 Pharmacology: Nursing Implications
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Standards of Professional Nursing Practice (BON 213.27, 217.11, 217.12) Please refer to the Board of Nursing
at www.BON.state.tx.us for any additional information regarding the Texas Nurse Practice Act.
1. Knows rationale for side effects of medications and treatments, and correctly administers same. 217.00 (1)(c).
2. Documents nursing care accurately and completely, including signs and symptoms, nursing care rendered,
medication administration. Contacts health care team concerning significant events in patient health. 217.11 (1)
(d).
3. Implements a safe environment for patients and/or others. 217.11 (1) (b).
4. Respects client confidentiality. 217.11 (1)(e).
5. Accepts assignments commensurate with educational level, preparation, experience and knowledge.
217.11(1)(t).
6. Obtains instruction and supervision as necessary when implementing nursing procedures and practices.
217.11(1)(h).
7. Notifies the appropriate supervisor when leaving an assignment. 217.11 (1) (I).
8. Recognizes and maintains professional boundaries of the nurse/patient relationship. 217.11 (1)(J).
9. Clarifies orders, treatments, that the nurse has reason to believe are inaccurate, non-effective or contraindicated.
217.11 (1)(N).
10. Able to distinguish right from wrong. 213.27 (b)(2)(A).
11. Able to think and act rationally 213.27(b)(2)(B).
12. Able to keep promises and honor obligations 213.27(b)(2)(C).
13. Accountable for own behavior 213.27(b)(2)(D).
14. Able to promptly and fully self-disclose facts, circumstances, events, errors and omissions when these
disclosures will enhance health status of patients or protect patients from unnecessary risk or harm.
213.27(b)(2)(G).
** PLEASE NOTE—THE UNIT NUMBERS ON THIS SYLLABUS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THE
UNIT LISTED IN THE TEXTBOOK. THESE ARE FOR WEEK ASSIGNMENT PURPOSES ONLY!!
A more detailed schedule will be posted on the first day of class with chapters and exam dates.
Course Outline
Unit 1 Basic Pharmacologic Principles & Safe Administration of Medications
Unit 2 Medications Used to Treat Infection
Unit 3 Medications Affecting the Immune System
Unit 4 Medications for Pain and Inflammation
Unit 5 Medications Affecting the Nervous System
Unit 6 Medications Affecting the Cardiovascular System
Unit 7 Medications Affecting the Blood
Unit 8 Medications Affecting the Respiratory System
Unit 9 Medications Affecting Fluid, Electrolytes, Minerals, and/or the Renal System
Unit 10 Medications Affecting the Digestive System and Nutrition
Unit 11 Medications Affecting the Endocrine System
Unit 12 Medications Affecting Reproduction
Week
1
2
Date
TBA
Overview Medications for Infection & the Immune system
Cont. Antineoplastic Agents
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3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
TBA
Exam 1 Begin reading Medications for Pain & Inflammation and Nervous
system
Exam 2 Begin reading Medications for the Cardiovascular, blood system
Medications for CV & Blood- cont.
Exam 3 Begin reading Medications for the Respiratory system
Medications for Fluid, Electrolytes, Minerals & the Renal system
Exam 4 Begin reading Medications for the Digestive system & nutrition
Medications for the Endocrine system
Exam 5
ATI Exam (may occur during week 10) & Final comprehensive EXAM
NOTE: Class schedule may be adapted or changed for faculty, school, dean, or facililty needs.
Learning Objectives: Review and apply knowledge within resources provided below in readiness for performance
of the following nursing activities:
Unit 1 Basic Pharmacologic Principles & Safe Administration of Medications
Apply knowledge of basic pharmacologic principles, such as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in understanding and interpreting medication orders, in
safely administering medications, in monitoring side/adverse effects, and in evaluating medication effectiveness.
Apply knowledge of the basic mechanisms of drug-drug and drug-food interactions and assess/monitor the client for these interactions.
Apply knowledge of different types of adverse medication reactions and assess/ monitor the client for these effects.
Demonstrate appropriate nursing care for the client experiencing an adverse medication reaction.
Assess/monitor the client for contraindications and intervene as appropriate.
Provide/reinforce teaching to client/family/significant others on how to manage potential adverse effects, interactions, or incompatibilities of all medications taken
by the client.
Demonstrate appropriate documentation of medication administration for clients experiencing medication interactions and adverse effects.
Apply knowledge of dosage calculations to determine correct medication dosage for clients.
Demonstrate use of dimensional analysis and other methods to calculate and monitor client medication dose.
Identify legal issues and nursing responsibilities of medication administration.
Assess/collect client data (e.g., vital signs, laboratory values, allergies) before medication preparation and administration.
Prepare and demonstrate safe administration of different routes of medications(e.g., oral, topical, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal, and intravenous).
Use the nursing process to reduce the risk of medication errors.
Demonstrate appropriate documentation of all medication administration.
Evaluate response to medication errors and intervene as indicated.
Follow legal and facility/agency policies in the administration of controlled substances.
Identify and use various resources to obtain information regarding medication administration.
Apply knowledge of age-specific and other considerations of medication responses to safely and effectively administer medications.
Assess/monitor the client for physical and psychosocial factors that impact medication administration.
Demonstrate appropriate nursing care for the client with an individual variation in medication response.
Assess/monitor the client for individual medication responses.
Provide/reinforce teaching to family/significant others/client on how to manage individual variations of medication responses.
Unit 2 Medications Used to Treat Infection
Assess/monitor the client for expected effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for side/adverse effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for actual/potential specific food and medication interactions.
Identify contraindications, actual/potential incompatibilities, and interactions between medications, and intervene appropriately.
Identify symptoms/evidence of an allergic reaction, and respond appropriately.
Evaluate/monitor and document the therapeutic and adverse/side effects of medications.
Provide/reinforce client teaching on actions, therapeutic effects, potential side/adverse effects, and interactions of medications.
Assess/collect data regarding the client’s medication use over time.
Unit 3 Medications Affecting the Immune System
Assess/monitor the client for expected effects of medications/immunizations.
Assess/monitor the client for side/adverse effects of medications/immunizations.
Assess/monitor the client for actual/potential specific food and medication interactions.
Identify contraindications, actual/potential incompatibilities, and interactions between medications/immunizations, and intervene appropriately.
Identify symptoms/evidence of an allergic reaction, and respond appropriately.
Evaluate/monitor and document the therapeutic and adverse/side effects of medications/immunizations.
Provide/reinforce client teaching on actions, therapeutic effects, potential side/adverse effects and interactions of medications/immunizations.
Evaluate a client’s immunization status and recognize the need for immunizations based on current immunization guidelines.
Assess/collect data regarding the client’s medication use over time.
Unit 4 Medications for Pain and Inflammation, eye, ear & skin
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Assess/monitor the client’s need for pain medication, and plan and provide care to meet the client’s needs for pain intervention.
Assess/monitor the effectiveness of pain intervention, and advocate for the client’s needs as indicated.
Provide appropriate client education, and reinforce client teaching regarding the purposes and possible effects of pain medications.
Assess/monitor the client for expected effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for side/adverse effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for actual/potential specific food and medication interactions.
Identify contraindications, actual/potential incompatibilities, and interactions between medications, and intervene appropriately.
Identify symptoms/evidence of an allergic reaction, and respond appropriately.
Evaluate/monitor and document the therapeutic and adverse/side effects of medications.
Assess/collect data regarding the client’s medication use over time.
Unit 5 Medications Affecting the Nervous System
Assess/monitor the client for expected effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for side/adverse effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for actual/potential specific food and medication interactions.
Identify contraindications, actual/potential incompatibilities, and interactions between medications, and intervene appropriately.
Identify symptoms/evidence of an allergic reaction, and respond appropriately.
Evaluate/monitor and document the therapeutic and adverse/side effects of medications.
Provide/reinforce client teaching on actions, therapeutic effects, potential side/adverse effects, and interactions of medications.
Assess/collect data regarding the client’s medication use over time.
Unit 6 Medications Affecting the Cardiovascular System
Assess/monitor the client for expected effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for side/adverse effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for actual/potential specific food and medication interactions.
Identify contraindications, actual/potential incompatibilities, and interactions between medications, and intervene appropriately.
Identify symptoms/evidence of an allergic reaction, and respond appropriately.
Evaluate/monitor and document the therapeutic and adverse/side effects of medications.
Provide/reinforce client teaching on actions, therapeutic effects, potential side/adverse effects, and interactions of medications.
Assess/collect data regarding the client’s medication use over time.
Unit 7 Medications Affecting the Blood
Assess/monitor the client for expected effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for side/adverse effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for actual/potential specific food and medication interactions.
Identify contraindications, actual/potential incompatibilities, and interactions between medications, and intervene appropriately.
Identify symptoms/evidence of an allergic reaction, and respond appropriately.
Evaluate/monitor and document the therapeutic and adverse/side effects of medications.
Provide/reinforce client teaching on actions, therapeutic effects, potential side/ adverse effects and interactions of medications.
Assess/collect data regarding the client’s medication use over time.
Unit 8 Medications Affecting the Respiratory System
Assess/monitor the client for expected effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for side/adverse effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for actual/potential specific food and medication interactions.
Identify contraindications, actual/potential incompatibilities, and interactions between medications, and intervene appropriately.
Identify symptoms/evidence of an allergic reaction, and respond appropriately.
Evaluate/monitor and document the therapeutic and adverse/side effects of medications.
Provide/reinforce client teaching on actions, therapeutic effects, potential side/adverse effects, and interactions of medications.
Assess/collect data regarding the client’s medication use over time.
Unit 9 Medications Affecting Fluid, Electrolytes, Minerals, and/or the Renal System
Assess/monitor the client for expected effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for side/adverse effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for actual/potential specific food and medication interactions.
Identify contraindications, actual/potential incompatibilities, and interactions between medications, and intervene appropriately.
Identify symptoms/evidence of an allergic reaction, and respond appropriately.
Evaluate/monitor and document the therapeutic and adverse/side effects of medications.
Provide/reinforce client teaching on actions, therapeutic effects, potential side/ adverse effects, and interactions of medications.
Assess/collect data regarding the client’s medication use over time.
Unit 10 Medications Affecting the Digestive System and Nutrition
Assess/monitor the client for expected effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for side/adverse effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for actual/potential specific food and medication interactions.
Identify contraindications, actual/potential incompatibilities, and interactions between medications, and intervene appropriately.
Identify symptoms/evidence of an allergic reaction, and respond appropriately.
Evaluate/monitor and document the therapeutic and adverse/side effects of medications.
Provide/reinforce client teaching on actions, therapeutic effects, potential side/ adverse effects and interactions of medications.
Assess/collect data regarding the client’s medication use over time.
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Unit 11 Medications Affecting the Endocrine System
Assess/monitor the client for expected effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for side/adverse effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for actual/potential specific food and medication interactions.
Identify contraindications, actual/potential incompatibilities, and interactions between medications, and intervene appropriately.
Identify symptoms/evidence of an allergic reaction, and respond appropriately.
Evaluate/monitor and document the therapeutic and adverse/side effects of medications.
Provide/reinforce client teaching on actions, therapeutic effects, potential side/ adverse effects, and interactions of medications.
Assess/collect data regarding the client’s medication use over time.
Unit 12 Medications Affecting Reproduction (Kee, chapters 52-57)
Assess/monitor the client for expected effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for side/adverse effects of medications.
Assess/monitor the client for actual/potential specific food and medication interactions.
Identify contraindications, actual/potential incompatibilities, and interactions between medications, and intervene appropriately.
Identify symptoms/evidence of an allergic reaction, and respond appropriately.
Evaluate/monitor and document the therapeutic and adverse/side effects of medications.
Provide/reinforce client teaching on actions, therapeutic effects, potential side/ adverse effects, and interactions of medications.
Assess/collect data regarding the client’s medication use over time.
NURS 3424 Pharmacology: Nursing Implications
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Fall 2010 Pharm Syllabus
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