Western Nevada College
Nursing 153: Foundations of Pharmacology II
Course Syllabus ~ Spring 2011
Instructor:
Debi Ingraffia-Strong MSN, RN
Professor of Nursing
2
Western Nevada College
NURS 152: Foundations of Pharmacology in Nursing II ~ Spring 2011
Name: Foundations of Pharmacology in Nursing II
Discipline: Nursing (NURS)
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: NURS 152 and admission to the nursing program
Transfer Information: Courses with numbers 100 to 299: This course is designed to
apply toward a WNC degree and/or transfer to other schools within the Nevada System of
Higher Education, depending on the degree chosen and other courses completed. It may
transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada. For information about how this
course can transfer and apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.
I. Course Description
Provides students with an overview of pharmacology with an emphasis on clinical
applications within the context of the nursing process and prioritization of needs; with
special consideration given to the physiological, psycho/social, cultural, and spiritual
needs of patients. Explores indications, modes of action, effects, contraindications and
interactions for selected drugs. Specific nursing responsibilities related to drug
administration are emphasized.
II. Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
1. Define terms, concepts and basic processes associated with physiologic effects of
medication therapy.
2. Detail basic physiologic processes involved with absorption and elimination of
medications.
3. Describe characteristics of major groups and selected individual medications in terms
of the following: mechanism(s) of action; drug effects; therapeutic uses; side effects
and adverse effects; toxicity and management of overdoses; interactions; and nursing
responsibilities related to administration, monitoring, and teaching.
4. Utilize available resources to update personal knowledge of medications.
5. Utilize appropriate conversions to practice drug dosage calculations.
6. Describe legal/ regulatory issues related to medication administration.
7. Examine current literature on a pharmacological topic of interest and demonstrate
college level writing skills and APA format in a 1-2 page paper.
8. Describe the nursing role in drug therapy as it relates to:
a) Promoting physiologic and psychological wellness
b) Documenting therapeutic or non-therapeutic effects
3
c) Selected legal and ethical aspects of medication therapy
d) Major issues/ concerns in medication therapy across the lifespan
e) Application of the nursing process
f) Nursing responsibilities related to documentation and patient teaching
g) Evaluate influences of medications on body systems using the nursing process
and Maslows Hierarchy of Needs.
III. WEB Course Requirements
This course utilizes Blackboard/WebCT to provide handouts and communicate with
students. Students will need to have the skills necessary to use the internet and a basic
understanding of how to download and print documents from the internet. You should
also know how to use a word processor that will save in an .rtf or .doc format to type and
submit papers via the web. Computer Hardware/ software requirements for
Blackboard/WebCT: Windows 98/Me/2000/NT4/XP or MAC System 7 or higher
(Note: Other operating systems may work based on the browser used, but no support will
be offered.)





32 Mb of RAM (64 Mb recommended)
28.8 kbs Internet connection (56.6 kbs recommended)
A WebCT verified browser. (See WebCT Browser Tune-up for further
information.)
A current email address (If you are currently an enrolled WNC student and wish
to establish a WNC email address, please go to: Activate Your Email Account
*Here is a helpful link to the Blackboard/WebCT tutorial that all first time
webCT students should run through to help them become familiar with using
the format of this class. http://www.wnc.edu/online/webtut/
IV. Disability Support Services
Any student needing to request accommodations for a specific disability, counseling
and/or testing support to please meet with the DSS coordinator (445-3275) at your
earliest convenience to ensure timely and appropriate accommodations. The DSS office
is located in Bristlecone building, Room 103.
V. Teaching-Learning Strategies
Required reading, pathophysiology assignments, lecture pod cast, online discussion and
activities, case study application, & audiovisual aids.
VI. Credit Hour Designation
This course has 15 contact hours, with 15 weekly online lecture content & discussion
activities through Blackboard
4
VII. Textbooks
Required Texts:
Lilley, L., Rainforth Collins, S., Harrington, S., & Snyder, J. (2011) Pharmacology and
the Nursing Process, (6th edition) St. Louis: Mosby
Huether, S., & McCance, K. (2002) Understanding Pathophysiology (4th edition) St.
Lewis: Mosby
Recommended Texts:
Lilley, L., Rainforth Collins, S., Harrington, S., & Snyder, J. (2011) Study Guide for
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, (6th edition) St. Louis: Mosby
VIII. Methods of Evaluation
The student must pass all method of evaluation with 75% accuracy. These methods
include:
a. 2 quizzes taken in Blackboard/WebCT
b. 4 examinations
c. 12 Weekly online discussion question assignments, 2 discussion responses
d. 12 Weekly pathophysiology assignments
e. Comparative analysis paper
IX. Grading System
Grading of all exams, quiz and written assignments are done on a point basis. The letter
grade is calculated from the number of points earned against the number of points
possible.
The student must pass the exams with a score of 165 points which is 75% or
better to earn the extra points from the pathophysiology, online assignments, and
paper (refer to the WNC nursing student handbook).
Any students caught cheating on an exam, quiz, or assignment will receive a 0.
No exceptions. Refer to criteria for exam taking.
Exam scores will be posted by 5:00 pm Friday of the exam week in the
Blackboard/WebCT system.
There will be no extra credit questions on exams!
Syllabus Quiz – Blackboard/WebCT
Exam 1
Professional Development Quiz/WebCT
Exam 2
Exam 3
Final Exam
Cumulative points from exams & quiz must total 165 - equal
to 75% in order for the additional points to count
Online discussion questions (12)
Pathophysiology questions (12)
Comparative Analysis Paper
Discussion Posting Responses (2x5 pts ea)
Total Possible Points
10 points
50 points
10 points
50 points
50 points
50 points
220
60
60
20
10
370 possible total points
Must attain 277 points (75%) in order to receive a passing grade of C
See WNC Student Handbook for grading policy & final grade distribution.
5
X. Written Assignments
Refer to the student handbook for policies on legibility, completion of written
assignments, and grading policies. APA format will be used for all references and
citations.
Students are expected to abide by the WNC Code of Student Conduct in all of
their classes http://www.wnc.edu/policymanual/3-4-4.htm
Plagiarism is a particularly serious violation, as outlined in the WNC policy
manual, Academic Integrity section of code #3-4-5. It will not be tolerated!
All assignments are to be posted to blackboard by midnight of the date due.
Online assignments and participation in discussions:
This is web course. Active participation on Blackboard/WebCT is required.
Please check webCT daily for new postings, announcements, etc.
12 weekly discussion question assignments, 5 points each. Must be posted to
Blackboard/WebCT discussion page by Sunday, midnight of that week. See
course calendar for due dates. Content must be referenced; all references must be
cited per APA format.
Two substantive discussion question responses throughout the semester are
required, 5 points each. Content must be referenced; all references must be cited
per APA format (see response rubric attached for grading).
Syllabus Quiz:
Week 1 – due by Sunday midnight
Quiz regarding the syllabus and class specifics will be available through
Blackboard/WebCT assessment icon. To be taken online at your leisure.
Professional Development Quiz:
Following the NSNA Job & Professional Development Fair a 10 point quiz will
be available on Blackboard/WebCT through the following Sunday, midnight.
Comparative Analysis Paper
Choose a selected case study which will be posted in WebCT week 4. Each case
study reflects a recent change in a patient’s medication regimen. Compare,
contrast and analyze the potential impact of this change upon the patient and
medical management. Evaluate the difference between the two drugs including
nursing considerations and patient teaching. APA format. (see attached rubric)
Paper will be submitted to the drop box in Blackboard/WebCT by midnight April
17, 2011. Three points will be subtracted from the student’s potential score for
each day the assignment is late or missing; unless the instructor grants a waiver
for late work.
Pathophysiology assignments:
12 weekly pathophysiology assignments related to the readings from Huether and
McCance will be due by midnight Sunday of the assigned weeks, see course
calendar for due dates. 5 points possible each.
Content must be referenced; all references must be cited per APA format.
6
XI. Instructor Contact Information
Debi Ingraffia-Strong MSN, RN
Professor of Nursing
Office phone: (775) 445-3334
ingraffi@wnc.edu
Cell phone:
(775) 901-0612
Office: Cedar 231
Office hours are posted outside of my office door and on the WNC website.
Online office hours: Monday 6:00pm – 8:00pm
I am always available by appointment!
7
XII. Course Calendar ~ Outline of Topics & Readings
Week
Readings: Lilley, Harrington & Snyder
Exam/Quiz
Assignments
Chap 12 –pp. 178 – 185
Chap 17– pp. 222-285
Chap 14 – 210 – 225
Chap 36: Antihistamines, Decongestants,
Antitussives, & Expectorants pp. 551-563
Syllabus quiz
~Online~ Due
1/30 midnight
DQ 1 due
Patho 1 due
1/30/11 midnight
DQ2 due
Patho 2 due
2/6/11
DQ3; Patho 3
due 2/13/11


General & Local Anesthetics
Psychotropic Drugs
CNS Stimulants & related drugs
Respiratory Drugs
Antihistamines, decongestants,
antitussives, expectorants
Respiratory Drugs
Bronchodilators and other resp
Exam 1
Computer room
Blood-forming Drugs
Cardiovascular & Renal Drugs
Heart Failure Drugs
Antidysrhythmic Drugs
Antianginal Drugs
Antihypertensive Drugs
Diuretic Drugs
Fluid & Electrolytes
Exam 2
Computer room
Coagulation Modifier Drugs
Antilipemic Drugs






SPRING BREAK
Endocrine Drugs
Pituitary Drugs
Thyroid & Antithyroid Drugs
Endocrine Drugs:
Antidiabetic Drugs
SPRING BREAK
11

Adrenal Drugs
Chap 33: Adrenal Drugs pp. 509-518
12








Exam 3
Computer room
Gastrointestinal & Nutritional
Acid-controlling Drugs
Bowel disorder Drugs
Antiemetic & Antinausea Drugs
Women’s health Drugs
Men’s health Drugs




Antieoplastic Drugs
Vitamins & Minerals
Nutrition supplements
FINAL EXAM
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
13
14
15
16
Content Covered


















Chap 37: Bronchodilators & other Respiratory
Agents pp. 564-581
2/07/11
11am – 1pm
Chap. 55: Blood-forming drugs pp. 854-862
Chap 22: Heart Failure Drugs pp. 331-346
Chap 23: Antidysrhythmic Drugs pp. 347-367
Chap 24: Antianginal Drugs pp. 368-381
Chap 25: Antihypertensive Drugs pp. 382-402
Chap 26: Diuretic Drugs pp. 403-416
Chap 27: Fluid & Electrolytes pp. 417-431
DQ 4 due
Patho 4 due
2/27/11
Job Fair Quiz
~Online~ Due
3/6 midnight
3/07/11
11am-1pm
Chap 28: Coagulation mod. Drugs pp.432-454
Chap 29: Antilipemic drugs pp. 455-469
DQ 5 due
Patho 5 due
3/6/11
DQ 6 due
Patho 6 due
3/20/11
DQ 7 due
Patho 7 due
4/3/11
DQ 8 due
Patho 8 due
4/10/11
DQ 9; Patho 9;
Paper due
4/17/11 midnight
Chap 30: Pituitary Drugs pp. 472-479
Chap 31: Thyroid & Antithyroid pp. 480-487
Chap 32: Antidiabetic Drugs pp. 488-508
04/18/11
11am-1pm
DQ 10 due
Patho 10 due
5/1/11
Chap 50: Acid-controlling Drugs pp. 784-796
Chap 51: Bowel disorder Drugs pp. 797-809
Chap 52: Antiemetic /Antinausea pp. 810-820
Chap 34: Women’s health Drugs pp. 519-539
Chap 35: Men’s health Drugs pp. 540-548
DQ 11 due
Patho 11 due
5/8/11
DQ 12 due
Patho 11 due
5/15/11
Chap 47: Ca/Cell cycle specific pp.721-745
Chap 53: Vitamins & minerals pp. 821-840
Chap 54: Nutrition Supplements pp. 841-851
* All assignments are to be submitted by midnight of the date due.
05/17/11
11am-1pm
8
Grading Rubric for Discussion Question & Responses - 5 points possible
Points 
Connection
Significance
Contribution
Mechanics
Deadline and length
Excellent
1
The response concretely
connects with the original
posting.
The response adds significantly
to the original posting.
The response contributes good
suggestions to expand or
improve the original posting.
The response is written in
complete sentences and with
proper grammar. At least 1
reference per APA format
The posting is completed on
time and with a minimum of 250
words.
Satisfactory
0.5
The response somewhat connects
with the original posting.
Unsatisfactory
0
The response does not connect with the
original posting.
The response adds somewhat to the
original posting.
The response contributes fair
suggestions to expand or improve the
original posting.
Most of the response is written in
complete sentences and with proper
grammar. At least one reference
included but not APA formatted
The posting is completed one to two
days late or has fewer than 250
words.
The response does not add to the
original posting.
The response does not contribute good
suggestions to expand or improve the
original posting.
There are several incomplete sentences
and cases of poor grammar. No
reference included
The posting is more than 2 days late
and/or has significantly fewer than 250
words.
Grading Rubric for Pharmacological Paper ~ 20 points possible
Area
Title page
Intro
Body of paper/paragraphs
Conclusion
Mechanics
Content insights
APA format
APA references
Criteria
* APA format
* Includes a hook
* Plan/purpose of paper is stated
* Topic sentence
* Evidence supporting the topic is clear and persuasive
*Transition/concluding sentence for each paragraph
* Comparison & contrast of medications
* Impact upon patient & medical regimen
* Nursing considerations
* Patient teaching plan
* Spelling
* Grammar
* Punctuation
* Proofreading
* Content insights – analysis level
* Impact of the medication change upon the patient &
medical management
* APA in-text citations
* APA reference page
* Utilization of WNC library database
Always
4
Mostly
3
Occas.
2
Seldom
1
None
0