Course Syllabus
Nursing 153: Foundations of Pharmacology
Debi Ingraffia-Strong PhD(c), MSN, RN
Professor of Nursing
Spring 2016
2
Western Nevada College
NURS 153: Foundations of Pharmacology in Nursing II ~ Spring 2016
Name: Foundations of Pharmacology in Nursing II
Discipline: Nursing (NURS)
Credits: 1
Prerequisites: NURS 152 and admission to the nursing program
I. Course Description
Provides a continuation of study of pharmacological principles and practices to achieve
safe administration of medications. Selected drug classifications are presented, with an
emphasis on understanding intended and unintended effects of drugs on body systems.
Provides an overview of pharmacology with an emphasis on clinical applications within
the context of the nursing process and prioritization of needs.
II. Course Objectives
A. Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Define terms, concepts, and basic processes associated with physiologic effects of
medication therapy.
Detail basic physiologic processes involved with absorption and elimination of
medications.
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.
Utilize available resources to update personal knowledge of medications.
Utilize appropriate conversions to practice drug dosage calculations.
Describe legal/regulatory issues related to medication administration.
Examine and integrate current literature in developing a comparative case study
evaluation and demonstrate college level writing skills within an APA formatted
3-4 page comparative analysis paper.
Describe the nursing role in drug therapy as it relates to:
Promoting physiologic and psychological wellness.
Documenting therapeutic or non-therapeutic effects.
Selected legal and ethical aspects of medication therapy.
Major issues/concerns in medication therapy across the lifespan.
Application of the nursing process.
Nursing responsibilities related to documentation and patient teaching.
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9.
Evaluate influences of medications on body systems using the nursing process
and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
B. Linkage of the course to nursing program educational outcomes
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Apply the nursing process in a caring manner to safely meet the holistic needs of patients
across the lifespan
2. Utilize a broad range of communication skills to promote understanding
3. Utilize a spirit of inquiry to integrate current evidence-based guidelines and nursing
science when making clinical practice decisions
4. Apply concepts of caring, cultural sensitivity and respect for all persons
5. Apply principles of teaching and learning to empower patients and families to effectively
manage healthcare
6. Incorporate principles of collaboration and teamwork with patients, families and the
health care team to achieve patient centered care
7. Provide and manage care that reflect the ethical values of nursing within professional
standards and legal parameters of the profession
III. WEB Course Requirements
This course utilizes WNC online (Canvas) 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 or html format to type and submit papers via the web. Tutorial link and
frequently asked questions and answers regarding this online platform are
available at http://www.wnc.edu/wnconline/
Canvas technical support for faculty and student is available 24/7 by phone
or text chat (855-308-2493). Canvas help can be accessed by clicking on the
help link at the top right of the canvas home page.
IV. Disability Support Services
Western Nevada College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations
for all persons with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate formats
upon request. If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work
in this class and for which you may require accommodations, please see a staff
member in Disability Support Services (Carson Campus, Cedar 209 or 775-4454459 or susan.trist@wnc.edu) so that such accommodations can be considered.
Students that receive accommodation letters, please meet with me to discuss the
provisions of those accommodations as soon as possible.
V. Teaching-Learning Strategies
Required reading, pathophysiology concept maps, lecture, pair-share activities, online
discussion and activities, case study application, & audiovisual aids. ATI resource
modules and Evolve student support resources.
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VI. Credit Hour Designation
This course has 15 contact hours, with 15 hours actual lecture & classroom activity time.
VII. Textbooks
Required Texts:
Lilley, L., Rainforth Collins, S., Harrington, S., & Snyder, J. (2014) Pharmacology and
the Nursing Process (7th edition) St. Louis: Mosby
Recommended Texts:
Rayfield, S., & Manning, L. (2009) Pharmacology Made Insanely Easy (3rd edition) GA:
ICAN publishers.
Lilley, L., Collins, S., Harrington, S., & Snyder, J., (2014) Study Guide for
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, (7th edition) St. Louis: Mosby.
VIII. Methods of Evaluation
The student must pass all methods of evaluation with 75% cumulative accuracy. These
methods include:
a. 4 examinations
b. 15 quizzes (the lowest grade is dropped)
c. 5 pathophysiology assignments
d. Comparative analysis paper
e. ATI Integrated Testing
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 150 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 WNC online.
There will be no extra credit questions on exams!
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Grading Point Allocation
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
ATI Integrated Testing – with Active Learning Case Scenarios
Final Exam
Cumulative points from exams must total 287 - equal to 75% in order
for the additional points to count
Weekly quizzes (EAQ) 10 pts each (15 with the lowest dropped to total 14)
Pathophysiology assignments 10 points each (5 total)
Comparative Analysis Paper
100 points
100 points
50 points
35 points
100 points
385 points
Total Possible Points
595 possible total
points
140 points
50 points
20 points
Must attain 444 points (75%) in order to receive a passing grade of C
See WNC Student Handbook for grading policy, progression, & final grade
distribution.
Withdrawal Policy: The last day to drop a course with a “W” is April 1, 2016 otherwise
the grade earned for the course will be recorded.
Evolve Adaptive Quizzing (EAQ):
Elsevier Adaptive Quizzing COURSE ID: 153223_dingraffiastrong_1002
INSTRUCTOR: Debi Ingraffiastrong Elsevier Adaptive Quizzing for Lilley
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process - Spring '17 Grads
Each week EAQ is assigned for student completion prior to class for credit.
These are quiz questions that are linked to the chapter required readings.
Students must be Students must be present in class to receive EAQ points,
and if not completed prior to class no credit will be awarded. Students
must attain a mastery level of 2 or a minimum of 40 questions attempted for
quiz points to be credited. The lowest EAQ score will be dropped.
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
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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!
Written assignments are to be posted in WNC online by midnight on the date
designated by the instructor. Three points will be deducted for each school day
assignments are turned in/posted to WNC online (canvas) late, unless the
instructor grants a waiver for late work. If the late penalty surpasses 25%, a 0 for
the assignment will be given.
Comparative Analysis Paper
Choose a selected case study which will be posted in WNC online 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 WNC online by midnight April 10,
2016. Three points will be subtracted from the student’s potential score for each
school day the assignment is late or missing; unless the instructor grants a waiver
for late work.
Pathophysiology assignments:
5 pathophysiology assignments will be due by 8am Tuesday of the assigned
weeks, see course calendar for due dates. 10 points possible each.
Content must be referenced; all references must be cited per APA format.
ATI Resources & Integrated testing:
End of course Pharmacology Exam: A 60 question test that evaluates the
understanding of the administration of medication as well as the nursing
implications. Questions about parenteral therapies are also included. The ATI
Exams do count towards the students’ exam grade. ATI Course Practice
Examinations provide the opportunity to develop NCLEX Exam preparedness and
review course content
ATI pharmacology focus tests are available throughout the semester with
remediation available for all questions. This is a study aid and student resource for
remediation of course content.
ATI Proctored
Exam Level
> Level 1 – 0 pts
Level 1 – 8 pts
Level 2 – 20 pts
Level 3 – 30 pts
Points allocated
4 active learning case scenarios – 27 pts
3 active learning case scenarios – 20 pts
2 active learning case scenarios – 15 pts
1 active learning case scenario – 5 pts
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Total
points
possible
27 (75%)
28 (80%)
35 (100%)
35 (100%)
7
XI. Instructor Contact Information
Debi Ingraffia-Strong PhD(c), MSN, RN
Professor of Nursing
Deborah.Ingraffia@wnc.edu
Office:
Cedar 231
Office phone: (775) 445-3334
Cell phone:
(775) 901-0612
Office hours are posted outside of my office door and on the WNC website.
I am always available by appointment!
Cell phone limitations: faculty may be contacted by cell phone during the hours of
6am to 8pm for emergency questions. Please use email for nonemergency
communication. Emails will be returned within 24 hours or the next school day.
XII. Student Responsibility
The student is responsible for knowing and following the policies and procedures
of the college and the nursing program that define appropriate student behavior in
NURS 165.
The student is responsible for prompt communication with the instructor for any
student concern or information needed to be successful in NURS 165.
The student is responsible for acquiring the necessary technology skills needed to
access WNC online for unit objectives, assignments and handouts, testing and
communicate between the instructor and other students.
The student is encouraged to request accommodations for a specific disability.
The student needs to notify the instructor of appropriate accommodations. The
student needs to coordinate the accommodations with Susan Trist (the DSS
coordinator: phone 445-4459 or susan.trist@wnc.edu) located in Cedar Building,
Room 209 as soon as possible to ensure timely and appropriate accommodations.
WNC Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend all classes for which they have registered. An
instructor may fail any student when the student has an excessive number of absences
as identified in the course syllabus. In general, if a student misses a number of hours
greater than the number of units to be earned in the course, this may be considered
excessive.
For this course:
Student absences will be acknowledged by each faculty member to determine if
there is an ongoing problem. Absences will be dealt with on a one to one basis
between the student, the instructors and the Director of Allied Health.
Students must be present in class to receive EAQ points.
Classroom Community
It is important that each person that attends this class have all the opportunity possible to
master this content. Every member of this class has the right to participate freely in the
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class activities without interruption or feeling insecure or insignificant. In order for this to
occur, certain classroom conduct is expected. To following outlines behaviors that are
expected of the students and instructors.
1. Each member of the community is important to that community as any other
member.
2. Every member of the classroom community deserves the right to speak his or her
own thoughts as long as those thoughts do not intentionally hurt another.
3. No member of the community has the right to interfere in the exercise of another
member’s right to speak: when a member is speaking no one else should.
4. All members of the community are expected to attend class and become involved
in the topic of the day. The benefit of coming to class is in networking with your
peers and coming to a better understanding of the topics discussed. Your
attendance at class benefits all.
5. Because time is limited and much content is covered it is important that the class
begin at the appointed hour. Those who arrive late have the following
responsibilities:
a. Enter classroom prepared to participate. Do not make noise emptying
book bags etc.
b. Take the first available seat near the door.
c. Ask nearest student for directions as quietly as possible
6. The only learning materials allowed in the classroom are those directly related to
the activities of the class. All other materials, cell phone, PDA’s newspapers,
magazines must be put away. Shut off all cell phones. No texting allowed during
class times! Computers are allowed to take lecture notes, however no other online
activities (such as Facebooking) is allowed during lecture!
7. Trust and respect are expected for everyone in the classroom. Talking with your
neighbor and making unnecessary noise will not be tolerated.
8. Your syllabus can answer all your questions about exams and classroom lecture
schedule. We will not answer questions such as “What is on the exam?” We will
cover exam topics as appropriate. Listen carefully. Recording lecture content is
allowed for your use only. These recordings are not to be posted to any internet
source.
9. Web conduct: This is web-enhanced course. Active participation on WNC online
is required. Please check WNC online daily for new postings, announcements,
etc. WNC online is an excellent tool to communicate with the instructor and other
students. Please be respectful and post questions and material that is related to the
classroom activities. Any negative comments not related to classroom topics
should be communicated elsewhere.
10. Examples of misconduct during testing follow. Any student engaging in such
behavior will be dismissed and receive a “0” grade for the quiz/exam.
 Being late!
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 Using electronic communications equipment such as pagers, cellphones,
iPod’s or PDA’s
 Giving or receiving help during the quiz or examination or being
suspected of doing so
 Using prohibited aids, such as reference materials, websites, listening
devices, or recordings.
 Sharing information about the test and test questions with any
unauthorized person.
Grading Rubric for Pharmacological Case Study Paper ~ 20 points possible
Area
Criteria
Title page
Intro
Body of paper/paragraphs
Conclusion
Mechanics
Content insights
APA format
APA references
* 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
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Always
4
Mostly
3
Occas.
2
Seldom
1
None
0
10
XIII. Course Calendar ~ Outline of Topics & Readings
Week
Content Covered
1



General & Local Anesthetics
Psychotherapeutic drugs
CNS Stimulants & related drugs
2


3





Respiratory drugs
Antihistamines, decongestants,
antitussives, expectorants
Respiratory drugs
Blood-forming drugs
Renal - diuretics
Fluid and electrolytes
Exam 1
4
5
6
7
8








Cardiovascular & Renal drugs
Antihypertensive drugs
Antianginal drugs
Heart Failure drugs
Antidysrhythmics
Coagulation Modifiers
Antilipemic drugs
Respiratory drugs
9

Exam 2
10












Gastrointestinal & Nutritional
Acid-controlling drugs
Antidiarrheals & laxatives
Antiemetic & Antinausea drugs
Endocrine drugs:
Antidiabetic drugs
Adrenal drugs
Endocrine drugs
Pituitary drugs
Thyroid & Antithyroid drugs
Exam 3
ATI exam







Women’s health drugs
Men’s health drugs
Antirheumatic drugs
Antineoplastic drugs
Vitamins & Minerals
Nutrition supplements
CUMULATIVE FINAL EXAM
11
12
13
14
15
16
Readings: Lilley, Harrington & Snyder
ATI
Chap 11: General & local anesthetics
Chap 16: Psychotherapeutic drugs
Chap 13: CNS stimulants & related drugs
ATI Unit 2
Chap 36 : Antihistamines, Decongestants,
Antitussives, & Expectorants
ATI Unit 3
Chap. 54: Anemia drugs
ATI Unit 5
Chap 28: Diuretic drugs
Chap 29: Fluids and electrolytes
Cedar Building – 3rd floor – Computer lab
Exams
EAQ 1
EAQ 2
Patho 1 due
EAQ 3
Feb 23, 2016
8:00-8:50 am
Chap 22: Antihypertensive drugs
Chap 23: Antianginal drugs
Chap 24: Heart Failure drugs
ATI Unit 4
Chap 25: Antidysrhythmic drugs
Chap 26: Coagulation mod. drugs
Chap 27: Antilipemic drugs
Chap 37: Respiratory drugs
Bronchodilators and other resp.
SPRING BREAK ~ Enjoy!
Cedar Building – 3rd floor – Computer lab
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EAQ 4
Patho 2 due
EAQ 5
Computer Lab
EAQ 6
EAQ 7
EAQ 8
Patho 3 due
Mar 29, 2016
8:00-8:50 am
Chap 50: Acid-controlling drugs
Chap 51: Bowel disorder drugs
Chap 52: Antiemetic /Antinausea
ATI Unit 6
Chap 32: Antidiabetic drugs
Chap 33: Adrenal drugs
ATI Unit 10
Chap 30 Pituitary
Chap 31: Thyroid & Antithyroid
Computerized - Take at home exam
To be completed between 04/22/16 8am &
04/26/16 8am
ATI Exam – Computer lab 0730 am – 0850am
Chap 34: Women’s health drugs
Chap 35: Men’s health drugs ATI Unit 7
Chap 47: Biologic Response-Modifying
Chap 47& 48 Part 1&2
Chap 53: Vitamins * minerals
Chap 54: Nutrition Supplements ATI Unit 11
Cedar Building – 3rd floor – Computer lab
(20% new content, 80% cumulative)
EAQ’s &
Assignments
EAQ 9
Computer Lab
EAQ 10
EAQ 11
Paper due
4/10/16 midnight
EAQ 12
Patho 4 due
Due by 8am
04/26/16
EAQ 13
home exam
EAQ 14
EAQ 15
Patho 5 due
5/18/16
8-10am