Southern State Community College
Curriculum Committee – March 2014
MAST 2230 – Pharmacology
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I.
COURSE TITLE:
Pharmacology
COURSE NUMBER: 2230
CATALOG PREFIX: MAST
II.
PREREQUISITES:
Acceptance in the Medical Assisting Program,
MAST 1115, MATH 1135
III.
CREDIT HOURS: 2
LECTURE HOURS: 1
LABORATORY HOURS: 1 (2 contact) OBSERVATION HOURS: 0
IV.
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Presentation of the principles of pharmacology relating to the medical assisting
profession. Instruction introduces the student to patient education regarding medications,
researching drugs in a drug reference and correlation of drug therapy and
pathophysiologic conditions. Knowledge and experience is gained through research of
drug generic and trade names, usage, action, side effects, and contraindication in a drug
reference book, and recording the information on pharmacology index cards. Course
content includes pharmacology math, routes of medication administration and parenteral
techniques most commonly administered in the medical office. Emphasis is placed on
competency based skills and worksheet documentation to record oral and parenteral
medications administered, dispensed, or prescribed during classroom simulation and the
practicum experience. This course follows the CAAHEP/AAMA accreditation standards
in place for Medical Assistants.
V.
GRADING:
Grades are accorded using the following schedule:
A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89
F = 0 – 79 Must repeat the course
Successful attainment of the objectives of this course will be measured by the student
passing all competency-based skills, written assignments, and a final course grade of A
or B. Students will be graded on his/her performance of the competency-based skills
listed in the course description. Students must pass all class tests before the competency
score will be averaged into the grade as a score.
Honesty and integrity are major elements in professional behavior and are expected of
each Health Science Division student. Cheating is considered unacceptable behavior
within all Health Science Division courses. Students having academic difficulties should
seek guidance assistance from the instructor, academic advisor, or college counselor.
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A student observed or found to be cheating on a test or assignment in any Health Science
Division course will be given a “zero” on the test or assignment. A written report of the
incident, signed by the instructor and the student, will be placed in the student’s
permanent file. This notice will remain on file and in effect for the remainder of the
student’s enrollment in the Health Science Division. Should a second incident of
cheating occur in any Health Science Division course, the student will be given a failing
grade for the course and will be dismissed from the Health Science Division for one year
and possibly from SSCC, as per college guidelines.
The “zero” grade for dishonesty will mot be used as the drop grade in a course in which a
drop grade option is given.
If a student allows another student to copy or “cheat off” of their work than the same
ramifications will be given to that student as well.
The student witnessing cheating is morally obligated to report the incident to the
instructor. This includes homework, and/or take home test.
VI.
ADOPTED TEXT(S):
Principles of Pharmacology for Medical Assisting, 5th Edition
By: Rice, Delmar/Cengage Learning
ISBN#1-1111-3182-1
VII.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to:
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Describe the basic written language of drug therapy.
Identify commonly used pharmacological abbreviations.
Relate the general history of pharmacology.
Present day pharmacology practice.
Describe the evaluation of drugs.
Drug names and classifications
Therapeutic effects
Define drugs, identify their sources, and how they work.
Describe metabolism and excretion of drugs.
Know the procedure of how drugs get to market.
Define pharmacokinetic
Follow universal blood and body fluid precautions
Describe safety precautions for preparing medications
Know about and be able to define side effects, dependence, and drug
interactions.
MAST 2230 – Pharmacology
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Define drug regulation: including record keeping, registration, inventory
requirements, ordering, maintaining medication records, and security
Describe the prescription form and rules governing the use of prescription
orders.
Complete a prescription order form
Describe the required steps to dispose of controlled substances to be in
compliance with government regulations
Know the “Rights” for Correct Drug Administration
Know the rules of safety
Recognize common dosage forms
Know the routes of administration
Recognize factors that influence the effects of drugs, particularly in the
elderly and the pediatric patients
Understand the immunization process
Teaching patients medication management
Recognize herbs their values, uses and dangers
Understand total parenteral nutrition, including its purposes, ingredients,
stability and complications.
Recognize the use and benefit of OTC drugs
Know the types of emergencies and the general pharmacological
guidelines for handling them
Understand the importance of the “Code Blue” alert, supplies and
maintenance
List and be able to use drug reference materials
State the actions, uses, contraindications, adverse reactions, dosage, and routes and
implications for patient care, patient teaching of the following selected agents:
a. Musculoskeletal agents
b. Circulatory agents
c. Respiratory agents
Define the five controlled substances schedules and give examples of drugs listed in
each
Explain storage and record-keeping for controlled substances.
Define dosages
List factors that affect drug dosages
Know the forms of drugs and how they act on the body systems
Describe the types of medications orders
Know what happens to a Rx after it has gone to the Pharmacy
List the seven guidelines for understanding medication orders
Understand medications labels
State who may give medications
Describe the nine parts of a Rx
State the “six” Rights of medication administration
Follow the Standard Precautions for infection control
List the data that is recorded with drug administration
Administer oral medications
Demonstrate the procedure for pouring a liquid and solid medication
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Describe the syringes that are most frequently used for administration of parenteral
medications
Administer parenteral medications
Reconstitute a powdered medication for administration
Withdraw a parenteral medication from an ampule, administer and document
Indicate syringe size and needle gauge for the following: intramuscular, Z-track,
subcutaneous, pediatric and allergy injections
Locate the sites on a patient for IM, SQ, ID, and Z-track
Know about the allergy and the administration of allergenic extracts. Know the MA
responsibilities with regard to the administration of allergenic extracts
Describe the treatment regimen that may be prescribed for an allergic patient
State the general recommendations of immunizations
Become familiar with the immunization schedule
Practice professional communication
Prepare a sample prescription for a physician signature
Document administration of a simulated medication and immunization in a patient’s
record using the required information for immunizations
State the actions, uses, contraindications, adverse reactions, dosage, and routes and
implications for patient care, patient teaching of the following selected agents:
d. Antibiotics
e. Antifungal, antiviral, and immunizing agents
f. Antineoplastic agents
g. Psychotropic agents
h. Gastrointestinal agents
i. Urinary system agents
j. Endocrine Agents
k. Nervous agents
l. Reproductive agents
A. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Objectives meet AAMA/CAAHEP 2008 Entry Level content:
Anatomy and Physiology Psychomotor Domain:
I.P.7 Select proper site for administering parenteral medication
I.P.8 Administer Oral Medication
I.P.9 Administer parenteral (excluding IV) medications.
Applied Mathematics Psychomotor Domain:
II.P.1 Prepare proper dosages of medication for administration
II.A.1 Verify ordered doses/dosages prior to administration
Protective Practices Psychomotor Domain:
XI.P.5.c. Demonstrate Proper Use of Sharps Disposal Containers
MAST 2230 – Pharmacology
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VIII. COURSE METHODOLOGY:
This course may use lecture, discussion, video, chapter and workbook assignments, handin assignments, computer assignments, work projects, skill demonstration, skill
competency, practical scenarios, patient simulation, and written tests as appropriate to the
course objectives.
Student medical assistants are expected to apply information and knowledge gained in
this course to other medical assisting courses, including clinical assignments in MAST
1126, 2225, and 2226.
IX.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Section 1: Mathematic and Dosage Calculations
Unit 1 through Unit 3: Review
Unit 4: Metric System
Unit 5: Calculating Adult Dosages: Oral and Parenteral Forms
Unit 6: Calculating Children’s Dosages
Section 2: Introduction to Pharmacology
Unit 7: Drug Sources, Standards, and Dosages
Unit 8: Form of Drugs and How They Act
Unit 9: The Medication Order
Unit 10: Medication Administration Essentials
Unit 11: Administration of Nonparenteral Medications
Unit 12: Parenteral Equipment and Supplies
Unit 13: Administration of Parenteral Medication
Unit 14: Allergy and Overview
Section 3: Medications, Supplements and Drug Abuse
Unit 15: Antibiotic Agents
Unit 16: Antifungal, Antiviral, and Immunizing Agents
Unit 17: Antineoplastic Agents
Unit 18: Vitamins and Minerals
Unit 20: Substance Abuse
Unit 19: Psychotropic Agents
Section 4: Effects of Medication on Body Systems
Unit 21: Medications used for Musculoskeletal System Disorders
Unit 22: Medications used for Gastrointestinal System Disorders
Unit 23: Medications used for Circulatory System Disorders
Unit 24: Medications that Affect the Respiratory System
Unit 25: Diuretics and Medications used for Urinary System Disorders
Unit 26: Medications used in Treatment of Endocrine Disorders
Unit 27: Medications that Affect the Nervous System
Unit 28: Medications that Affect the Reproductive System
Students are required to create a specified medication information card file (index
cards) containing trade name, generic names, classification, side effects and
contraindications of each drug. The cards must be turned in during the class time
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of discussion of the drug classification. Medication cards are a course
requirement. If medication cards are not completed you have not met course
requirements and will not pass the course.
A team presentation will be prepared for teaching insulin injections to the patient newly
diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.
A home medication record will be created for patient use for managing medications at
home.
SAMPLE Calendar Outline:
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
WEEK 5
WEEK 6
WEEK 7
WEEK 8
Orientation; Section 1 Overview; Bring in a list of your home
medications (Prescription, OTC/Herbal Supplements). Note brand
and generic name, strength, expiration date, etc. due TBA.
Orientation, Unit 1, 2, 3 – Self Review (all exercises)
Inventory of Lab Med Cabinets
Unit 4: Visit your local Pharmacy, compare ingredients, directions of
ten common Brand vs Generic OTC medications, and report
findings, due TBA. Draw Medications for Drug Cards.
Unit 5 and Unit 6 – all assigned exercises and worksheets
Unit 7 – all assigned exercises and worksheets; First 5 Drug Cards due
LAB: Dosage Calculation
Unit 8 – all assigned exercises and worksheets; 5 drug cards due
LAB: Dosage Calculation
EXAM Unit 4, 5, 6 (Bb)
Unit 9 – Dosage Calculation Test; Practice Medication Orders; Drug
Cards due
Unit 10 – CBE: Medication Order/Prescription; Drug Cards due
Drug cards due
EXAM Unit 7, 8, 9 (Bb).
Unit 11 – CBE: Medication Order/Prescription;
LAB: Oral Medications; Drug Cards due
Unit 12 - Drug cards due
CBE: Medication Order/Prescription; Drug cards due
EXAM Unit 10, 11, 12 (Bb)
LAB/CBE: Oral Medications; Drug cards due
CBE: Oral Medications; Drug cards due
Unit 13 - Prepare a home medication record for patient; Drug cards
due
Unit 14 – Monthly Med Cab Inventory; Drug cards due
EXAM
Unit 15 Antibiotic Agents; LAB AND CBE 130/230 Dispensing
Oral Medications;
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WEEK 9
WEEK 10
WEEK 11
WEEK 12
WEEK 13
WEEK 14
WEEK 15
WEEK 16
X.
Unit 16 and 17; LAB and Demo/CBE Handling syringes,
loading/unloading Tubex, Withdrawing from vial/ampule, Mixing
medications in a syringe, reconstituting powder medications;10 drug
cards due.
Unit 18 and Unit 19; LAB and Demo/CBE Insulin Training; 10 drug
cards due
EXAM; Unit 20 and Unit 21
LAB and Demo/CBE Immunizations: DTaP/Td,Tdap, MMR, IPV,
HBV, HIB, PCV, Rotavirus, Flu, Vit B12 for technique/site (IM,
Unit 22
Subq, Intradermal, Z-track); CDC updated schedules and VIS; 10
drug cards due
Unit 23 and Unit 24; Consents, Documentation in Pt Chart and on
Med Log; Monthly Med Cab Inventory; 10 drug cards due
Unit 25
Unit 26, Unit 27, Unit 28; LAB and Demo/CBE 230 Injecting
Allergenic Extracts, Documentation;10 drug cards due.
EXAM. Team Assignment Patient Teaching – Insulin Injections;
LAB and CBE as needed.
Team Assignment Patient Teaching – Insulin Injections; Monthly
Med Cab Inventory; ALL CBE 230 completed
FINAL EXAM
OTHER REQUIRED BOOKS, SOFTWARE AND MATERIALS:
Physicians desk reference (In Library)
Compendium of Drug Therapy (In Library)
Drug reference book, of the students’ choice
XI.
EVALUATION:
Knowledge of content is evaluated by student performance of competency based skills,
assignments, and work projects per instructor. All exams are comprehensive. A quiz may
be given at instructors’ discretion. Competency-based skill performance is required on
each skill discussed and demonstrated. After completion of this course, the student will
be requested to complete a form to assist in evaluation of course content and instruction.
Class participation will be evaluated by the students’ ability to contribute to class
discussion.
Students must earn a passing average score on exams and must pass all competencies
with a passing score of 85%. Failure in any of these areas will result in failure of the
course.
No make-up tests will be given.
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Laboratory: Evaluation of return demonstration to include:
A. Preparation
B. Performance
C. Observation
D. Simulated patient teaching
E. Recording on the following:
1. Complete a Prescription per MD Order
2. Use the PDR or other reference to create a drug information guide
3. Measure an ordered solution in a regular syringe/tuberculin syringe
4. Be able to administer and instruct patient in use of insulin
5. Prepare and administer a liquid oral medicine
6. Prepare and administer a oral medication
7. Prepare and administer subcutaneous, intramuscular, intradermal and Ztrack injections.
8. Be able to reconstitute powder Rx
9. Be able to draw medication up from a vial and an ampule
Sample Grading Scale:
Medication Cards – Course Requirement
Exams – 30% Passing Score Required as Above
Competencies - 20% Passing Score Required as Above
Math Competency – Passing Score Required as Above
Coursework – 20%
Final Exam – 30%
XII.
SPECIFIC MANAGEMENT REQUIRMENTS:
Students will be required to complete a written test at the times designated in the Course
Schedule. Students are required to participate in all class activities.
To meet the objectives of each course in Medical Assisting, students must attend all
scheduled classes. At the beginning of the quarter all instructors will pass out a “Class
Schedule”, which lists all class meetings. If a student must miss class due to extenuating
circumstances, than the student is expected to call and inform the instructor by either
talking with the instructor, e-mail, or leaving a message should the instructor not be
available.
Students will be allowed two (2) class absences. Absences over two times will result in a
drop of one letter grade from the final grade; the third absence will reduce a final grade
of A to a B, or may drop the B to an F, therefore having to repeat the course. Two
instances of significant tardiness or leaving early will be considered equivalent to an
absence for purposes of this calculation.
Students may withdraw from classes up to and including the week before final exams by
giving written notice of their intent to withdraw to the Student Services Office.
Attendance in class is an important part of the learning process. Excess absence may
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result in a failure. Faculty may count attendance as part of the grading policy and a
failure to officially withdraw may result in a failing grade. Withdrawal from classes may
affect the student’s financial aid. See the FEE SCHEDULE section of the College
Catalog for the policy on refunds and financial aid.
Faculty may recommend that the College withdraw students who have missed more than
20% of the total scheduled classes of a course and issue a grade of WI to the student.
Any student who misses a scheduled competency, either demonstration or check-off must
make an appointment, within one week of return to school, with the instructor to make up
this portion of the class. Failure to do so will result in a “Fail” for the competency,
therefore failure of the course. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements for
this.
XIII. OTHER INFORMATION:
Classroom Conduct: Civility in the classroom is very important. As professionals, we
expect students to conduct themselves in a courteous and respectful manner. Disruptive,
rude, sarcastic, obscene or disrespectful speech or behavior have a negative impact on
everyone, and will not be tolerated. Students need to remember that the online discussion
boards and chat rooms in the online course are considered classrooms and the same
rules apply. Students will use these tools in the online classroom for information that
pertains to the course; it is not to be used for personal exchanges of a social nature. If
you engage in any such conduct you will be asked to leave and you will receive a “zero”
for any work completed on that day. The instructor reserves the right to permanently
remove a student from the class for inappropriate conduct after consultation with the
Department coordinator and Academic Dean.
Inclement Weather: In the event of campus delay (when this class start time is impacted
by said delay) the class will begin at the scheduled campus opening time to complete any
remaining class time permitted.
FERPA: Work submitted in this class may be seen by others. Others may see your
work when being distributed, during group project work, or if it is chosen for
demonstration purposes. Other instructors may also see your work during the
evaluation/feedback process. Student assignments and exams are kept on file for review
by various Accrediting Boards of both the Medical Assisting and Institutional Boards.
On occasion papers may be traded with another student or work-study for grading
purposes.
There is also a possibility that your papers may be submitted electronically to other
entities to determine if references are cited appropriately. Plagiarism is a serious offense.
Work submitted by the student must be the students’ own creation. The instructor
reserves the right to fail any student who submits plagiarized or duplicated work. A
grade of “zero” will automatically be given to the duplicated submissions. The instructor
will be the sole judge in such cases. If a student cannot demonstrate conclusively that a
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work was not copied or plagiarized or, in the case of the original author, was copied
without consent, the penalty will stand.
DISABILITIES: Students with disabilities may contact the Disabilities Service Office,
Central Campus, at 800-628-7722 or 937-393-3431.
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COMPETENCY BASED SKILLS EXAM -- SKILL CHECKOFF
Lab participation is an important factor in lab performance evaluation. Students are to take
individual responsibility for learning laboratory procedures BEFORE evaluation by an instructor.
The laboratory will be open for individual practice during the hours posted. The initial skills
checkoff will be scheduled by the instructor. Follow-up checkoffs will be done according to the
procedure listed below.
A.
Students are required to successfully demonstrate skill mastery within 2 performance
exams. Performance skills are weighted.
B.
If unsuccessful in 2 attempts, an unsatisfactory lab performance will result. Unsatisfactory
lab performance at completion of the quarter will result in the grade of "F" for the entire
course regardless of the theory grade.
C.
Only one attempt to perform the same lab procedure may be made each proficiency day. If
the lab procedure is not completed successfully, the student will be required to reschedule
the proficiency at an available time with the lab instructor before the date it is due.
D.
Checkoffs are to be scheduled during lab time and at other assigned times as scheduled by
instructor. Each student may sign up only once for a skill until all students have had an
opportunity to sign up for that skill.
E.
No books or notes are to be available during skill exam. "Patients" and assistants may not
give clues or any verbal assistance during the tests.
Before beginning the skill, each student testing needs to:
a. get own assistant if needed.
b. get own patient if needed.
c. be ready to start at the appropriate time.
d. present peer review papers and have name on all of them and give to evaluating
instructor.
e. present checkoff papers and have name on all of them and give to evaluating
instructor.
f. place peer review and checkoff papers in order of performance.
F.
Students are asked not to watch others being evaluated. Skill checkoff sheets are to be
given to instructor before evaluation. Upon satisfactory completion, scores will be
calculated and each sheet will be signed by student, partners and instructor.
Skill checkoffs must be successfully completed in the lab before a student is permitted to
perform them in the clinical setting.
H.
All written lab assignments must be satisfactorily completed and submitted on due date to
pass the fundamentals skills course.
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PROTOCOL FOR PEER CHECK OFFS
Each skill that is designated as a peer check off should be completed in the following way:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Practice, perform and document the skill with a lab partner from your lab group.
Get feedback from your lab partner about your performance of the skill.
Practice until you feel comfortable and have mastery of the skill.
Have lab partner sign name and date to your skill sheet, indicating you have performed the
skill correctly.
Perform the skill for/with another classmate from each of the OTHER lab groups (2 other
people-a total of 3).
Have each of the other peers sign your skill/lab sheet as well, indicating you have correctly
performed the skill.
Students are not to sign off on a skill for others unless they feel certain that it has been
performed correctly.
Turn in or show signed lab sheets with accurate documentation to each Lab Instructor at
time of competency performance or by the deadline date as designated by instructor.
Please address all questions regarding specific peer check offs to the instructor from whom
the assignment was obtained.
MEDICAL ASSISTING LAB POLICIES
Required Lab:
The purpose of the Practice Lab is to allow the student a simulated patient care experience in
order to become familiar with the required psychomotor skills for a course. Students are
required to arrange time for 2 hours practice lab time outside of class weekly for practice of
competency skills only. The student is scheduled for supervised practice labs during class with
an instructor according to the requirements of a course. Attendance at supervised labs is
required. Specific lab objectives written for each lab session must be satisfactorily achieved in
order to successfully complete the course.
Open Lab:
The lab is available for self-directed student practice during the hours not utilized for instruction.
The student should use the Open Lab Practice to become proficient in a skill BEFORE
requesting an evaluation of the skill by the instructor. Students should sign in and out of the lab.
The "sign-in" book is located on the counter of the lab and requests date, time, name, and
procedure.
Equipment and Lab Maintenance:
All equipment and supplies should be returned to the appropriate place after they are used for
practice. No equipment may be removed from the lab at any time. Students are expected to
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leave the laboratory in order, which means cleaning up lab surfaces with appropriate solutions,
making and straightening beds and returning models and equipment to appropriate spaces.
All students are responsible for maintaining order in the lab as follows:
See that the room is in order at the end of each class.
1. Beds neat and in proper place
2. Bed side furniture in proper place
3. All equipment and supplies returned to proper place
4. Mannequins secured in beds, chairs, or on carts
5. Lights off
PROPER WASTE AND BIOHAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL
Regular trash:
Equipment packaging materials and instructional papers, food and drink containers, paper
towels, newspapers, etc., lightly soiled gloves, band aids, cotton balls, gauze, used alcohol pads,
feminine hygiene products from patients with no known bloodborne disease (excluding
obstetrical waste), needleless syringes, empty medicine vials, unbroken/uncontaminated glass
bottles or vials, empty iv bags and tubing.
Infectious waste (Red Bags):
Cultures, bloody gloves, pathological wastes, discarded vaccines, medicine vials (partially
filled), laboratory wastes that were in contact with infectious agents, laboratory wastes that were
in contact with blood or body fluids.
Sharps container (Red Plastic Container)
Needles and syringes, lancets, slides, broken glass, razors, scalpel blades, guidewires, ampules.