HCA 103 - Orientation to Pharmacology

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods
An overview of the principles of pharmacology for professional allied health care providers. Includes medication sources, classifications and actions, oversight by the government, administration, and safety precautions. Also includes standard mathematical formulas for converting among measuring systems to assure accuracy in medication dosage and preparation.

    

1. Distinguish between the classification of medications, and explain common uses and potential side effects on each body system.
2. Describe the protocols for administration of non-parental and parental medication administration.
3. Demonstrate conversions and the use of mathematical formulas to measure and administer correct dosages.

2.      Describe the government’s role in the development, approval, distribution, sale and monitoring of prescription and over-the-counter medication.

3.      Describe pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles of drugs.

4.      Demonstrate proper technique for routes of medication administration.

5.      Identify abbreviations and symbols commonly used in pharmacology.

6.      Explain standard and universal precautions to assure safety in medication administration.

1. Anatomy and Physiology
   1. Cognitive
      1. Classifications of medications
         1. Indications for use
         2. Desired effects
         3. Side effects
         4. Adverse reactions
      2. Drug Reference Resources
      3. Drug names differentiated
         1. Chemical
         2. Generic
         3. Trade
      4. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics of drugs
      5. Effects of medications on each body system
   2. Psychomotor
      1. Rules of medication administration
         1. Right patient
         2. Right medication
         3. Right dose
         4. Right route
         5. Right time
         6. Right documentation
         7. Right technique
      2. Process and importance of label checks
      3. Dispense non-parenteral medications
      4. Administer parenteral medications (selecting appropriate sites, correct techniques) for injection types:
         1. Intradermal
         2. Subcutaneous
         3. Intramuscular
   3. Critical thinking skills for performing patient assessment and care
2. Applied Mathematics
   1. Cognitive
      1. Basic math computations and formulas (to solve equations)
      2. Medical abbreviations and symbols (used in medication dosages)
   2. Psychomotor
      1. Basic units of measurement
         1. Metric system
         2. Household system
      2. Conversions among measurement systems
      3. Proper dosage calculations of medication for administration
3. Legal Implications
   1. Federal Drug Legislation and Enforcement
      1. Legislative acts
         1. Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
         2. Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act
      2. Enforcement
         1. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
         2. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
         3. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
   2. Document medication administration in the patient’s medical record
   3. Report and document relevant information concisely and accurately
4. Protective Practices
   1. Identify and comply with:
      1. Safety signs
      2. Symbols
      3. Labels
   2. Safety measure application when administering medication
      1. Standard precautions
      2. Universal precautions
      3. Needlestick safety and prevention