RTH 124 - Pharmacology for Respiratory Care

1. Explain general principles of drug therapy, including receptor theory of drug actions and methods of administration.
2. Perform calculations of drug dosages.
3. Describe the autonomic nervous system control of airway smooth muscle.
4. Describe the alpha and beta receptor pathway theory.
5. Describe the appropriate dosage ranges and duration of effects of drugs used via the inhalation route.
6. Describe appropriate medications to treat specific cardiopulmonary disorders.
7. Describe methods employed in evaluating and monitoring the effects of drugs delivered via the inhalation route.
8. Describe the effects, contraindications, and hazards associated with drugs commonly administered by respiratory care practitioners.
9. Describe the effects, contraindications, and hazards associated with drugs administered for the control of respiratory muscles and used in the treatment of disorders associated with the cardiorespiratory system.
10. Evaluate the effectiveness of the respiratory prescription based upon the patient’s response therapy.

1. General Principles of Pharmacology
   1. Fundamental terms
   2. Legislation affecting drugs
   3. Naming drugs
   4. Process of drug approval
   5. Sources of drug information
   6. Principles of drug action
   7. Advantages and disadvantages of the different routes of drug administration
2. Drug Dose Calculations
   1. Systems of measurement used in drug dosage
   2. Calculating dosages from prepared strength liquids, tablets, and capsules
   3. Calculating dosages from percentage-strength solutions
   4. Calculating pediatric drug dosages
3. Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
   1. Autonomic nervous system
   2. Parasympathetic branch
   3. Sympathetic branch
   4. Autonomic control of the lung
4. Bronchodilators
   1. Sympathomimetics
   2. Parasympatholytics
   3. Methylxanthines
5. Drugs Used to Control Airway Mucus and Edema
   1. Mucus-controlling agents
   2. Surfactant agents
   3. Corticosteroids
   4. Antiasthmatics
   5. Anti-Infective agents
6. Drugs Used in the Management of Ventilator Patients and Patients with Cardiorespiratory Disorders
   1. Skeletal muscle relaxants
   2. Drugs affecting the central nervous system
   3. Cardiovascular agents
   4. Diuretic agents