NRS 155 - Introduction to Pharmacology

3 Credits, 3 Contact Hours
3 lecture periods 0 lab periods

Application of the nursing process to safe administration of drugs within major pharmacological classifications. Includes mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, routes of administration, contraindications, adverse drug effects, drug interactions, and relevant client teaching. Also includes basic pharmacologic principles and lifespan considerations.

Corequisite(s): HRP 100, NRS 104, NRS 104LC, NRS 104LS, NRS 108
Information: Students must be admitted to the PCC Nursing program and obtain consent of the Nursing Department before enrolling in this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Interpret the relevance and application of pharmacologic principles to professional nursing practice.
Describe the relevance and nursing practice implications of client age and developmental level to safe and effective drug therapy and drug administration.
Apply the nursing process and principles of safe administration of drugs within the major pharmacologic classes, including knowledge of relevant pathophysiology, mechanisms of drug action, therapeutic drug effects and uses, drug routes, adverse drug effects and contraindications, drug interactions, specific drug-related administration information and procedures, and relevant client education information.

Outline:

Basic Pharmacologic Principles
Lifespan Considerations
Applying the Nursing Process for Administration of Drug Affecting:

Autonomic nervous system
Respiratory systems
Heart, blood vessel, and blood systems
Renal system
Endocrine system
Gastrointestinal system and nutrition
Bone and joint disorder drugs
Anti-infective drugs
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Immunologic drugs
Central nervous system
Ophthalmic drugs