MA 217 - Pharmacology

Credit Hours: 2

This course is designed to help students understand their responsibility concerning drugs and to appreciate the necessary limitations imposed upon them. It is a brief introduction to classes of drugs, with an emphasis on the constant advances in drug therapy and includes the history and scope of pharmacology, drug standards and drug legislation, drug sources, administration, action, and use of drugs and basic mathematical principles in calculating the dosages of drugs.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Identify, explain and/or describe the following:
- names assigned to drugs;
- sources of drugs;
- laws governing drugs and controlled substances;
- significance of drug storage and record keeping;
- drug reference books and their importance; and
- drug schedules and their importance.
define and use correct abbreviations and terminology in relating to drugs;
calculate the correct dosage of medication for the adult and child;
identify and describe the different forms of drugs and how they act;
describe the medication order;
state the six rights of medication administration and other essential medication guidelines;
describe and explain the administration of nonparenteral medications;
identify and explain the equipment and supplies required for parenteral medication;
explain the importance of recognizing symptoms of allergy in relation to medications;
describe diagnosis and treatment of allergic responses;
explain the importance of nutrition and diet in maintaining health;
describe the importance of vitamins and minerals, as well as electrolyte balance; and
state the actions, uses, contraindications, adverse reactions, implications for patient care, appropriate patient teaching, and other special considerations (such as substance abuse or dependency)for the following drug classifications:
- the anti-infectives (antibiotics), antifungals, antivirals, and immunizing agents;
- medications used for the musculosketal system disorders;
- medications used for gastrointestinal system disorders;
- medications used for circulatory system disorders;
- medications that affect the respiratory system;
- diuretics and medications used for urinary system disorders;
- medications used in treatment of endocrine disorders;
- medications that affect the nervous system, including psychotropic drugs;
- medications that affect the reproductive system; and
- antineoplastic agents.

Prerequisites: BI 147 or BI 150/BI 151 and MT 111.
F/S (N)