MA 217 - Pharmacology

Students will also apply mathematical computations to solve pharmacological equations calculate proper dosages and learn the nutritional aspects of pharmacology, recognizing the importance of food labels, diet, and patient-specific dietary needs in maintaining health.

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

1. identify general principles of pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics;
2. identify drug names, sources, forms, and actions (including correct abbreviations and terminology);
3. explain how drugs are used for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention;
4. recognize FDA laws & schedules governing drugs and controlled substances;
5. identify the components of an immunization schedule across the lifespan;
6. understand proper drug administration (both parenteral and non-parenteral routes), storage & record keeping (including rights of medication administration);
7. recognize allergic responses, symptomology, reactions, and appropriate intervention/ treatment;
8. apply mathematical computations to calculate proper medication doses for adult, pediatric, and geriatric populations;
9. identify nutritional aspects of pharmacology and the importance of nutrition and diet in maintaining health, including the function of dietary supplements and nutrients, including carbohydrates, fat, protein, minerals, electrolytes, vitamins, fiber, and water;
10. identify the components of a food label;
11. identify the special dietary needs of patient-specific populations for weight control, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer, lactose sensitivity, gluten-free, food allergies, and eating disorders;
12. demonstrate an awareness of patient education regarding patient-specific dietary needs, drug action, contraindications, adverse reactions, and implications for patient care across multiple body systems, including the potential for drug tolerance, substance abuse, and/or chemical dependency; and
13. demonstrate proper use of drug reference books, including the PDR to understand the classification, indication, desired effect, dosing, administration, side effect profile, actions, and interactions of commonly prescribed medications.