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. Included is the history and scope of pharmacology; drug standards and drug legislation; sources, administration, action and use of drugs and basic mathematical principles in calculating the dosages of drugs. A brief introduction to classes of drugs, with emphasis on the constant advances in drug therapy.

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 nonperenteral 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)