NURS 245 - Pharmacology II for Associate Degree Nursing

Credits: 3 hours
Building upon Pharmacology 1, this course focuses on advanced pharmacological concepts and principles relevant to nursing practice. Students will delve deeper into drug pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenomics, with an emphasis on critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making in medication management. Special populations, including pediatric, geriatric, and culturally diverse patients, are studied in the context of medication administration and patient care. This course will cover pharmacology for the following body systems: neurological, respiratory, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and endocrine.

Course Objectives

Identify major drug classifications and their therapeutic uses for the following body systems: neurological, respiratory, cardiac, gastrointestinal, and endocrine.
Explain the mechanisms of action of commonly prescribed medications.
Analyze the impact of medications on physiological systems and patient outcomes.
Apply critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions related to medication management.

Assess medication safety protocols and strategies to prevent adverse drug events.

Implement evidence-based practices in medication administration and patient education.

Discuss legal and ethical responsibilities related to medication administration in nursing practice.

Prerequisite(s): NURS 235