NUR304 - Nur 304 - Pharmacology/math

Subject Title
Nur 304 - Pharmacology/math

Subject Description
Examines pharmacological concepts and nursing practices required to safely care for clients in need of pharmacological treatments. General principles of pharmacology, drugs actions at the physiological level, common drug classifications, pharmacotherapeutics, principles of medication preparation and administration including drug calculations, and related CNO national competencies are studied. This course provides the student with the opportunity to develop calculation skills necessary for the safe administration of medications. Emphasis is on caring for clients on drug therapy, interactions of drugs, psycho/social aspects of drug use, legal control over drugs and health teaching. This course builds on knowledge from previous courses, such as anatomy and physiology and pathophysiology to develop understanding of the therapeutic and adverse effects of drugs on the body. Knowledge from clinical practice and medication administration practice in the nursing resource centre will be concurrent with this course. This course prepares the student for self directed learning in relation to the individual medications prescribed for their clients and the implications for nursing practice.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Learning Outcomes
The student will demonstrate an ability to apply critical thinking processes with pharmacology related content in client situations that require nursing knowledge and intervention. Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:

1.Describe terms, concepts and basic processes associated with drug therapy.
2.Describe characteristics of major drug groups and selected individual drugs in terms of mechanism of action, indications for use, contraindications to use, interactions, expected therapeutic effects, common and serious adverse effects, accurate administration and essential client teaching.
3.Identify cultural, legal and ethical aspects of drug therapy.
4.Accurately perform mathematical calculations such as fractions, proportions, ratios, decimal and metric conversions in preparation for medication administration.
5.Demonstrate skillful application of nursing therapeutics that meet the current CNO National Competencies.

Cheating and Plagiarism
Each student should be aware of the College's policy regarding Cheating and Plagiarism. Seneca's Academic Policy will be strictly enforced.

To support academic honesty at Seneca College, all work submitted by students may be reviewed for authenticity and originality, utilizing software tools and third party services. Please visit the Academic Honesty site on http://library.senecacollege.ca for further information regarding cheating and plagiarism policies and procedures.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecacollege.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Disabilities Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.