NS1202: Pharmacology

Course Description:

This course familiarizes nursing students with the principles of pharmacology and the safe use of medications in patient care. It focuses on drug classifications, mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, potential adverse reactions, and nursing considerations. Students will learn to apply pharmacological knowledge in clinical practice while adhering to legal, ethical, and safety standards.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the implications of mechanisms such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapeutics
• Classify major drug groups and describe their therapeutic uses.
• Differentiate between adverse and side effects and appropriately manage reactions to medicines.
• Display knowledge of pertinent considerations when storing, reconstituting, and administering medicines.
• Demonstrate knowledge of drug interactions of the various classes of medicines.

Required Materials:

• Textbooks: Adams, M., & Urban, C. Pharmacology for Nurses (Latest Edition)
• Lecture notes and PowerPoint slides provided by instructors.
• Calculators for dosage calculations
• Simulation equipment for practicing oral, topical, inhalation, and parenteral drug administration.
• PPE for safe handling of medications in lab/practice sessions
• Videos or animations demonstrating pharmacokinetics, drug mechanisms, and administration techniques.
• Interactive quizzes or case-based learning modules for reinforcement