vcc.ca
NURS 1260: Pharmacotherapeutics 2
Effective date
September 2023
Department
Baccalaureate Nursing
School
Health Sciences
Description
This course continues the study of pharmacology. Building on previous concepts and principles of pharmacotherapeutics and existing knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, pharmacological knowledge will be applied to the pathophysiological states related to chronic health challenges. The role of critical inquiry is applied to the nurse’s responsibilities of safe and effective medication administration.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
NURS 1150, NURS 1161, NURS 1162, NURS 1153, NURS 1164.
Corequisites
NURS 1261, NURS 1262, NURS 1263, NURS 1264.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Apply the nursing process to the research and administration of commonly used drug classifications and selected medications within each classification.
- Describe the therapeutic actions, side effects and nursing considerations of drug classifications commonly used to treat disorders of each of the body systems.
- Explain the legal, ethical and professional practice responsibilities of the Registered Nurse related to medication administration.
- Explore non-pharmacological alternative health considerations for chronic conditions.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Total Hours: 30
Total Hours: 30
Instructional Strategies
This course is delivered in the classroom using large group discussions, small group application activities, and case studies. Active participation is a foundation of professional practice, critical thinking and capacity building.
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
B
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
30 |
|
|
Quizzes/Tests |
35 |
|
|
Final Exam |
35 |
|
Course topics
- Applying drug classification information to the Safe Care Nursing Framework ®️
- Complementary Alternative Medications (CAM) and the interaction with over-the-counter (OTC) vitamins and minerals and with prescription (Rx) medications - Natural health products, vitamin and mineral supplements
- Drugs for Nutritional disorders - enteral feedings, vitamin deficiencies
- Drugs for pulmonary disorders - COPD, Asthma, Antihistamines, Decongestants, Antitussives, and Expectorants
- Drugs for the Endocrine disorders - Diabetes Types 1&2, Thyroid
- Drugs for cardiovascular disorders - Angina, HTN, Heart Failure, Artherosclerosis, Diuretics
- Non-opioid analgesics
- Drugs for Bone and Joint disorders - osteoporosis
- Drugs for degenerative diseases of the Nervous System- Parkinson's, Alzheimer's
- Drugs for Gastrointestinal disorders - GERD, Nausea & Vomiting, ulcers, H.pylori
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.