ALH 136 - Pharmacology Fundamentals

Offered SM
Lecture- 2
2 credit hrs/2 contact hrs
Instruction in concepts and application of pharmacologic principles. Focuses on drug classifications, therapeutic and adverse reactions, principles and procedures of medication administration, mathematical systems and conversions, calculation of drug problems, and medico-legal responsibilities of healthcare personnel.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Identify drug classification, usual dose, side effects and contraindications of the top most commonly used medications. Demonstrate accurate occupational math and metric conversions for proper medication administration. Prescriptions: Identify parts of prescriptions. Identify appropriate abbreviations that are accepted in prescription writing. Comply with legal aspects of creating prescriptions, including federal and state laws. Verify the rules of medication administration and correctly administer and document oral and parenteral medications. Properly utilize the Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR), drug handbooks, and other drug references to identify a drug’s classification, usual dosage, usual side effects, and contraindications. Identify proper sites for administering parenteral medications. Incorporate critical thinking skills when performing patient care. Shows awareness of a patient’s concern related to the procedure being performed in a professional manner. Recognize the implications for failure to comply with Center for Disease Control (CDC) regulations in health care settings.