Pharmacology & Administration of Medications Syllabus for 2018-2019
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Course

MDCA-1348-001 Pharmacology & Administration of Medications

Prerequisites

Course Description

Instruction in concepts and application of pharmacological principles. Focuses on drug classifications, principles and procedures of medication administration, mathematical systems and conversions, calculation of drug problems, and medico-legal responsibilities of the medical assistant.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Bruce Colbert, Ruth Woodrow

Essentials of Pharmacology for Health Professions

8^th Edition 

Cengage Access

Supplies

Reliable Computer

Reliable Internet

Student Performance

Course Description:

This course provides a framework to understand medications and their administration and is appropriate for a variety of health care practitioners, including nurses, medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and health professionals seeking continuing education. Students will be introduced to an extensive body of knowledge within a limited time frame through a concise yet adaptable format. They will examine drug classifications through their indications, side effects, precautions, and interactions and become familiar with the steps in calculating dosages and administering medications through various routes. The increasing need for all health care professionals to provide clear and accurate patient education will be addressed through highlighted sections and case studies.

Course Outcomes

After completing Part I of this course, learners should be able to:

1. Summarize major drug standards and legislation, and discuss the legal responsibilities of the health care practitioner when dispensing medications.
2. Describe the major drug classification systems, and differentiate among the various types of drug names with examples.
3. Evaluate the standard and online pharmacological references in use today.
4. Classify the sources of drugs, examine their pharmacokinetic processes, and analyze the variables that affect drug actions and effects.
5. Compare and contrast various drug forms, routes of delivery, and the supplies and techniques necessary for safe and appropriate administration.
6. Interpret medication orders correctly, and state the proper procedures for documenting drug administration and for reporting medication errors.
7. Calculate and convert between dosages for a range of group using the three systems of measurements and propose strategies to reduce medication errors.
8. Apply the principles that support the moral, ethical, and legal responsibilities of the health care practitioner in administrating medications safely and accurately.
9. Outline the advantages and disadvantages of various gastrointestinal routes of administration, and determine the most appropriate method of administration and dosage for specific circumstances.
10. Distinguish among the four parenteral routes and demonstrate the application of each, including specific injection types and sites.
11. Propose special precautions that should be taken when administrating medications for various demographics, and in particular, for older adults.
12. Identify the primary routes of poisoning and explain the procedures, therapies, and preventive measures involved in patient care and education.

After completing Part II of this course, learners should be able to demonstrate knowledge of specific medications in the major drug classifications, which may include the following:

• Vitamins, minerals, and herbs; skin medications; autonomic nervous system drugs; antineoplastic drugs; urinary system drugs; gastrointestinal drugs; anti-infectives; eye and ear medications; analgesics, sedatives, and hypnotics; psychotropics; musculoskeletal drugs and anti-inflammatories; anticonvulsants, antiparkinsonian drugs, and Alzheimer’s disease agents; endocrine system drugs; reproductive system drugs; cardiovascular drugs; and respiratory system drugs and antihistamines

Specifically, for each selected drug classification, learners should be able to:

1. Identify commonly used medications, and compare and contrast their characteristics.
2. Summarize the sources, mechanism of action, and indications for specific drug therapies.
3. State the appropriate dosages for several drugs.
4. Demonstrate proper administration techniques for various medications.
5. Describe the side effects, precautions, contraindications, and interactions for specific medications with examples.
6. Evaluate the factors that influence the absorption and effectiveness of drugs.
7. Assess the unique features of a medication that are important for patient education.
8. Generate a list of responsibilities and appropriate interventions in caring for patients and their caregivers.
9. Develop safety instructions for both the health care practitioner and the patient in administrating and taking medications.
10. Analyze the physiological effects of prolonged drug use, and discuss the responsibilities of a health care practitioner in addressing and treating drug abuse.
11. Investigate recent actions taken by the government and by manufacturers for specific drugs.
12. Integrate the key factors involved in considering drug therapies for older adults.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Students are expected to act in a professional manor while in the classroom and participating in any activity related to the CMA Program on or off campus.

This includes all courses associated with this program.

Grading Criteria

Assignments/Quizzes:  10% of final grade

Competencies:  10% of final grade

Attendance:  10% of final grade

Chapter tests:  40% of final grade with the lowest test grade dropped

Final Exam:  30% of final grade

 

Grade of 90 – 100 is “A”

Grade of 80 – 89.9 is “B”

Grade of 70 – 79.9 is “C”

Grade below 69 is “F”

A grade below 70 is considered failing and the course will have to be repeated.

 

Attendance

Regular participation in class is required for the student to attain the knowledge needed to become a successful

Attendance will be recorded and more than 3 absences could result in a failing grade.

Calendar

Additional Information

In the event that you need additional financial or other resources, please visit www.actx.edu/resources .

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