Welcome to pharmacology!

 

Pharmacology is the study of drug actions on biological systems. It embraces knowledge of the sources, chemical properties, biological effects and therapeutic uses of drugs. Historically, the deep, deep roots of pharmacology go back to the ancient civilizations which used plants and plant extracts both in healing and as poisons. The accumulated total of this empirical knowledge, acquired by mankind through the ages, provided the building blocks leading to the Science of Pharmacology, as it exists today. The well-known discovery of the beneficial effects of foxglove extracts lead to the drug digitalis which is used for the treatment of heart disease. The use of the bark of the willow (now known as Aspirin, originally came from the bark of the willow tree). The development of the anti-malarial drug quinine from the bark of the Cinchona tree assisted in alleviating fever, and the effectiveness of extracts of the poppy in the treatment of diarrhea are outstanding examples of such knowledge which have resulted in important advances in pharmacology, developments which continue today

Pharmacology involves the study and description of the actions of drugs and chemicals on cells, tissues and the whole body. It includes finding out how drugs produce beneficial and adverse effects, and improving the way drugs are tested to give greater benefit in the treatment of disease. The cellular and chemical abnormalities of disease states are studied in the expectation that molecules may be designed specifically to correct the abnormality.

The study of pharmacology requires understanding normal body functions (biochemistry and physiology) and the disturbances that occur. Pharmacology is the basis of much of the research and development of new drugs. The future of pharmacology is assured, as there remain many diseases for which neither cure nor palliation have been devised -for example, Alzheimer’s disease, AIDS, many forms of cancer. Even when a cure or treatment is available, few medicines are perfect and the search for better drugs continues. In addition, other scientists such as physiologists, biochemists and psychologists often find a knowledge of pharmacology useful as they use drugs to probe and define the biological systems they are studying.  

As nurses, we have the opportunity to administer medications that will promote comfort and heal. We are able to see the effects good and bad on our client’s.  We see first hand what these drugs do and do not do. In relating the nursing process to the nursing functions associated with medications, we obtain a complete drug history to make sure the client needs the medication, obtain his or her present and past use of OTC (over the counter) medications, prescriptions, herbal products as well as street drugs.  Assessment continues though out the hospitalization period.  Vital signs are monitored, the need for PRN medication is assessed and the client is observed for Theraputic effects, side effects, to expect, Sid effects to report, and potential drug interactions.  Yes, Nurses play a very vital role in administration of medications.  As we explore pharmacology, you will be awed by the huge role that nurses do play.  The huge responsibility to ensure patient comfort and safety.

We begin today to learn the science of Pharmacology as we practice the Art and Science of Nursing.

 

 

 

 

Pharmacology

 

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

Explain what is meant by drug standards

1.      Identify drug laws passed in this country and their individual purpose

2.      Define the schedules for controlled substances

3.      Define terminology of drug actions

4.      Identify two sources of drug information

5.      State several responsibilities in dispensing medications

6.      Compare and Contrast three systems of measurement

7.      Identify methods used for calculation of dosage and solve dosage problems

8.      Explain how drugs are processed in the body

9.      List variables in drug processing

10. Define terminology related to unexpected drug responses

11. Differentiate among various drug forms

12. Identify various supplies used in preparation of medication

13. Describe advantages and disadvantages for routes for drug administration

14. Explain five rights of medication administration, and demonstrate medicine administration adhering to the five rights

15. Explain necessary documentation following drug administration

16. Explain the “3 checks” when administrating drugs

17. Demonstrate appropriate technique for administering drugs

18. Demonstrate 5-rights and 3 checks in drug administration

19. Demonstrate documentation following drug administration

20. State the indications, major side-effects and nursing responsibilities for drugs used in the nervous  system

21. State the indications, major side-effects and nursing responsibilities for drugs used in the treatment of eye disorders

22. State the indications, major side-effects and nursing responsibilities for drugs used to treat muscular disorders

23. State the indications, major side-effects and nursing responsibilities for drugs used to treat cardiovascular system disorders

24. State the indications, major side-effects and nursing responsibilities for drugs used to treat disorders of the respiratory system

25. State the indications, major side-effects and nursing responsibilities for drugs used to treat disorders of the digestive system

26. State the indications, major side-effects and nursing responsibilities for drugs used to treat disorders of the endocrine system

27. State the indications, major side-effects and nursing responsibilities for drugs used to treat disorders of the reproductive system

28. State the indications, major side-effects and nursing responsibilities for drugs used to treat disorders of the urinary system

29. State the indications, major side-effects and nursing responsibilities for antimicrobial drugs

30. State the indications, major side-effects and nursing responsibilities for nutritional supplements, herbal therapies, neoplastic and miscellaneous agents