At the end of the course, students are expected to:
Understand various drugs and their appropriate usage.
Solve patient-related problems with drugs in both hospital and community settings.
Introduction to Pharmacology
Definition of Pharmacology: The scientific study of the interactions between drugs and biological systems.
Terminology of Drugs:
Understanding basic drug-related terms, which is crucial for effective communication in healthcare settings.
Actions of Drugs
Mechanisms of Action:
The processes through which drugs exert their effects on biological systems.
Important for nursing professionals to comprehend how drugs work in treating various conditions.
Nursing Abbreviations in Pharmacology
Familiarity with common abbreviations used in pharmacology to enhance communication and reduce errors.
Instruments for Drug Administration
Overview of the different instruments and devices used for drug delivery, including:
Syringes
Infusion pumps
Inhalers
Classification of Drugs
Major Classes of Drugs:
Antibiotics: Drugs used to treat bacterial infections by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
Antifungal: Medications designed to combat fungal infections.
Antiviral: Drugs that specifically target viral infections.
Storage and Preservation of Drugs in Hospitals
Key considerations for maintaining drug efficacy and safety, including:
Temperature control
Humidity checks
Proper labeling and expiry checks
Medical Prescriptions
Importance of accurate and clear medical prescriptions in ensuring patient safety and effective treatment.
Component breakdown of prescriptions:
Patient information
Date of prescription
Name of prescribed drug
Dosage and administration route
Prescribing physician's information
Listening to Patients about Drug Concerns
Emphasizing the role of listening in nursing to address patients' queries and concerns regarding their medications.
Drugs of Various Systems
Overview of drugs affecting different body systems:
Central Nervous System (CNS): Drugs that influence brain activity and neurological functions, including:
Pain relievers
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Summary of Key Takeaways
Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of pharmacology principles and their practical applications in a healthcare environment, specifically focusing on:
Drug classifications
Mechanisms of action
Safe drug administration and patient communication.