Description It is imperative that registered nurses have a solid understanding of pharmacology. This subject introduces principles and core concepts of pharmacology with a distinct emphasis on safe medication administration in nursing. Students will acquire knowledge of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and systematically develop an understanding of actions and reactions of commonly prescribed drugs to individual people across the lifespan. Electronic medication management systems, patient education and engagement in medication management are addressed in this subject.
School Nursing & Midwifery
Discipline General Nursing
Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp
Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.
Students must be enrolled in 4691 Bachelor of Nursing, 4692 Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry), 4780 Bachelor of Nursing - WSU Online.
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
Identify the principles and core concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
Describe the mechanisms of actions and reactions of commonly prescribed drugs to individual people across the lifespan
Appraise up-to-date evidence, best practice guidelines and recommended evidence for drug therapies
Apply knowledge of state and territory legislation and health service policies for medication prescription, storage, use and administration
Reflect on safe administration of medication
1. Principles of pharmacology
a. Pharmacokinetics
b. Pharmacodynamics
c. Variability of drug action and reactions to people across lifespan
d. Individual differences
2. Commonly prescribed drugs
a. Anti-infective and anti-allergic agents (antimicrobials, antivirals, antiparasitics, antifungals, and vaccines; anti-histamines and immunosuppressants)
b. Analgesics (opioids, non-opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
c. Drugs for gastrointestinal disorders (anti-emetics, laxatives, anti-diarrhoeal agents, vitamin supplements)
d. Drugs for cardiovascular disorders (anti-hypertensives, anti-angina drugs, lipid-lowering agents, anticoagulants, antiplatelets, thrombolytics, drugs for heart failure and antidysrhythmic agents)
e. Drugs for respiratory disorders (drugs for rhinitis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
f. Drugs modifying endocrine system (birth control pills, anti-diabetic agents, drugs for thyroid disorders)
g. Anxiolytics and hypnotics
3. Nursing considerations for quality use and administration of medicines
a. Psycho-socio-cultural aspects of pharmacotherapeutics
b. Medication safety and reporting medication incidents including adverse drug reactions, medication errors and near misses
c. Interprofessional and intraprofessional communication related to safe medication management and practices
d. Electronic medication management systems
e. Medication adherence including legislative and organisational requirements for storage, use and administration
f. Patient education and engagement in medication management
Assessment
The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.
