Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 401450

Coordinator Laura Mellish Opens in new window

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.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Co-requisite(s) NURS 2036

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 4691 Bachelor of Nursing, 4692 Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry), 4780 Bachelor of Nursing - WSU Online.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Identify the principles and core concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
2. Describe the mechanisms of actions and reactions of commonly prescribed drugs to individual people across the lifespan
3. Appraise up-to-date evidence, best practice guidelines and recommended evidence for drug therapies
4. Apply knowledge of state and territory legislation and health service policies for medication prescription, storage, use and administration
5. Reflect on safe administration of medication

Subject Content

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