Pathophysiology/Pharmacology I

Catalog description

In this course, the first of a two-course sequence in the accelerated program, students focus on the abnormal alterations in body functions. Emphasis is placed on understanding the pathophysiology of diseases and their clinical presentation as a basis for pharmacotherapeutic management of patients. Where applicable, for each disease, common drug therapies used for health promotion, illness management, treatment, and restoration across the lifespan are highlighted. Students study content from a primary health care framework, which encompasses the healthcare needs of individuals, families, communities, and drug therapy across the lifespan. This course discusses diseases and drug therapies within the spheres of care related to 1) chronic disease care, which includes management of chronic diseases and prevention of negative sequelae and 2) regenerative or restorative care, which includes complex acute care, acute exacerbations of chronic conditions, and treatment of physiologically unstable patients that generally requires care in a mega-acute care institution. Students learn basic principles applicable to all drugs. Focus is on drug classification and the prototypical drug of each class. Students are introduced to the nurse's role and legal and ethical responsibilities in medication administration and regulatory issues. Students apply pharmacological knowledge to clinical practice fostering safe and effective drug therapy.