Fall 2012

NURS 6302-001 Advanced Pharmacotherapeutics

This course is Web Enhanced with WebCT icon
Please be sure to check the Current Computer Requirements

http://www.nursing.uthscsa.edu/programs/grad/APN_Preceptor_Manual.pdf

Course materials are available in Blackboard Learn (BBLearn). The Course Calendar will be available on the first class day and is located on the home page of the NURS 6302 Blackboard. Please familiarize yourself with Blackboard and the available resources before the first day of class.

FACULTY CONTACT INFORMATION

Margit B. Gerardi, PhD, RN, WHNP

Email: gerardi@uthscsa.edu

Phone: (210) 567-5914

Office: 2.382

Office Hours: Wednesday-9:00am-12noon

Department of Family and Community Systems


 

Cheryl A. Lehman, PhD, RN-C, CCRN, CNS-BC

Email: lehmanc@uthscsa.edu

Phone: (210) 567-5870

Office: 2.216

Office Hours: TBA

Department of HRCSM-Hlth Rest & Care Sys Mgt

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides the opportunity to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in the therapeutic use of pharmacologic agents. The pharmacologic treatment of major health problems will be explored. Principles of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenomics will be examined. The effects of culture, ethnicity, age, pregnancy, gender and funding on pharmacologic therapy will be emphasized. Legal aspects of prescribing will be fully addressed.

CREDIT AND TIME ALLOCATION

Credit Hour Allocation: 3 Semester Credit Hours
Clock Hour Allocation: 3 Clock Hours Class (45 hours class)

PREREQUISITES

NURS 5338 Advanced Pathophysiology

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  1. Apply the principles of pharmacology, including pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics in the selection and prescription of medication for a variety of patients.
  2. Design appropriate pharmacologic interventions for treatment of the major health problems.
  3. Identify potential adverse reactions of pharmacologic agents, including those caused by drug-drug, drug-diet and drug-disease interactions.
  4. Select appropriate methods of monitoring effectiveness of pharmacologic therapy.
  5. Critically evaluate the appropriateness of pharmacologic therapy in a given client case.
  6. Discuss state and federal laws that regulate prescriptive practices.
  7. Write appropriate, legally sound medication orders and prescriptions.

CLINICAL OBJECTIVES

N/A

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION / GRADES

Grade Percentages:

20 % - Homework Assignments
45 % - Quizzes

10 % - Case Studies 
25%  - Final Exam

100% - Total

Grading Scale:
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = Below 60%

Course Policies:
  1. It is required that all students come prepared for class, having read assigned readings.  Attendance is expected.
  2. Written assignments must be submitted by the designated time on the date due in the Assignment Drop Box in  Blackboard, unless other instructions are given.
  3. Late assignments will not be accepted.  Students may request an extension of due dates from course faculty.  Extensions of due dates will be granted at the discretion of the faculty, which may incur a 5% deduction of the project points per 24-hr period that it has been late. 
  4. Routine homework assignments are to be neatly typed.  
  5. Written assignments are to be in APA format as directed.
  6. The quizzes are online.
  7. A large portion of the class is housed in Blackboard.  This includes learning modules consisting of weekly objectives, assigned readings and weblinks, and written assignments.  Students are expected to monitor the site closely for updates.  Class communications on e-mail will be within Blackboard.  Slides and handouts for each class will be filed in the appropriate learning modules in  Blackboard.
  8. If a student's absence is foreseeable, notify the instructor prior to class date.  If the absence occurs on an examination day, an alternate exam may be provided at the instructor's discretion.  The student is responsible for any content presented in class.

Examinations: The final exam will be completed in the computer lab during an announced scheduled time, and will cover materials from the entire course. The final exam includes content from textbook, lecture and assigned readings.

CELL PHONE POLICY

CLASSROOM ATTENDANCE

Attendance in class is an expectation of each student.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS

  1. If written assignments are made in a course they are required.
  2. Students are expected to submit written work on the scheduled date and time.
  3. The student must notify the course coordinator prior to the scheduled due date and time if they are unable to submit the written work as scheduled. Failure to make this notification in advance will result in a "zero" for that written work.
  4. If the excuse is accepted as reasonable and necessary, arrangements will be made for an alternative due date and time.
  5. Each student is responsible for making sure that he or she has completed the written work prior to submission.
  6. Late work will be accepted with consequences as outlined per course syllabi.

APA GUIDELINES

Effective Fall 2010, the APA Publication Manual 6th edition is required for use in all nursing school programs.

SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY

Students are expected to be above reproach in all scholastic activities. Students who engage in scholastic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and dismissal from the university. "Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, and submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts." Regents Rules and Regulations, Part One, Chapter VI, Section 3, Subsection 3.2, Subdivision 3.22.

ADA ACCOMMODATIONS

Any student seeking ADA Accommodations under the American with Disabilities Act should contact the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Services within the first week of the semester so that appropriate accommodations may be arranged. A Request for Accommodations (Form 100) must be completed. These forms are available in the Office for Students Room: NS 1.106. 

REQUIRED TEXT / REFERENCE

Dipiro, J.T., Talbert, R.L., Yee, G.C., Matzke, G.R., Wells, B.G., & Posey, L.M. (2011). Pharmacotherapy: A pathophysiologic approach (8th ed). New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 9780071643252

Schwinghammer, T., & Koehler, J. (2011).  Pharmacotherapy casebook:  A patient-focused approach (8th ed.) New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 13 9780071746267

Turkoski, B.B., Lance, B.R., & Bonfiglio, M.F. (current edition-2012).  Drug information handbook for advanced practice nursing (13th ed.)  Hudson, Ohio:  LexiComp. ISBN: 978-1-59195-311-1 (or similar APN/NP drug handbook of choice)

RECOMMENDED (OPTIONAL) TEXT / REFERENCE

Buppert, Carolyn (2010). Prescribing: Preventing legal pitfalls for nurse practitioners. Annapolis: Buppert. ISBN: 0972247661 / 9780972247665

Tarrascon (2012). Tarrascon Pocket  pharmacopoeia.  Loma Linda, CA:  Tarrascon Publishing. ISBN-13: 9781449624248 (or e-book, smartphone, or iPad editions)

CONTENT OUTLINE

  1. Legal and ethical aspects of prescribing
  2. Medication resources/references
  3. Pharmacokinetic principles
  4. Pharmacodynamic principles
  5. Pharmacogenomics
  6. Adverse reactions, adverse events
  7. Effects of culture, ethnicity, age, pregnancy, breast-feeding, and gender on pharmacologic therapy
  8. Funding sources for medications
  9. Fostering adherence
  10. Rational drug selection
  11. Pharmacotherapy topics:
    • Anti-infective medications
    • Antibiotics
    • Antivirals
    • Antifungals
    • Antihelminthics
    • Cardiovascular medications
    • Management of angina
    • Management of heart failure
    • Treatment of hyperlipidemia
    • Management of hypertension
    • Management of dysrhythmias
    • Complementary and alternative medications
    • Endocrine medications
    • Diabetes management
    • Thyroid medications
    • GI system medications
    • Acid management
    • Diarrhea
    • Constipation
    • H. pylori
    • Hematologic medications
    • Anticoagulation
    • Hematopoetic growth factors
    • Anemias
    • Immune system medications
    • Vaccines
    • Immune globulin
    • Immunomodulators
    • Inflammation
    • Gout
    • Corticosteroids
    • NSAIDS
    • ASA
    • Nervous system medications
    • Autonomic nervous system medications
    • Central nervous system medications
    • Ophthalmologic medications
    • Otic medications
    • Over-the-counter medications
    • Pain management
      1. Chronic
      2. Acute
      3. Breakthrough
      4. Palliative care, end of life
    • Pulmonary medications
    • Asthma
    • COPD
    • Reproductive medications
    • Female
      1. Contraception
      2. Menopause
    • Male
      1. Erectile dysfunction
      2. Androgens
    • Urologic medications
    • BPH
    • Incontinence

CALENDAR - 1st Day Only

Please check the schedule for recent updates on Class Dates & Room.

Please check the schedule for recent updates on Class Dates & Room.

Date: Thursday, August 30, 2012, 1-4 pm
Room: 1.222 NS

Topic / Assignment Due: Class introduction, sources of drug information, decision-making, funding, adherence, pharmaceutical companies, special populations
Assigned readings: 
1. Dipiro et al. (2011) and on-line. Chapters (ch 1-6, 8-11, 13).   Check Blackboard resources, especially the Introduction Module.

An orientation to the  Blackboard resources will be provided. Please bring your laptop, if you have one.

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