Course Overview
Pharmacology II continues advanced pharmacology education with focus on complex drug classes and special patient populations. This course covers psychotropic medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics), chemotherapy agents, immunosuppressants, anticoagulants, and insulin therapy. Students learn about significant drug interactions, contraindications in specific populations, and polypharmacy management. The course emphasizes safe use in vulnerable patients including elderly, pediatric, and pregnant populations. Case studies and clinical applications connect pharmacology principles to real-world nursing practice.
Learning Objectives
- Understand mechanisms of action and nursing implications for psychotropic medications
- Apply chemotherapy knowledge including administration precautions and side effect management
- Manage anticoagulation therapy with monitoring and patient education
- Administer and monitor insulin therapy across patient populations
- Identify and prevent significant drug-drug and drug-food interactions
- Develop pharmacotherapy plans for special populations (elderly, pregnant, renal/hepatic impairment)
Lecture Topics
- Week 1: Antidepressants - SSRIs, SNRIs, Tricyclics, and MAOIs
- Week 2: Antipsychotics and Mood Stabilizers
- Week 2: Anxiolytics and Sedative-Hypnotics
- Week 3: Chemotherapy Agents and Cancer Pharmacology
- Week 3: Chemotherapy Side Effects and Nursing Care
- Week 4: Anticoagulants - Heparin, Warfarin, and DOACs
- Week 4: Anticoagulation Monitoring - PT, INR, aPTT
- Week 5: Insulin Therapy and Diabetes Management
- Week 5: Immunosuppressants and Biologic Agents
- Week 6: Drug Interactions and Polypharmacy Management
- Week 7: Medications in Special Populations - Elderly, Pediatric, Pregnant
- Week 8: Pharmacotherapy Case Studies and Clinical Applications
Course Quiz
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Flashcards
Resources
Advanced Pharmacology for Nursing (Lehne, Moore)
Comprehensive textbook covering complex drug classes with case studies and clinical decision-making.
RequiredOncology Nursing Society Chemotherapy Guidelines
Evidence-based protocols for safe chemotherapy administration and side effect management.
RequiredDrug Interaction Checker Tool (Micromedex/Lexicomp)
Interactive database for checking drug-drug interactions, dosing, and contraindications.
FreePsychiatric Medication Flash Cards with Side Effects
Visual study aids organizing psychotropic medications by class with key adverse effects and monitoring parameters.
Free