NURS 2035: Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nurses – Course Overview

NURS 2035: Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nurses – Course Overview

NURS 2035: Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nurses is an essential course designed for nursing students who need to understand the underlying mechanisms of diseases (pathophysiology) and the application of pharmacological treatments in the clinical setting. This course provides the foundational knowledge required to assess patients, interpret symptoms, and administer medications effectively to promote optimal health outcomes.

What You Will Learn in NURS 2035: Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nurses

In this course, students will explore the physiological processes behind various diseases and conditions, as well as how pharmacological treatments can be used to address these conditions. The course emphasizes the connection between disease processes and their treatment, providing the critical knowledge needed for safe medication administration and patient care.

Key Topics Covered in NURS 2035: Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for Nurses

The course covers both pathophysiology and pharmacology with a focus on their practical application in nursing practice:

  • Pathophysiology Fundamentals: Understand how disease processes affect normal body functions, including alterations in the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, and nervous systems.

  • Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics: Learn about how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body, as well as their mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, and potential side effects.

  • Drug Classifications: Study various drug classifications and their therapeutic uses, including analgesics, antibiotics, antihypertensives, antidiabetics, and psychotropic medications.

  • Nursing Implications for Medication Administration: Focus on the role of the nurse in safely administering medications, monitoring for adverse reactions, and educating patients about their medications.

  • Medication Dosage and Calculations: Learn how to calculate correct medication dosages based on patient weight, age, and specific medical conditions, ensuring accuracy and safety.

  • Common Diseases and Drug Treatments: Explore common conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, heart failure, and infections, and the drugs used to manage these diseases.

  • Patient Education and Medication Management: Understand the importance of educating patients about their medications, including proper usage, potential side effects, and adherence to prescribed regimens.