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Course Number: NCMA 125
Course Title: Pharmacology
Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 30
Lecture/Lab Hours: 0
Lab Hours: 0
Special Fee: none

Course Description

Includes basic principles and practice of pharmacology and administering drugs, identifying roles and responsibilities of the medical assistant in safely administering selected medications by various routes. Covers medications related to each of the following classifications: vitamins, minerals and herbs, skin, nervous system, urinary system, gastrointestinal system, anti-infective analgesics, sedatives and hypnotics, psychotropic meds, musculoskeletal, anticonvulsants, reproductive system, cardiovascular, and respiratory.

Intended Outcomes for the Course

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic principles of pharmacology, uses, side effects, contraindications, and patient education pieces for each of the classifications of medications to include:  vitamins, minerals and herbs, skin, nervous system, urinary system, gastrointestinal system, anti-infective, analgesics, sedatives and hypnotics, psychotropic meds, musculoskeletal, anticonvulsants, reproductive system, cardiovascular, and respiratory.
  2. Evaluate and review the legal aspects of administering medications, and the roles and responsibilities. of the medical assistant.
  3. Differentiate between chemical, generic, and trade names of drugs.
  4. Locate and use various resources to obtain information regarding medication administration.
  5. Accurately calculate drug dosages; accurately and safely administer medications by oral, parenteral, topical, and rectal routes to clients of all ages.
  6. Accurately maintain medication and immunization records.

Course Activities and Design

  1. Lecture
  2. Skills practice lab with patient scenarios
  3. Small group activities
  4. Assignments
  5. Research project

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  1. Multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions that require integration, application, and critical examination of material covered in class.
  2. Small group assignments designed to stimulate critical thinking and positive interactive communication with peers.
  3. Written assignments designed to stimulate critical thinking related to potential clinical experiences.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

  1. Mathematics and Dosage Calculations
    • Numerals and Fractions
    • Decimal Fractions
    • Ratio and Proportion
    • The Metric System
    • Calculating Adult Dosages: Oral and Parenteral Forms
    • Calculating Children’s Dosages
  2. Introduction to Pharmacology
    • Drug Sources, Schedules, and Dosages
    • Forms of Drugs and How They Act
    • The Medication Order
    • Medication Administration Essentials
    • Administration of Nonparenteral Medications
    • Parenteral Equipment and Supplies
    • Administration of Parenteral Medications
    • Allergy: An Overview
  3. Medications, Supplements, and Drug Abuse
    • Antibiotic Agents
    • Antifungal, Antiviral, and Immunizing Agents
    • Antineoplastic Agents
    • Vitamins, Minerals and Herbals
    • Psychotropic Agents
    • Substance Abuse
  4. Effects of Medications on Body Systems
    • Medications Used for Musculoskeletal System Disorders
    • Medications Used for Gastrointestinal System Disorders
    • Medications Used for Cardiovascular System Disorders
    • Medications That Affect the Respiratory System
    • Diuretics and Medications Used for Urinary System Disorders
    • Medications Used in Treatment of Endocrine Disorders
    • Medications That Affect the Nervous System
    • Medications That Affect the Reproductive System