NA640 Chemistry and Physics for Nurse Anesthesia (4 cr.)

This course examines the principles of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and physics as they apply to the practice of anesthesia and anesthetic pharmacology. Topics include anesthesia delivery systems, delivery of inhalation anesthetics, fluid and gas mechanics, laser technology, radiology and nuclear medicine, ultrasonography, electricity, and magnetism among others.

Upon completion of this course, the student is expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply principles of inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and physics to anesthetic pharmacology.
2. Apply principles of inorganic chemistry and physics to anesthesia delivery systems and monitoring.
3. Apply principles of fluid and gas mechanics to anesthesia delivery and anesthetic pharmacology.
4. Apply concepts of laser technology to safe patient care.
5. Apply theories related to radiology, nuclear medicine, and magnetism to the interpretation of diagnostic data and the provision of safe patient care.
6. Apply principles of ultrasonography to the safe administration of regional anesthetics and intravenous access.
7. Discuss the ramifications of electrical safety and their applications to anesthesia and surgery.