DNP806 Advanced Pharmacology I (3 cr.)

This course focuses on those drugs most often used in the practice of anesthesia. Initially, basic principles of pharmacology will be reviewed from prior nursing education and nursing experience. The course provides an overview of common anesthetic drug actions, interactions, metabolism, and methods of administration, dosages, side effects, precautions, and contraindications. This course offers case-based lectures to demonstrate the therapeutic application of these pharmacologic principles and how this translated into efficacy and potential toxicity.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics, clinical uses, indications and contraindications, potential drug interactions, and therapeutic doses for anesthetic agents.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of pharmacokinetics when developing an individualized anesthetic plan that maximizes the therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing adverse reactions.
3. Examine appropriate guidelines for the anesthetic pharmacological management of selected healthcare syndromes/diseases commonly encountered with awareness of patient’s social determinants of health including nutrition, culture, ethnicity and socioeconomic status.
4. Provide appropriate patient education regarding furnished anesthetic agents and adjunct medications.