DNP807 Advanced Pharmacology II (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DNP806  
This course explores the pharmacologic principles and clinical application of medications used in anesthesia practice. Students examine inhaled and intravenous anesthetics, opioids, neuromuscular blockers, local anesthetics, and adjunct agents affecting cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, endocrine, and hematologic systems. Emphasis is placed on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic decision-making, and patient-specific considerations across diverse populations. Through lectures and case-based discussions, students integrate pharmacologic knowledge into safe, effective, and individualized anesthesia care.

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

1. Apply comprehensive pharmacologic knowledge of anesthetic agents including inhaled, intravenous, neuromuscular, and local anesthetics to the design of safe anesthetic care plans.
2. Evaluate the physiologic and pharmacologic responses to anesthetic agents and adjuncts across diverse surgical and diagnostic procedures.
3. Integrate pharmacologic strategies for the management of perioperative crises, including cardiovascular instability, airway emergencies, and coagulopathies.
4. Differentiate drug classes and select agents based on onset, duration, metabolism, and patient-specific variables such as age, pregnancy, comorbidities, and allergies.
5. Demonstrate understanding of pharmacologic implications of regional and neuraxial anesthesia, including toxicities, adjuncts, and rescue strategies.
6. Manage the administration and reversal of medications affecting coagulation, blood pressure, pain, and sedation during perioperative care.
7. Synthesize pharmacologic knowledge in simulation and clinical scenarios to demonstrate readiness for independent nurse anesthesia practice.