Master Resource Outline 

 

Course Title: NRSG 317 Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics for Nurses II 

Credits: 3 (lecture) 

Semesters Offered:Fall, Spring 

Prerequisites:NRSG 316 

 

Course Description: 

This course builds on the concepts and content of Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics for Nurses I and advances the understanding ofthe abnormal functioning of human cells, tissues, and organs of selected body systems, and the physiological adaptations that occur and how pharmacotherapeutics can address these pathological or adaptive changes across the lifespan. Integration of pharmacological and pathophysiologic principles will be addressed. The influences of nutrition, genetics, culture, determinants of health, age related variations, alternative therapies, and environment to selected diseases and on pharmacotherapeutics will be emphasized. Current research in pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutic and pharmacological management will be considered.  

Catalog Description:

This course builds on concepts and content of Pathophysiology and Pharmacotherapeutics for Nurses I and advances understanding of abnormal functioning of human cells, tissues, and organs of selected body systems, physiological adaptations and pharmacotherapeutics. Pharmacological and pathophysiologic principles are analyzed.   

 

 Course Objectives: 

  1. Examine the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, physiological adaptations, treatments, and clinical manifestations of selected disease processes.   
  2. Differentiate the pharmacotherapeutics of selected drug classifications on selected body systems and disease processes.  
  3. Integrate principles of pharmacology and pathophysiology in clinical nursing decisions across the lifespan.  
  4. Interpret the influence of nutrition, genetics, culture, determinants of health, age related variations, alternative therapies, and environment to selected diseases and on applicable pharmacotherapeutics.   
  5. Analyze the impact of current research on our understanding of pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics and pharmacological management.

Course Learning Outcomes: Upon completing this course the student will be able to: 

  1. Analyze clinical manifestations and the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms for specific disease processes. 
  2. Integrate interrelated influences of nutrition, genetics, culture, determinants of health, age related variations, alternative therapies, and environment to selected diseases and on applicable pharmacotherapeutics. 
  3. Differentiate the pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of commonly used medications and supplements in selected diseases or adaptive processes. 
  4. Evaluate key nursing considerations for commonly used medications and supplements.

 

AACN Competencies [AACN Essentials, 2021]

This course develops: 

1.2 Apply theory and research-based knowledge from the arts, humanities, and sciences.  

1.3 Demonstrate clinical judgement founded on a broad knowledge base. 

2.2 Communicate effectively with patients (individuals, families, and groups. 

2.3 Perform an assessment. 

2.7 Evaluate outcomes of care.  

4.2 Integrate best evidence into nursing practice. 

5.2 Contribute to a culture of patient safety  

5.3 Contribute to a culture of provider and workplace safety 

6.3 Use knowledge of nursing and other professions to address the healthcare needs of patients  

      and populations. 

7.2 Incorporate consideration of cost effectiveness of care. 

 

AACN Threads 

  • Cultural Sensitivity 
  • Social Determinants of Health 
  • Communication 
  • Ethics 
  • Clinical Judgement 

 

Required Content and Concepts 

I. The endocrine system 

A. Endocrine disorders 

1. Hypothalamic-pituitary disorders 

2. Thyroid and parathyroid disorders 

3. Pancreatic disorders 

4. Adrenal disorders 

B. Drugs for Pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal disorders 

C. Drugs for diabetes mellitus

II. The hematologic system

  Alterations of erythrocyte function 

1. Anemia 

2. Polycythemia 

A. Alterations in leukocyte function 

1. Infectious mononucleosis 

2. Leukemia 

3. Multiple myeloma 

B. Alteration in lymphoid function 

1. Lymphomas 

C. Platelet dysfunction / Coagulopathies 

D. Drugs for hematopoietic disorders 

1. Erythropoiesis-stimulating drugs 

2. Colony-stimulating factors; platelet enhancers 

3. Drugs to treat anemias – folic acid, vitamin B12, iron

III. Thecardiovascular system  

Disorders of arteries and veins

    1. Arteriosclerosis/atherosclerosis 
    2. Hypertension 
    3. Aneurysm
    4. Thrombus/embolus 
    5. Coronary artery disease 
    6. Myocardial ischemia/infarction 
    7. Peripheral vascular disease 

E. Disorders of the heart wall and structures 

1. Cardiomyopathies 

2. Heart failure 

3. Pericarditis/endocarditis   

F. Conduction abnormalities/dysrhythmias 

G. Shock 

H. Cardiovascular Drugs 

    1. Drugs for lipid disorders
    2. Drugs for hypertension
    3. Drugs for heart failure
    4. Drugs for angina pectoris and myocardial infarction
    5. Drugs for shock
    6. Drugs for dysrhythmias
    7. Drugs for coagulation disorders

IV. The pulmonary system 

Acute respiratory failure 

A. Obstructive pulmonary disease 

    1.            a.Asthma 

b. Bronchitis 

c. Emphysema 

d. Cystic fibrosis  

B. Respiratory tract infections 

a. TB

b. Pneumonia 

C. Pulmonary vascular disease 

D. Lung cancer 

E. Pulmonary Drugs 

1. H1-receptor antagonists and mast cell stabilizers 

2. Intranasal corticosteroids

3. Decongestants

4. Antitussives, expectorants, mucolytics

5. Inhalation treatment- beta-adrenergic agonists, anticholinergic, methylxanthines, corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers.

V. The renal and urologic systems 

Urinary tract obstruction / structural abnormalities 

A. Urinary tract infection 

B. Glomerular disorders 

C. Renal failure 

D. Renal Drugs 

1. Diuretics

VI. The digestive system

A. Overview of structure and function 

B. Disorders of the GI tract 

1. Motility disorders 

2. Gastritis 

3. Peptic ulcer disease 

4. Malabsorption syndromes 

5. Inflammatory bowel disease 

6. Infections and obstruction 

C. Disorders of nutrition 

1. Obesity 

2. Anorexia/Bulimia 

D. Disorders of the liver and gall bladder 

E. Cancer 

F. Gastrointestinal Drugs 

1. Antiemetics

2. Laxatives

3. Antidiarrheals

4. Peptic ulcer disease drugs 

5. Inflammatory bowel disease drugs

VII. The musculoskeletal and integumentary systems 

Musculoskeletal injuries 

A. Metabolic and infectious bone disease 

B. Skeletal muscle disorders 

C. Fibromyalgia 

D. Inflammatory muscle disease  

E. Rheumatoid/osteoarthritis

F. Muscular dystrophy 

G. Inflammation/infection of the skin 

H. Cancer 

I. Musculoskeletal drugs  

1. Calcium/Vitamin D

2. Calcitonin

3. Bisphosphonates

4. Selective estrogen receptor modulators

5. Treatment of gout

6. Treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

J. Integumentary drugs

1. Topical antimicrobials

2. Scabicidesandpediculicides

3. Acne, rosacea, dermatitis, and psoriasis medications 

 

Suggested Student Learning Activities: 

  • papers and reports 
  • tests and quizzes 
  • patient interviews 
  • teaching plans 
  • literature review 
  • Internet searches 
  • workshops 
  • discussion 
  • videos 
  • reading 
  • study guides 
  • case studies 
  • student presentations 
  • guest speakers 
  • cooperative learning 
  • small groups 
  • chart medication reviews 
  • role playing 

 

Approved by UAAC: 11/24/2020; 04/2024

Approved by Faculty: 9/28/2020; 05/2024