Pathophysiology/Pharmacology in Nursing

This foundational course combines two related nursing concepts, pathophysiology and pharmacology. Pathophysiology relates manifestations of disease, risk factors for disease, and the principles of pathology underlying illness and injury to therapeutic nursing interventions and outcomes. Pharmacology focuses on the basic drug classification, concepts and principles of pharmacology with an emphasis on clinical applications within the context of the nursing process and prioritization of needs; with special consideration given to the physiological, psycho/social, cultural, and spiritual needs of patients. This course incorporates knowledge and skills from a number of basic science disciplines including anatomy and physiology, biochemistry and cell and molecular biology focusing on their application to clinical practice. The purpose of this course is to provide opportunities to develop the competencies necessary to demonstrate safe medication administration to enhance nursing practice and safeguard patient centered care. Critical and analytical thinking in the application of the nursing process to disease alterations and drug therapy is stressed. Major emphasis will be placed on the role of the nurse in health promotion, disease prevention, maintenance and restoration of wellness in diverse individuals across the lifespan.