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Course Syllabus

Nursing 153: Foundations of Pharmacology

Debi Ingraffia-Strong PhD(c), MSN, RN

Professor of Nursing

Spring 2016

Western Nevada College

NURS 153: Foundations of Pharmacology in Nursing II ~ Spring 2016

Name: Foundations of Pharmacology in Nursing II

Discipline: Nursing (NURS)

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: NURS 152 and admission to the nursing program

I. Course Description

Provides a continuation of study of pharmacological principles and practices to achieve safe administration of medications. Selected drug classifications are presented, with an emphasis on understanding intended and unintended effects of drugs on body systems. Provides an overview of pharmacology with an emphasis on clinical applications within the context of the nursing process and prioritization of needs.

II. Course Objectives

  1. Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to:

1.Define terms, concepts, and basic processes associated with physiologic effects of medication therapy.

2.Detail basic physiologic processes involved with absorption and elimination of medications.

3.Describe characteristics of major groups and selected individual medications in terms of the following: mechanism(s) of action; drug effects; therapeutic uses; side effects and adverse effects; toxicity and management of overdoses; interactions; and nursing responsibilities related to administration, monitoring, and teaching.

4.Utilize available resources to update personal knowledge of medications.

5.Utilize appropriate conversions to practice drug dosage calculations.

6.Describe legal/regulatory issues related to medication administration.

7.Examine and integrate current literature in developing a comparative case study evaluation and demonstrate college level writing skills within an APA formatted 3-4 page comparative analysis paper.

8.Describe the nursing role in drug therapy as it relates to:

  • Promoting physiologic and psychological wellness.
  • Documenting therapeutic or non-therapeutic effects.
  • Selected legal and ethical aspects of medication therapy.
  • Major issues/concerns in medication therapy across the lifespan.
  • Application of the nursing process.
  • Nursing responsibilities related to documentation and patient teaching.

9.Evaluate influences of medications on body systems using the nursing process and Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.

B. Linkage of the course to nursing program educational outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply the nursing process in a caring manner to safely meet the holistic needs of patients across the lifespan
  2. Utilize a broad range of communication skills to promote understanding
  3. Utilize a spirit of inquiry to integrate current evidence-based guidelines and nursing science when making clinical practice decisions
  4. Apply concepts of caring, cultural sensitivity and respect for all persons
  5. Apply principles of teaching and learning to empower patients and families to effectively manage healthcare
  6. Incorporate principles of collaboration and teamwork with patients, families and the health care team to achieve patient centered care
  7. Provide and manage care that reflect the ethical values of nursing within professional standards and legal parameters of the profession

III. WEB Course Requirements

This course utilizes WNConline (Canvas) to provide handouts and communicate with students. Students will need to have the skills necessary to use the internet and a basic understanding of how to download and print documents from the internet. You should also know how to use a word processor that will save in an .rtf or .doc or html format to type and submit papers via the web. Tutorial link and frequently asked questions and answers regarding this online platform are available at

  • Canvas technical support for faculty and student is available 24/7 by phone or text chat (855-308-2493). Canvas help can be accessed by clicking on the help link at the top right of the canvas home page.

IV. Disability Support Services

Western Nevada College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which you may require accommodations, pleasesee a staff member in Disability Support Services (Carson Campus, Cedar 209 or 775-445- 4459 or ) so that such accommodations can be considered. Students that receive accommodation letters, please meet with me to discuss the provisions of those accommodations as soon as possible.

V. Teaching-Learning Strategies

Required reading, pathophysiology concept maps, lecture, pair-share activities, online discussion and activities, case study application, & audiovisual aids. ATI resource modules and Evolve student support resources.

VI. Credit Hour Designation

This course has 15 contact hours, with 15 hours actual lecture & classroom activity time.

VII. Textbooks

Required Texts:

Lilley, L., Rainforth Collins, S., Harrington, S., & Snyder, J. (2014) Pharmacology and the Nursing Process (7th edition) St. Louis: Mosby

Recommended Texts:

Rayfield, S., & Manning, L. (2009) Pharmacology Made Insanely Easy (3rd edition) GA: ICAN publishers.

Lilley, L., Collins, S., Harrington, S., & Snyder, J., (2014) Study Guide for Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, (7th edition) St. Louis: Mosby.

VIII. Methods of Evaluation

The student must pass all methods of evaluation with 75% cumulative accuracy. These methods include:

  1. 4 examinations
  2. 15quizzes (the lowest grade is dropped)

c. 5pathophysiology assignments

d. Comparative analysis paper

e. ATI Integrated Testing

IX. Grading System

Grading of all exams, quizand written assignments are done on a point basis. The letter grade is calculated from the number of points earned against the number of points possible.

  • The student must pass the examswith a score of 150 points which is 75% or better to earn the extra points from the pathophysiology, online assignments, and paper (refer to the WNC nursing student handbook).
  • Any students caught cheating on an exam, quiz, or assignment will receive a 0. No exceptions. Refer to criteria for exam taking.
  • Exam scores will be posted by 5:00pm Friday of the exam week in WNConline.
  • There will be no extra credit questions on exams!

Grading Point Allocation

Exam 1 / 100 points
Exam 2 / 100 points
Exam 3 / 50 points
ATI Integrated Testing – with Active Learning Case Scenarios / 35 points
FinalExam / 100points
Cumulative points from examsmust total 287- equal to 75% in order for the additional points to count / 385 points
Weekly quizzes (EAQ) 10 pts each(15 with the lowest dropped to total 14) / 140 points
Pathophysiology assignments10 points each (5 total) / 50 points
Comparative Analysis Paper / 20 points
Total Possible Points / 595 possible total points
  • Must attain 444 points (75%) in order to receive a passing grade of C
  • See WNC Student Handbook for grading policy, progression, & final grade distribution.

Withdrawal Policy: The last day to drop a course with a “W” is April 1, 2016otherwise the grade earned for the course will be recorded.

Evolve Adaptive Quizzing (EAQ):

Elsevier Adaptive Quizzing COURSE ID: 153223_dingraffiastrong_1002 INSTRUCTOR: Debi IngraffiastrongElsevier Adaptive Quizzing for Lilley Pharmacology and the Nursing Process - Spring '17 Grads

  • Each week EAQ is assigned for student completion prior to class for credit. These are quiz questions that are linked to the chapter required readings. Students must be Students must be present in class to receive EAQ points, and if not completed prior to class no credit will be awarded. Students must attain a mastery level of 2 or a minimum of 40 questions attempted for quiz points to be credited. The lowest EAQ score will be dropped.

X. Written Assignments

  • Refer to the student handbook for policies on legibility, completion of written assignments, and grading policies. APA format will be used for all references and citations.
  • Students are expected to abide by the WNC Code of Student Conduct in all of their classes
  • Plagiarism is a particularly serious violation, as outlined in the WNC policy manual, Academic Integrity section of code #3-4-5. It will not be tolerated!
  • Written assignments are to be posted in WNC online by midnight on the date designated by the instructor. Three points will be deducted for each school day assignments are turned in/posted to WNConline (canvas) late, unless the instructor grants a waiver for late work. If the late penalty surpasses 25%, a 0 for the assignment will be given.

Comparative Analysis Paper

  • Choose a selected case study which will be posted in WNConline week 4. Each case study reflects a recent change in a patient’s medication regimen. Compare, contrast and analyze the potential impact of this change upon the patient and medical management. Evaluate the difference between the two drugs including nursing considerations and patient teaching. APA format. (see attached rubric)
  • Paper will be submitted to the drop box in WNConline by midnight April 10, 2016. Three points will be subtracted from the student’s potential score for each school day the assignment is late or missing; unless the instructor grants a waiver for late work.

Pathophysiologyassignments:

  • 5 pathophysiology assignments will be due by 8am Tuesday of the assigned weeks, see course calendar for due dates.10 points possible each.
  • Content must be referenced; all references must be cited per APA format.

ATI Resources & Integrated testing:

  • End of course Pharmacology Exam: A 60 question test that evaluates the understanding of the administration of medication as well as the nursing implications. Questions about parenteral therapies are also included. The ATI Exams do count towards the students’ exam grade. ATI Course Practice Examinations provide the opportunity to develop NCLEX Exam preparedness and review course content
  • ATI pharmacology focus tests are available throughout the semester with remediation available for all questions. This is a study aid and student resource for remediation of course content.

ATI Proctored Exam Level / Points allocated / Total points possible
> Level 1 – 0 pts
Level 1 – 8 pts
Level 2 – 20 pts
Level 3 – 30 pts / 4 active learning case scenarios – 27 pts
3 active learning case scenarios – 20 pts
2 active learning case scenarios – 15 pts
1 active learning case scenario – 5 pts / 27 (75%)
28 (80%)
35 (100%)
35 (100%)

XI. Instructor Contact Information

Debi Ingraffia-StrongPhD(c), MSN, RNOffice: Cedar 231

Professor of NursingOffice phone: (775) 445-3334

ell phone: (775) 901-0612

  • Office hours are posted outside of my office door and on the WNC website.
  • I am always available by appointment!
  • Cell phone limitations: faculty may be contacted by cell phone during the hours of 6am to 8pm for emergency questions. Please use email for nonemergency communication. Emails will be returned within 24 hours or the next school day.

XII. Student Responsibility

  • The student is responsible for knowing and following the policies and procedures of the college and the nursing program that define appropriate student behavior in NURS 165.
  • The student is responsible for prompt communication with the instructor for any student concern or information needed to be successful in NURS 165.
  • The student is responsible for acquiring the necessary technology skills needed to access WNC online for unit objectives, assignments and handouts, testing and communicate between the instructor and other students.
  • The student is encouraged to request accommodations for a specific disability. The student needs to notify the instructor of appropriate accommodations. The student needs to coordinate the accommodations with Susan Trist (the DSS coordinator: phone 445-4459 or ) located in Cedar Building, Room 209 as soon as possible to ensure timely and appropriate accommodations.

WNC Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to attend all classes for which they have registered. An instructor may fail any student when the student has an excessive number of absences as identified in the course syllabus. In general, if a student misses a number of hours greater than the number of units to be earned in the course, this may be considered excessive.

For this course:

  • Student absences will be acknowledged by each faculty member to determine if there is an ongoing problem. Absences will be dealt with on a one to one basis between the student, the instructors and the Director of Allied Health.
  • Students must be present in class to receive EAQ points.

Classroom Community

It is important that each person that attends this class have all the opportunity possible to master this content. Every member of this class has the right to participate freely in the class activities without interruption or feeling insecure or insignificant. In order for this to occur, certain classroom conduct is expected. To following outlines behaviors that are expected of the students and instructors.

  1. Each member of the community is important to that community as any other member.
  1. Every member of the classroom community deserves the right to speak his or her own thoughts as long as those thoughts do not intentionally hurt another.
  1. No member of the community has the right to interfere in the exercise of another member’s right to speak: when a member is speaking no one else should.
  1. All members of the community are expected to attend class and become involved in the topic of the day. The benefit of coming to class is in networking with your peers and coming to a better understanding of the topics discussed. Your attendance at class benefits all.
  1. Because time is limited and much content is covered it is important that the class begin at the appointed hour. Those who arrive late have the following responsibilities:
  2. Enter classroom prepared to participate. Do not make noise emptying book bags etc.
  3. Take the first available seat near the door.
  4. Ask nearest student for directions as quietly as possible

6.The only learning materials allowed in the classroom are those directly related to the activities of the class. All other materials, cell phone, PDA’s newspapers, magazines must be put away. Shut off all cell phones. No texting allowed during class times! Computers are allowed to take lecture notes, however no other online activities (such as Facebooking) is allowed during lecture!

7.Trust and respect are expected for everyone in the classroom. Talking with your neighbor and making unnecessary noise will not be tolerated.

8. Your syllabus can answer all your questions about exams and classroom lecture schedule. We will not answer questions such as “What is on the exam?” We will cover exam topics as appropriate. Listen carefully. Recording lecture content is allowed for your use only. These recordings are not to be posted to any internet source.

9.Web conduct: This is web-enhanced course. Active participation on WNConline is required. Please check WNConline daily for new postings, announcements, etc. WNC online is an excellent tool to communicate with the instructor and other students. Please be respectful and post questions and material that is related to the classroom activities. Any negative comments not related to classroom topics should be communicated elsewhere.

10. Examples of misconduct during testing follow. Any student engaging in such behavior will be dismissed and receive a “0” grade for the quiz/exam.

Being late!

Using electronic communications equipment such as pagers, cellphones, iPod’s or PDA’s

Giving or receiving help during the quiz or examination or being suspected of doing so

Using prohibited aids, such as reference materials, websites, listening devices, or recordings.

Sharing information about the test and test questions with any unauthorized person.

Grading Rubric for Pharmacological Case Study Paper ~ 20 points possible

Area / Criteria / Always
4 / Mostly
3 / Occas.
2 / Seldom
1 / None
0
Title page
Intro / * APA format
* Includes a hook
* Plan/purpose of paper is stated
Body of paper/paragraphs
Conclusion / * Topic sentence
* Evidence supporting the topic is clear and persuasive
*Transition/concluding sentence for each paragraph
* Comparison & contrast of medications
* Impact upon patient & medical regimen
* Nursing considerations
* Patient teaching plan
Mechanics / * Spelling
* Grammar
* Punctuation
* Proofreading
Content insights / * Content insights – analysis level
* Impact of the medication change upon the patient &
medical management
APA format
APA references / * APA in-text citations
* APA reference page
* Utilization of WNC library database

XIII. Course Calendar ~ Outline of Topics & Readings

Week / Content Covered / Readings: Lilley, Harrington & Snyder
ATI / Exams / EAQ’s & Assignments
1 /
  • General & Local Anesthetics
  • Psychotherapeutic drugs
  • CNS Stimulants & related drugs
/ Chap 11: General & local anesthetics
Chap 16: Psychotherapeutic drugs
Chap 13: CNS stimulants & related drugs
ATI Unit 2 / EAQ 1
2 /
  • Respiratory drugs
  • Antihistamines, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants
/ Chap 36: Antihistamines, Decongestants, Antitussives, & Expectorants
ATI Unit 3 / EAQ 2
Patho 1 due
3 /
  • Respiratory drugs
  • Blood-forming drugs
/ Chap. 54: Anemia drugs
ATI Unit 5 / EAQ 3
4 /
  • Renal - diuretics
  • Fluid and electrolytes
/ Chap 28: Diuretic drugs
Chap 29: Fluids and electrolytes / EAQ 4
Patho 2 due
5 /
  • Exam 1
/ Cedar Building – 3rd floor – Computer lab / Feb 23, 2016
8:00-8:50 am / EAQ 5
Computer Lab
6 /
  • Cardiovascular & Renal drugs
  • Antihypertensive drugs Antianginal drugs
  • Heart Failure drugs
/ Chap 22: Antihypertensive drugs
Chap 23:Antianginal drugs
Chap 24: Heart Failure drugs
ATI Unit 4 / EAQ 6
7 /
  • Antidysrhythmics
  • Coagulation Modifiers
  • Antilipemic drugs
/ Chap 25: Antidysrhythmic drugs
Chap 26: Coagulation mod. drugs
Chap 27: Antilipemic drugs / EAQ 7
8 /
  • Respiratory drugs
/ Chap 37: Respiratory drugs
Bronchodilators and other resp. / EAQ 8
Patho 3 due
SPRING BREAK ~ Enjoy!
9 /
  • Exam 2
/ Cedar Building – 3rd floor – Computer lab / Mar 29, 2016
8:00-8:50 am / EAQ 9
Computer Lab
10 /
  • Gastrointestinal & Nutritional
  • Acid-controlling drugs
  • Antidiarrheals & laxatives
  • Antiemetic & Antinausea drugs
/ Chap 50: Acid-controlling drugs
Chap 51: Bowel disorder drugs
Chap 52: Antiemetic /Antinausea
ATI Unit 6 / EAQ 10
11 /
  • Endocrine drugs:
  • Antidiabetic drugs
  • Adrenal drugs
/ Chap 32: Antidiabetic drugs
Chap 33: Adrenal drugs
ATI Unit 10 / EAQ 11
Paper due
4/10/16 midnight
12 /
  • Endocrine drugs
  • Pituitary drugs
  • Thyroid & Antithyroid drugs
/ Chap 30 Pituitary
Chap 31: Thyroid & Antithyroid / EAQ 12
Patho 4 due
13 /
  • Exam 3
  • ATI exam
/ Computerized - Take at home exam
To be completed between 04/22/16 8am & 04/26/16 8am
ATI Exam – Computer lab 0730 am – 0850am / Due by 8am 04/26/16 / EAQ 13
home exam
14 /
  • Women’s health drugs
  • Men’s health drugs
  • Antirheumatic drugs
/ Chap 34: Women’s health drugs
Chap 35: Men’s health drugs ATI Unit 7
Chap 47: Biologic Response-Modifying / EAQ 14
15 /
  • Antineoplastic drugs
  • Vitamins & Minerals
  • Nutrition supplements
/ Chap 47& 48Part 1&2
Chap 53: Vitamins * minerals
Chap 54: Nutrition Supplements ATI Unit 11 / EAQ 15
Patho 5 due
16 /
  • CUMULATIVE FINAL EXAM
/ Cedar Building – 3rd floor – Computer lab
(20% new content, 80% cumulative) / 5/18/16 / 8-10am

Revised January 12, 2015 – DI-S