Spring 2017 Course Syllabi

732 / 861

Dakota College Bottineau Course Syllabus
Course Prefix/Number/Title:
PHRM 215 – Introduction to Pharmacology
Number of credits:
3 Credits
Course Description:
This course provides a framework to understand medications and their administration, and is appropriate
for a variety of health care practitioners, including nurses, medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and
health professionals seeking continuing education. Students will be introduced to an extensive body of
knowledge within a limited time frame through a concise yet adaptable format. They will examine drug
classifications through their indications, side effects, precautions, and interactions, and become familiar
with the steps in calculating dosages and administering medications through various routes. The increasing
need for all health care professionals to provide clear and accurate patient education will be addressed
through highlighted sections and case studies.
Prerequisites:
AH 171 – Medical Terminology
AH 134 – Medical Disorders
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:
1. Classify the sources of drugs, examine their pharmacokinetic processes, and analyze the variables
that affect drug actions and effects.
2. Understand the principles of safe drug administration, calculations, and pharmacological
considerations throughout the lifespan.
3. Apply the principles that support the moral, ethical, and legal responsibilities of the health care
practitioner in administering medications safely and accurately.
4. Identify the actions and appropriate doses of commonly used medications for common diseases and
disorders of each body system.
5. Identify drug interactions, side effects, adverse reactions, and contraindications of commonly used
medications and appropriate interventions.
6. Interpret medication orders correctly, and state the proper procedures for documenting drug
administration and for reporting medication errors.
7. Understand the laws governing drug administration and legal implications.
Instructor:
Kim D McDaniel, MSN RN
Class Schedule: Online
Office Hours:
Students may contact instructor via course email or phone, as needed
Phone:
Cell (480) 216-­‐9652. Texts welcome.
Email:
Please contact me via the email within the course or