Academic Year

Spring 2020

Nursing 364: Nursing Pharmacology

Course Title: NURSING 364: Nursing Pharmacology

2 Revised 01/2020

Catalog Description: This course provides an understanding of basic pharmacology and the standards,

policies, and regulations involved in mediation administration. A brief review of the math concepts

involved in the calculations of dosages is included. The course focus is on drugs classifications,

pharmacodynamics, chemical interactions, toxicology and the use of the nursing process in medication

administration.

Student Learning Objectives:

1. Identify federal and state legislation, standards and policies regulating the development,

preparation and administration of drugs.

2. Explain the processes by which drugs influence and interact with cell physiology and are

distributed within the human body.

3. Explain the role of nursing in pharmacotherapeutics.

4. Apply the nursing process in the administration of medications for each body system.

5. Identify therapeutic and pharmacologic drug classifications, including and the mechanism of

action on specific body systems.

6. Explain the pathological changes that may be produced by certain categories of drugs on various

body systems.

7. Demonstrate how to use drug reference books and resources to obtain the information needed

by the nurse for the administration of safe, effective drug therapy.

8. Identify and state the eight rights of drug/medication administration.

9. Given a medication order, calculate the unit dose, specific fluid amount to administer, the

intravenous flow rate, and the hourly dose.

10. Identify the nursing interventions needed to educate patients undergoing drug therapies.

Credit/Contact Hours: 3 units

Transferability: Conditional

Prerequisites: This course is open to pre-nursing majors, nursing students and those interested in

developing an understanding of medications. Admission to LAHC and appropriate registration and

payment of fees.

Required Textbooks and Supplies: Adams, M.P. & Holland, L.N., Urban, C. (2020). Pharmacology for

nurses: A pathophysiologic approach (6th Ed.). Pearson. Print ISBN: 9780135218334, 0135218330; eText

ISBN: 9780135268438, 0135268435

Recommended Textbook: Pickar, G.D. & Abernethy, A.P. (2016) Dosage calculations: A ratio-proportion

approach (4th ed.), Clifton Park, Thompson Delmar.

Scantrons: Will be required for some quizzes, exams, and the final exam.

Course Title: NURSING 364: Nursing Pharmacology

3 Revised 01/2020

Attendance Policy: Class absences are not to exceed one class lecture. If the student is ill or has an

emergency, please contact instructor for the week as soon as possible. Students are urged not to be

absent, and are reminded that the student is responsible for all information given during class time.

Three tardy will be counted as one absence. Absence that exceeds specified maximum may result in

exclusion from the course or receiving an “F” grade. Students who know that there is a strong possibility

that they will miss more than one class should not take the course.

The General Education Student Learning Outcomes ensure that students who complete programs in occupational areas are expected to demonstrate that they:

Have college-level skills in reading, writing, and speech appropriate to the selected degree

Utilize appropriate informatics: computer skills & Internet

Apply previously learned knowledge to the current area of study

Are able to acquire the skills and perform the tasks necessary for their employment or career

enhancement

Have adequate college level mathematical skills

Course Credit Challenging Policy: Not applicable.

College and Department Policies: Refer to College Catalog and Current Nursing Student Handbook.

Board Policies and Accommodations:

1. Students requiring special accommodations in a course must present official documentation of

the type of accommodations required to the nursing faculty.

2. Board Rule 9803.12. Dishonesty, such as cheating, or knowingly furnishing false information to

the college. Examples of academic dishonesty: A student copies from another student, to help an

academically weaker student by providing answers to a test or using “crib” notes.

3. Board Rule 9803.14. Obstruction or disruption of classes, administration, disciplinary procedures,

or authorized college activities.

4. Board Rule 9803.19. Alcohol and Drugs. Any possession of controlled substances which would

constitute a violation of Health and Safety Code Section 11350 or Business and Professional Code

section 4230, any use of controlled substance, the possession of which are prohibited by the

same, or any possession or use of alcoholic beverages.

*Please see college catalog for a listing of all District Board Rules. Also, refer to the Student Discipline

Procedure for due process for disciplinary issues, grievances, and the student appeal process.

Course Title: NURSING 364: Nursing Pharmacology

4 Revised 01/2020

Faculty Contact Information:

Instructor Kathy Vo

Class N 153

Date Monday

Time 1400-1710

Office Location N113

Contact Number (310) 233-4387

E-mail Address vokt@laccd.edu

Office Hours Posted outside office door

Website https://kathyvorn.weebly.com/ Student Assignment

Week # Date Concept Points

1 02/10/2020 Core Concepts in Pharmacology 50

2 02/17/2020 President’s Day Holiday, No Class 0

3 02/24/2020 Pharmacology and the Nurse-Patient Relationship

50

4 03/02/2020 The Nervous System 50

5 03/09/2020 The Nervous System 50

6 03/16/2020 The Cardiovascular and Urinary System 50

7 03/23/2020 The Cardiovascular and Urinary System 50

8 03/30/2020 The Cardiovascular and Urinary System 50

9 04/06/2020 Spring Break, No Class 0

10 04/13/2020 Easter Monday, No Class 0

11 04/20/2020 The Cardiovascular and Urinary System 50

12 04/27/2020 The Immune System 50

13 05/04/2020 The Respiratory System 50

14 05/11/2020 The Gastrointestinal System 50

15 05/18/2020 The Endocrine System 50

16 05/25/2020 Memorial Day Holiday, No Class 0

17 06/01/2020 Final Day 100

Total Points 700

Course Grading:

GRADE POINTS PERCENTAGE

A 630-700 90 - 100%

B 567-629 81-89.9%

C 525-566 75-80.9%

D 420-524 60-74.9%

F < 419 Less than 60%

Course Title: NURSING 364: Nursing Pharmacology

5 Revised 01/2020

Classroom Etiquette:

A student enrolling in the nursing program may rightfully expect that the faculty and administrators will

maintain an environment in which there is freedom to learn. This requires that there be appropriate

conditions and opportunities in the classroom.

1. No texting and cell phone use during class time

2. No electronic devices with tones that may cause class disruption

3. No children, friends, or guest in the classroom, simulation lab, and clinical settings

4. No food/drinks in the classroom at any time (water is okay)

5. Any excessive talking will result in dismissal from the class

6. Seats may be assigned at the discretion of the instructor

7. No taping, recording, photography or computer recording of the class without permission

8. Please bring your textbook to class as it will be referred to often

9. Demonstrate professional behaviors in class, including but not limited to:

a. Being on time

b. Using respectful tone, language, and attitude

c. No falling asleep in class

10. Academic integrity is expected by the college and the professor will uphold these expectations.

Any violation will result in zero points for the exam/assignment in question and a possible 1-2

days suspension from the class. Be aware that this may result in course failure.

11. The professor may dismiss student(s) from the class if they are being disruptive in any way

12. DO NOT seek information about this course from inappropriate sources. If you have a question

about the class, ask the professor or clinical instructor of record

13. During testing, no caps, hats, or large sweatshirts are to be worn. No beverage containers on the

desks. All belongings must be placed in a designated area of the classroom

14. The testing policy is included in the syllabus and will be followed without exception

15. Any talking after the instructor has announced that the test has officially begun, will result in

“zero” points for the test.

Learning Resources: College Library, Nursing Learning Lab (overnight check-out not allowed), and

Learning Resource Center in College Library.

Course Title: NURSING 364: Nursing Pharmacology

6 Revised 01/2020

Method of Instruction: Lecture, Discussion, Related Readings, Presentations, and Internet.

Evaluation Method: Objective quizzes, comprehensive final exam, and group presentation.

Study Time: The College expects a minimum of two hours of study/preparation by the student for each

hour of lecture.

Plagiarism: Any form of academic dishonesty is not tolerated within the Los Angeles Community College

District and will result in a zero for the assignment in question and a possible one to two-day suspension

from the class (in most cases this will result in a course failure). Any student with subsequent incident of

plagiarism will be referred to the Vice President of Student Services and may be expelled from the

college. Please refer to the College Catalog for further information.