1. Apply basic pharmacology principles to medication management

1.a. Discuss the processes of pharmacokinetics
1.b. Use multiple professional resources including technology to identify pertinent information related to drugs
1.c. Describe the processes of pharmacodynamics
1.d. Consider pharmacodynamic differences across the life span
1.e. Support your analysis with relevant evidence
1.f. Use correct medical terminology
1.g. Differentiate among prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, herbals, and dietary supplements
1.h. Describe the history of drugs and their sources
1.i. Identify various drug routes and preparations
1.j. Identify which drug forms should not be crushed or chewed
1.k. Define pharmacology, pharmacotherapeutics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
1.l. Explain the nurse's role and responsibilities in pharmacotherapy
1.m. Describe how the nursing process is applied to the administration of drugs
1.n. Identify the five rights of drug administration
1.o. Describe strategies the nurse can implement to reduce medication errors
1.p. Identify information that can be included in patient teaching to reduce medication errors and incidents
1.q. Explain the importance of medication reconciliation
1.r. Describe the importance of accurate drug calculation
1.s. Calculate basic drug doses accurately (conversions, reconstitutions, IV rates)
1.t. Summarize general teaching and learning principles of patient education
1.u. Discuss the importance of patient education related to drug administration
1.v. Identify the four processes of pharmacokinetics
1.w. Discuss the factors that affect drug absorption
1.x. Describe factors affecting drug distribution
1.y. Identify sites of drug metabolism
1.z. Discuss factors that affect drug excretion
1.aa. Explain the actions of drug agonists and antagonists
1.ab. Compare and contrast advantages and disadvantages of each route of administration
1.ac. Define the terms: indications, contraindications, adverse, side and untoward effects
1.ad. Explain the concept of enterohepatic recirculation (first pass effect)
1.ae. Explain the concepts of drug onset, peak, half-life and duration
1.af. Differentiate between loading and maintenance doses
1.ag. Discuss how a drug's therapeutic index is related to its margin of safety
1.ah. Understand the impact of the CYP450 enzymes on drug metabolism and effect
1.ai. Describe the goal of using pharmacogenetics in drug therapy
1.aj. Discuss how physiologic differences among neonates, children, pregnant women and the elderly can affect drug metabolism and response

2. Examine legal, ethical, social, and cultural issues related to medication administration

2.a. Support your analysis with relevant evidence
2.b. Identify drug administration guidelines within the State Nurse Practice Act
2.c. Identify nursing responsibility to prevent and respond to medication errors
2.d. Identify nursing responsibilities associated with controlled substances
2.e. Identify ethical responsibilities as they relate to medication errors
2.f. Nursing response reflects respect for patient's rights and responsibilities with drug therapy
2.g. Nursing actions are within the scope of nursing practice as it relates to the administration of medication
2.h. Demonstrate patient-centered care by respecting patient's gender, psychosocial and cultural needs
2.i. Identify nursing responsibilities associated with safe medication administration
2.j. Identify nursing responsibilities associated with patient medication education
2.k. Differentiate chemical, generic and drug trade names
2.l. Identify three methods of classifying drugs
2.m. Describe what is meant by a drug's mechanism of action
2.n. Differentiate between prescription and non-prescription drugs
2.o. Relate the significance of legislation to drug development, manufacture and administration
2.p. Describe the phases of new drug development
2.q. Describe how state practice acts relate to the administration of drugs
2.r. Describe the nurse's role as it relates to controlled substances
2.s. Identify the 5 drug schedules and give examples of drugs at each level
2.t. Discuss ethical issues related to drug therapy
2.u. Identify the provisions of the ANA Code of Ethics
2.v. Identify influences of cultural beliefs on drug therapy
2.w. List common reasons for drug non-compliance
2.x. List accurate, peer-reviewed sources of drug information

3. Apply components of the nursing process to the administration of antimicrobial drugs

3.a. Cite the classifications and actions of antimicrobial drugs
3.b. Give examples of when, how and to whom antimicrobial drugs may be administered
3.c. Identify the side effects and special considerations associated with antimicrobial therapy
3.d. Identify considerations and implications of using antimicrobial medications across the life span
3.e. Apply evidence-based concepts when using the nursing process
3.f. Identify indications, side effects and potential drug interactions associated with the use of herbal supplements
3.g. Identify and interpret related laboratory tests
3.h. Identify classifications of antimicrobials
3.i. Describe the mechanisms of action, side effects, contraindications, nursing considerations, nursing assessments and pertinent patient teaching for each of the antimicrobial prototypes
3.j. Identify the role obtaining a culture and sensitivity plays in the selection of an effective antibiotic
3.k. Compare and contrast the terms bactericidal and bacteriostatic
3.l. Discuss the impact of resistant organisms on health care
3.m. Identify nursing interventions that decrease the development of bacterial resistance
3.n. Identify patient variables to consider when administering antimicrobials
3.o. Identify factors that place patients at risk for developing pseudomembranous colitis or c-diff
3.p. Explain how the treatment of viral infection differs from bacterial infection
3.q. Identify which antimicrobials are nephrotoxic, ototoxic, hepatotoxic or affect cartilage/ligaments
3.r. Apply the nursing process to antimicrobial drugs
3.s. Identify laboratory values related to the administration of antimicrobial drugs

4. Apply components of the nursing process to the administration of autonomic nervous system drugs

4.a. Cite the classifications and actions of autonomic nervous system drugs
4.b. Give examples of when, how and to whom autonomic nervous system drugs may be administered
4.c. Identify the side effects and special considerations associated with autonomic nervous system drugs
4.d. Nursing response evidences considerations and implications of using autonomic nervous system drugs across the life span
4.e. Apply evidence-based concepts when using the nursing process
4.f. Identify indications, side effects and potential drug interactions associated with the use of herbal supplements
4.g. Identify and interpret related laboratory tests
4.h. Understand the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system and the main functions of each
4.i. List the effects of activating/blocking the sympathetic nervous system
4.j. List the main organ effects caused by activating/blocking the parasympathetic system
4.k. Describe the mechanisms of action, side effects, contraindications, nursing considerations, nursing assessments and pertinent patient teaching for each of the ANS classification prototypes
4.l. Compare and contrast the type of responses that occur when drugs activate or block the alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 1 and beta 2 adrenergic receptors
4.m. Explain the rationale for using vasoconstrictors and inotropic drugs to treat shock
4.n. Apply the nursing process to ANS system drugs
4.o. Identify and interpret laboratory values related to ANS drugs

5. Apply components of the nursing process to the administration of respiratory system drugs

5.a. Cite the classifications and actions of respiratory system drugs
5.b. Give examples of when, how and to whom respiratory system drugs may be administered
5.c. Identify the side effects and special considerations associated with respiratory system medications
5.d. Identify the considerations and implications of using respiratory systems medications across the life span
5.e. Apply evidence-based concepts when using the nursing process
5.f. Identify indications, side effects and potential drug interactions associated with the use of herbal supplements
5.g. Identify and interpret related laboratory tests
5.h. Identify classifications of respiratory system drugs
5.i. Describe the mechanisms of action, side effects, contraindications, nursing considerations, nursing assessments and pertinent patient teaching for each of the respiratory classification prototypes
5.j. Differentiate between H1 and H2 histamine receptors
5.k. Explain how the ANS system regulates the lower respiratory tract
5.l. Compare the physiologic responses of the respiratory system to URI, allergies, COPD and asthma
5.m. Understand the use of respiratory drug delivery systems (inhaler (MDI and DPI), nebulizer, nasal, oral)
5.n. Apply the nursing process to respiratory system drugs
5.o. Identify and interpret related laboratory values

6. Apply components of the nursing process to the administration of cardiovascular and renal systems drugs

6.a. Cite the classifications and actions of cardiovascular drugs
6.b. Cite the classifications and actions of renal system drugs
6.c. Give examples of when, how and to whom cardiovascular system drugs may be administered
6.d. Give examples of when, how and to whom renal system drugs may be administered
6.e. Identify the side effects and special considerations associated with cardiovascular and renal system drug therapy
6.f. Identify considerations and implications of using cardiovascular system medications across the life span
6.g. Identify considerations and implications of using renal system medications across the life span
6.h. Apply evidence-based concepts when using the nursing process
6.i. Identify indications, side effects and potential drug interactions associated with the use of herbal supplements
6.j. Identify and interpret related laboratory tests
6.k. Identify the classifications of cardiovascular and renal system drugs
6.l. Describe the mechanisms of action, side effects, contraindications, nursing considerations, nursing assessments and pertinent patient teaching for each of the cardiovascular and renal classification prototypes
6.m. Explain the effects of cardiac output, peripheral resistance, and blood volume on blood pressure
6.n. Explain the RAAS system and how it relates to blood pressure
6.o. Understand how an action potential is controlled by sodium, potassium and calcium ions crossing the myocardial cell membrane
6.p. Compare and contrast the routes and onset of action for nitrate preparations
6.q. Identify electrolyte imbalances associated with diuretic therapy
6.r. Compare and contrast the loop, thiazide, and potassium-sparing diuretics
6.s. Explain how laboratory testing is used to monitor anticoagulant therapy
6.t. Apply the nursing process to cardiovascular and renal system drugs
6.u. Identify and interpret related laboratory labs

7. Apply components of the nursing process to the administration of gastrointestinal system drugs

7.a. Cite the classifications and actions of gastrointestinal system drugs
7.b. Give examples of when, how and to whom gastrointestinal system drugs may be administered
7.c. Identify the side effects and special considerations associated with gastrointestinal system drug therapy
7.d. Identify considerations and implications of using gastrointestinal system medications across the life span
7.e. Apply evidence-based concepts when using the nursing process
7.f. Identify indications, side effects and potential drug interactions associated with the use of herbal supplements
7.g. Identify and interpret related laboratory tests
7.h. Identify classifications of gastrointestinal system drugs
7.i. Describe the mechanism of action, side effects, contraindications, nursing considerations, nursing assessments and pertinent patient teaching for each of the GI classification prototypes
7.j. Identify sign/symptoms of PUD/GERD
7.k. Identify primary causes of nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea
7.l. Apply the nursing process to gastrointestinal system drug administration
7.m. Identify and interpret related laboratory values

8. Apply components of the nursing process to the administration of central nervous system drugs

8.a. Cite the classifications and actions of central nervous system drugs
8.b. Cite the classifications and actions of drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders
8.c. Give examples of when, how and to whom central nervous system drugs may be administered
8.d. Identify the side effects and special considerations associated with central nervous system drug therapy
8.e. Identify considerations and implications of using central nervous system medications across the life span
8.f. Apply evidence-based concepts when using the nursing process
8.g. Identify indications, side effects and potential drug interactions associated with the use of herbal supplements
8.h. Identify and interpret related laboratory tests
8.i. Identify classifications of central nervous system drugs
8.j. Describe the mechanisms of action, side effects, contraindications, nursing considerations, nursing assessments and pertinent patient teaching for each of the CNS classification prototypes
8.k. Apply the nursing process to central nervous system drug administration
8.l. Identify pertinent neurotransmitters (GABA, serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine)
8.m. Discuss ways to improve patient compliance with psychotropic drugs
8.n. Discuss the pharmacologic management of patients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
8.o. Explain the goals of pharmacotherapy utilizing antipsychotic drugs
8.p. Explain extrapyramidal symptoms associated with antipsychotic drugs
8.q. Explain the importance of a thorough pain assessment to effective pharmacology
8.r. Describe the role of non-pharmacologic interventions for effective pain control
8.s. Describe legal responsibilities that are associated with narcotic administration
8.t. Discuss the administration guidelines for controlled substances
8.u. Discuss the current epidemic of opioid abuse
8.v. Identify strategies that nurses and institutions can take to improve opioid use safety
8.w. Describe the pharmacologic management for seizures and epilepsy
8.x. Explain the nurse's role with anesthetic drugs
8.y. Compare and contrast local anesthetics and general anesthetics
8.z. Identify the 4 stages of general anesthesia
8.aa. Identify and interpret laboratory values related to CNS drugs being administered

9. Apply components of the nursing process to the administration of endocrine system drugs

9.a. Cite the classifications and actions of endocrine system drugs
9.b. Give examples of when, how and to whom endocrine system drugs may be administered
9.c. Identify the side effects and special considerations associated with endocrine system drug therapy
9.d. Identify the considerations and implications of using endocrine system medications across the life span
9.e. Apply evidence-based concepts when using the nursing process
9.f. Identify indications, side effects and potential drug interactions associated with the use of herbal supplements
9.g. Identify and interpret related laboratory tests
9.h. Identify classifications of endocrine system drugs
9.i. Describe the mechanisms of action, side effects, contraindications, nursing considerations, nursing assessments and pertinent patient teaching for each of the endocrine classification prototypes
9.j. Compare and contrast hypo and hyperthyroidism
9.k. Understand the regulation of blood glucose levels by secretion of insulin and glucagon
9.l. Compare and contrast hypo and hyperglycemia
9.m. Understand the difference between Type I and Type II diabetes
9.n. Compare rapid, short, intermediate, and long acting insulins
9.o. Explain the importance of understanding the different insulin concentrations (U100, U200, U300)
9.p. Identify the various types of oral hypoglycemics
9.q. Identify the two main therapeutic uses of glucocorticoids
9.r. Apply the nursing process to the endocrine system drugs
9.s. Identify and interpret related laboratory values

10. Apply components of the nursing process to the administration of analgesic and musculoskeletal system drugs

10.a. Cite the classifications and actions of analgesics
10.b. Cite the classifications and actions of musculoskeletal system drugs
10.c. Give examples of when, how and to whom analgesics and musculoskeletal system drugs may be administered
10.d. Identify the side effects and special considerations associated with analgesics
10.e. Identify the side effects and special considerations associated with musculoskeletal system drugs
10.f. Identify the considerations and implications of using analgesics across the life span
10.g. Identify the considerations and implications of using musculoskeletal system medications across the life span
10.h. Apply evidence-based concepts when using the nursing process
10.i. Discuss the administration guidelines for controlled substances
10.j. Apply the nursing process to analgesic and musculoskeletal system drugs
10.k. Identify classifications of analgesic and musculoskeletal system drugs
10.l. Describe the mechanisms of action, side effects, contraindications, nursing considerations, nursing assessments and pertinent patient teaching for each of the analgesic and musculoskeletal classification prototypes
10.m. Explain the importance of a thorough pain assessment to effective pharmacotherapy
10.n. Describe the role of non-pharmacologic interventions for effective pain control
10.o. Describe the legal responsibilities that are associated with narcotic administration
10.p. Discuss the administration guidelines for controlled substances
10.q. Discuss the current epidemic of opioid abuse
10.r. Describe the multimodal approach to pain management
10.s. Identify strategies that nurses and institutions can take to improve opioid use safety
10.t. Explain the nurse's role with anesthetic drugs
10.u. Compare and contrast local anesthetics and general anesthetics
10.v. Identify the four stages of general anesthesia