MODULE 9

6. Module Title Applied Pharmacology for nurses

Module Code NAPN 2602
NQF Level 6
Notional Hours 80
NQF Credits 8
Prerequisites Anatomy and Physiology
Microbiology and Parasitology
Option (compulsory or Compulsory
Elective)
Semester Offered 2
Module description This module provides the learner with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely administer
medicines. Key concepts of pharmacology and medicine preparation and classification will be
taught. Safety precautions for medicine storage and administration, when more than one medicine is
administered, will be emphasized, along with the key observations that the nurse should make during
the process of administering medicines. The learner will acquire knowledge and skills in drug
dosage determination, and observation of desired effects and management of adverse effects of
medicines. Other skills developed will be in reconstituting and administering medicines to clients for
all ages
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Module Aim The module aims to equip learners with knowledge and skills for safe administration and monitoring
of medicine to patients across life span
Learning Outcomes At the end of this course, the students are expected to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the implications of mechanisms such as pharmacokinetics,
pharmacodynamics, pharmaco-therapeutic and adverse effects of medicines on clients of all
age groups
- Correctly calculate dosage based on age and weight of patients
- Demonstrate knowledge of risk factors and patients conditions that make administration of a
particular medicine inappropriate
- Differentiate between adverse and side effects and appropriate manage reactions to
medicines
- Display knowledge of pertinent considerations when storing , reconstituting and
administering medicine
- Demonstrate knowledge of drug interactions of the various classes of medicine
Course Content Unit 1: Introduction to pharmacology
Module • Medicines control legislation
• Nomenclature for medicines
• Terminology used in medicine administration
Unit 2: Pharmacological action of medicines
• Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmacodynamics
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• Pharmaco-therapeutics
• Adverse effects of drugs
Unit 3: Preparation and classification of medicines
• Dosage calculation for medicines
• Storage: cold chain, protection from direct sunlight and moisture, containers
• Principles in diluting medicines
• Frequency of and routes for administration of medicines
• Rational use of drugs
Unit 4: Classes of medicines, therapeutic uses and nursing implications
• Analgesics
• Anti-inflammatory
• Fluids and electrolytes
• Anticonvulsants
• Antihypertensive agents
• Anaesthetics
• Muscarinic agonists and antagonists
• Anti-infective agents
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 • Antineoplastic agents
• Antidepressants and depressants
• Antipsychotic agents
• Sedatives and hypnotics
• Anti-diabetic agents
• Vitamins and minerals
• Antihistamines
• Antiretroviral drugs
Unit 5: The role of the nurse in medication
Methods of Facilitating Learning will be facilitated through the following activities: classroom lectures, assignments and
practicals.
Learning
Assessment Strategy Assessment will consist of Continuous Assessment (CA), and an end-of- semester examination. The
CA is made up of class tests, both theory and practical assignments accounting for 60% of semester
mark while the end-of-semester examination account for 40%. A minimum final mark of 50% is
required to pass the course.
Quality Assurance Moderation of final examinations will be done in accordance with the Assessment Policy and
Procedures of WHTC. Regular Review and consultations will also take place.
Arrangement
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Student Support and The following support services are available to the students: a Resource Centre,
Learning Resources Prescribed Learning Resources:
- Dreyer A et al., 2016. Pharmacology for Nurses. 4th ed. Pearson, South Africa
- Lehne RA, 2012 pharmacology for nursing care. 8th ed. New York. Saunders
- Yrounce J. 2004. Clinical pharmacology for nurses. Edinburg; Churchill; Livingstone
Recommended Learning Resources:
- National guidelines for medicine
- Namibia Guidelines for ARV
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