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 Overview: "Focus on Nursing Pharmacology, 8th
Edition" by Amy M. Karch provides a comprehensive
guide to understanding pharmacology with a strong
emphasis on the nursing perspective. This edition is
tailored to help nursing students and professionals
grasp the essentials of pharmacology, focusing on
drug classes, mechanisms of action, therapeutic
uses, side effects, and nursing considerations. The
text is designed to integrate seamlessly with the
nursing process, highlighting critical thinking and
evidence-based practice.
Structure and Organization: The textbook is
divided into several units, each focusing on different
drug categories and their implications in nursing
practice. Each chapter includes learning objectives,
key terms, drug tables, nursing process summaries,
critical thinking exercises, and review questions to
reinforce understanding and practical application.
Unit I: Introduction to Pharmacology
1. The Nursing Process in Pharmacology:
 • Overview of the nursing process
(assessment, diagnosis, planning,
implementation, evaluation) and its
application in pharmacology.
• Patient-centered care and the importance of
understanding pharmacology in nursing
practice.
2. Drug Therapy and the Nursing Process:
• Basic principles of drug therapy and how it
fits within the nursing process.
• The importance of patient assessment and
education in drug therapy.
• Ensuring patient safety and efficacy of drug
administration.
3. The Role of Pharmacodynamics and
Pharmacokinetics:
• Fundamental concepts of
pharmacodynamics (drug actions and
effects) and pharmacokinetics (absorption,
distribution, metabolism, excretion).
• Factors influencing drug action and patient
response.
Unit II: Drugs Affecting the Central Nervous
System
4. Central Nervous System Stimulants and
Depressants:
• Overview of CNS stimulants (e.g.,
amphetamines) and depressants (e.g.,
benzodiazepines, barbiturates).
• Mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and
nursing considerations for each class.
5. Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, and Mood
Stabilizers:
• Detailed discussion on different classes of
antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs,
TCAs), antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.
• Nursing implications, patient education, and
monitoring for therapeutic and adverse
effects.
6. Analgesics and Anesthetics:
• Classification of analgesics (opioids, non-
opioids) and anesthetics (local, general).
• Safe administration practices and nursing
care for patients receiving these drugs.
Unit III: Drugs Affecting the Autonomic Nervous
System
7. Adrenergic Agonists and Antagonists:
• Mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and
side effects of adrenergic drugs.
• Nursing considerations for patients on
adrenergic agonists and antagonists.
8. Cholinergic Agonists and Antagonists:
• Mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and
side effects of cholinergic drugs.
• Nursing considerations for patients on
cholinergic agonists and antagonists.
Unit IV: Drugs Affecting the Cardiovascular
System
9. Antihypertensives:
• Overview of different classes of
antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, ARBs,
beta-blockers, diuretics).
• Nursing care and patient education for
managing hypertension with these drugs.
10. Drugs for Heart Failure and
Dysrhythmias:
 • Therapeutic management of heart failure
and dysrhythmias using various drug
classes (cardiac glycosides,
antiarrhythmics).
• Nursing considerations for monitoring and
managing patients on these medications.
11. Antianginal Drugs:
• Classification and mechanisms of
antianginal drugs (nitrates, beta-blockers,
calcium channel blockers).
• Nursing care and patient education for
managing angina.
Unit V: Drugs Affecting the Respiratory System
12. Bronchodilators and Other Respiratory
Drugs:
• Overview of bronchodilators, corticosteroids,
and other medications used in respiratory
disorders.
• Nursing implications for managing asthma,
COPD, and other respiratory conditions.
Unit VI: Drugs Affecting the Gastrointestinal
System
 13. Drugs for Gastrointestinal Disorders:
• Overview of medications for GI disorders
(antacids, H2 antagonists, proton pump
inhibitors, laxatives, antiemetics).
• Nursing care and patient education for
managing GI conditions with these drugs.
Unit VII: Drugs Affecting the Endocrine System
14. Drugs for Diabetes Mellitus:
• Detailed discussion on insulin and oral
hypoglycemics.
• Nursing care and patient education for
managing diabetes with pharmacological
interventions.
15. Thyroid and Antithyroid Drugs:
• Overview of medications for thyroid
disorders.
• Nursing considerations for patients on
thyroid and antithyroid drugs.
Unit VIII: Drugs Affecting the Reproductive
System
16. Contraceptives and Drugs for
Reproductive Health:
 • Overview of contraceptives, hormone
replacement therapy, and drugs for
reproductive health.
• Nursing implications for managing
reproductive health with these medications.
Unit IX: Anti-Infective Drugs
17. Antibiotics, Antivirals, and Antifungals:
• Comprehensive discussion on different
classes of anti-infective drugs.
• Nursing care and considerations for
preventing and managing infections.
Unit X: Drugs for Pain and Inflammation
18. NSAIDs and Corticosteroids:
• Mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and
side effects of NSAIDs and corticosteroids.
• Nursing care for patients on anti-
inflammatory medications.
Unit XI: Special Populations
19. Pediatric and Geriatric Pharmacology:
• Considerations for drug therapy in pediatric
and geriatric populations.
 • Age-related differences in pharmacokinetics
and pharmacodynamics.
20. Pharmacology in Pregnancy and
Lactation:
• Safe medication practices during pregnancy
and lactation.
• Nursing care and patient education for
pregnant and lactating patients.
Unit XII: Special Topics in Pharmacology
21. Complementary and Alternative
Therapies:
• Overview of commonly used complementary
and alternative therapies.
• Nursing considerations for integrating these
therapies with conventional pharmacology.
Pedagogical Features:
• Case Studies: Real-world scenarios illustrating
key concepts and applications in pharmacology.
• Critical Thinking Exercises: Activities
designed to enhance analytical and problem-
solving skills.
 • Drug Tables: Detailed tables summarizing drug
classifications, mechanisms of action,
therapeutic uses, and side effects.
• Nursing Process Summaries: Summaries of
the nursing process for specific drug classes,
including assessment, diagnosis, planning,
implementation, and evaluation.
• Reflective Questions: Questions at the end of
each chapter to encourage reflection and
application of concepts.
• Glossary: Definitions of key terms and concepts
in pharmacology.
Conclusion: "Focus on Nursing Pharmacology, 8th
Edition" is an essential resource for nursing students
and professionals. Its comprehensive coverage of
pharmacological principles, integration of the nursing
process, and emphasis on patient-centered care
prepare readers to navigate the complexities of
medication administration in diverse patient
populations. The textbook's focus on critical thinking,
evidence-based practice, and effective
communication ensures that nurses are equipped
with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide
 safe and effective pharmacological care and
improve patient outcomes.

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