IPHE 410: Medication Use and Abuse. Most aging people use medication (prescription or over-the-counter) to treat a variety of chronic or symptomatic problems. This course seeks to define the professionals role in medication management with aging clients. An understanding of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics related to the aging body will assist the gerontological caregiver in understanding drug reactions. Reasons for drug misuse and abuse will be explored, and principles and strategies developed to improve drug regime compliance. Tools to assist with medication profile analysis will be presented.
Prerequisites: Recommended for Nurses or other interested professionals
Accessibility Services Notice
standard statementCourse Details| Total number of weeks | 12 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 32 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown
Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- describe the pharmacokinetic changes in the body that affect response to drugs in the older adult;
- describe the pharmacodynamic changes in the aging body that affect response to drugs in the older adult;
- list reasons older adults may be non-compliant or misuse or abuse medication (prescription or OTC);
- define polypharmacy and name 5 types of adverse drug reactions;
- discuss the physical and psychological effects of adverse drug reactions on older adults;
- discuss high risk medications in the elderly population;
- outline nursing principles that will promote safe drug use with the older adult;
- develop nursing and team strategies to enhance medication compliance in older adults; and
- develop an understanding of the importance of good drug management in the elderly population.
Grading Table
Academic and Career
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
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