GNUR 505 Advanced Pharmacology for the Elderly will focus on the use of medications for the elderly; this will include mechanisms and rationale behind the treatment of conditions associated with advanced age. The pharmacological principles and foundational concepts for safe medication administration to the geriatric population will be addressed. These concepts will include pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics related to the older adult. Medication classifications, dosing and calculations for safe medication administration will be discussed throughout the course. Additionally, inappropriate drug use in the elderly, polypharmacy, drug interactions and adverse reactions will be discussed.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: None
Crosslisted: None
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
|---|
| Total Credits | 3.00 |
|---|
| Total Hours | 45 |
|---|
Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 3 |
|---|
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- define and describe basic concepts and principles related to pharmacology including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics in regards to the geriatric population.
- explain the ‘rights of medication administration’ required for safe medication practice and the correct measures to ensure the prevention of medication errors.
- explain the rationale behind the medications and the treatment of conditions associated with advanced age.
- determine the effectiveness of medication administration on client-care outcomes.
- predict potential drug-drug interactions and drug-food interactions based on physiologic responses to pharmacological agents and apply critical-thinking skills for appropriate intervention.
- recognize differences in physiology and pathophysiology that must be considered in assessing correct dosages administered to the elderly.
- describe characteristics of major drug classifications in terms of the action, indications for use, expected therapeutic effects, both common and serious side-effects, accurate administration and any essential patient teaching which will enable application to a practice setting.
- demonstrate knowledge of drugs (prescription and non-prescription) commonly ordered for patients in North America.
- perform accurate mathematical calculations in preparation for safe and competent medication administration.
Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.