FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL NURSING
MODULE TITLE: PHARMACOLOGY
MODULE CODE: PHA233
COURSE OUTLINE
YEAR 2 SEMESTER 2
PRE-REQUISITE: ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY, HEALTH ASSESSMENT
CREDITS: 10
INSTRUCTOR: GWARO JOSHUA
Cell: 0724799744
E-mail: joshua.gwaro@auca.ac.rw
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF AIMS AND CONTENT
This module provides the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely
administer medicines. The learner will acquire knowledge and skills in drug dosage
calculation, 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. Key concepts of pharmacology, medication errors prevention and drugs
acting on different body systems and anti-infective drugs will be taught.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
A. Knowledge and Understanding
On completion of this module, the learner will be able to demonstrate the knowledge and
understanding of:
A1. Concepts and principles of pharmacology from nursing perspectives
A2. Classification, storage and legal aspects of drug
A3. The effects of different drugs on human body
A4. Mechanisms of administration and monitoring of effects and side effects of individual
drugs on specific body systems.
A5. Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutic processes and adverse
effects of medicines on clients of all ages.
A6. Patient risk factors and conditions that make administration of particular medicines
inappropriate
A7. Drug interactions for the various classes of medicines
B. Cognitive/Intellectual skills/Application of Knowledge
B1. Integrate the knowledge of legal and ethical issues in administration of drugs.
B2. Incorporate relevant research findings with guidance in development of new drug/s as a
foundation for nursing practice.
B3. Differentiate between adverse and side effects from medicines and appropriately manage
reactions to medicines
B4. Apply knowledge of pertinent considerations when storing, reconstituting and
administering medicines.
B5. Complete medication dosage calculations and preparations under supervision
B6. Record all administered drugs for all routes for non-controlled drugs and with extra
caution for controlled drugs
B7. Utilize nursing process to evaluate the need for and the effectiveness of the drug/s given
to the patients
C. Communication/ICT/Numeracy/Analytic Techniques/Practical Skills
C1. Calculate drug dosage calculations accurately when administering oral and parental
medications.
C2. Impart teaching to the patient/family regarding medications, based on their needs.
C3. Use the electronic syringes/pumps and infusion in drug administration and drug/fluid
monitoring
C4. Utilize different technology in drug administration, monitoring and reporting.
C5. Inform patients of each drug name, purpose, action and potential side effects
C6. Select appropriate nursing interventions for drugs given in clinical situations
C7. Recognize near misses and errors (own and others)
General transferable skills:
D1. Exercise personal judgment and take initiatives
D2. Collaborate with other health professionals in healthcare delivery
INDICATIVE CONTENT
Unit 1: General Pharmacology
Introduction and general background to pharmacology
Rwanda drug act.
Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacotherapeutics
Adverse effects of drugs
Pharmacovigilance
Storage: cold chain, protection from direct sunlight and moisture, containers
Toxicology
Dosage calculation
Drug classification
Essential drugs (With emphasis on those available in Rwanda)
Unit 2: Applied pharmacology
Drugs affecting cardiovascular system
Cardiac Glycosides and Anti Arrhythmic Drugs
Anti Anginal and Anti-Hypertensive Drugs
Drugs affecting the respiratory system
Anti-Tuberculosis Drugs
Drugs affecting autonomic nervous system
Drugs affecting Sympathetic Nervous System (Adrenergic & Anti-Adrenergic drug)
Drugs used for central nervous system
Anaesthetic drugs
Anti-Convulsants
Anti-Parkinson’s
Anti-Migraine
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants
CNS stimulants
Drugs affecting parasympathetic nervous system (cholinergic & anti- cholinergic
drugs)
Drugs affecting ophthalmic / ENT system
Drugs affecting endocrine system
Drugs affecting Hypothalamus and Pituitary system
Thyroid and Antithyroid Drugs & Parathyroid replacement
Antidiabetic Drugs
Vitamins and minerals
Fluids and electrolytes
Anabolic and Corticosteroids
Disinfectants
Antibiotics.
LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGY
Lectures,
Group discussions,
Demonstrations/Return demonstration
Class presentations
Case studies
Self-directed learning
Role play
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY
Continuous assessment: Assignment, Group projects, Tests: 60%
End of module exam: 40%
ASSESSMENT PATTERN
Component Weighting (%) Learning objectives covered
In-course assessment:
Attendance 5% A1,A2,A3,
B1,B2,B3,C1,C2,C3,C4, D1,D2
Individual assignment 10% A4,A5,B4,B5,
Group work 15% A6,A7,B1,B3,C4,C5,C6,D1,D2
Tests 30% A1,A3,B6,B7,C1,C3,C5,D2
Final assessment: 40% A1,A3,C5,C6,C7,D1
STRATEGY FOR FEEDBACK AND STUDENT SUPPORT DURING MODULE
Learners will be offered the opportunity to approach their lecturers at mutually convenient
times throughout the module. An online communication social networking facilities (e.g
email, LinkedIn, and twitter and group Facebook) will be put in place to support the students.
Laboratory technique demonstration, counter demonstration and self-exercise will be done in
laboratory and live feedback on performance will be given to the individual or group of
students. Additionally, formative assessments and continuous assessment tests will be used to
gauge learners’ progress. Staff will monitor progress throughout the duration of the module.
INDICATIVE RESOURCES
1. Willhinganz, M., Gurevitz, S., Clayton, B. (2019). Clayton’s Basic pharmacology
for nurses. (18th ed.) Indianapolis: Elsevier.
2. Katzung, G. B. (2018). Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, (14th ed). N.Y.
McGrawHill.
3. Vallerand, H. A. Sanoski, A. C. (2019). Davis’s drug guide for nurses (16 th ed).
Philadelphia. F. A. Davis company.
4. Lilley, L. L., Collins, R. S., Snyder, S. J. (2014). Pharmacology and the nursing
process. (7th ed.). London: Elsevier.
Teaching Learning Resources
Internet connection
Lecture notes
Library (Text Books and online resources)
Video
Skills Laboratory (drugs, IV giving sets, Electronic syringes, infusion pump)
