CCCOnline LogoCourse Snapshot for NUR101 - Pharmacology Calculations

The information listed below is subject to change. Please review the course syllabus within your online course at the start of class.

Course Competencies

The competencies you will demonstrate in this course are as follows:

  1. Identify the importance of accurate dosage calculations for safe, quality, patient-centered nursing care in a variety of health care settings.
  2. Demonstrate critical thinking and clinical judgment needed to calculate dosages.
  3. Demonstrate communication with the healthcare team members, the patient, and the patient’s support persons important information related to dosage calculation.
  4. Use information and patient care technology to support safe medication administration.
Learning concepts for this course are enchanced using modules, websites, and online discussions.

Module Outcomes Mapped to Competencies

Module 1 Learning Outcomes

 Mapped to Course Competencies (above)
  1. Demonstrate mastery of basic math concepts for:
    1. addition,
    2. subtraction,
    3. multiplication, and
    4. division of whole numbers,
    5. fractions and decimals.
  2. Solve equations containing whole numbers, fractions and decimals.
  3. Demonstrate the use of ratios and proportions in solving mathematical equations.
 Mapping coming soon...

Module 2 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

  1. Explain the differences between terms of weight, volume and concentration.
  2. List the commonly used units of measurement (weight and volume) in the metric, apothecary and household systems of measure.
  3. Convert and compare values of weight and volume between the various systems.
  4. Identify the official abbreviations and commonly used variations that are frequently used in medication administration.
  5. Convert doses of medication from one system to another.
  

Module 3 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

  1. Identify brand and generic drug names on the drug labels.
  2.  Identify the strength of oral and parenteral drugs using a drug label.
  3. Identify the correct dosage of medication to be given as noted on a drug label.
  4. Describe scored and unscored tablets and compare tablets to capsules.
  5. Explain how to measure oral solutions into medicine cups.
  6. Correctly read calibrations on medicine cups, tuberculin syringes, insulin syringes and 3mL, 5mL, 6mL, and 10 mL syringes.
  7. Measure correct parenteral dosages (using various systems) into selected syringes.
  8. Dilute powdered drug preparations using labels and package inserts to identify the amount of diluent required.
  9. Reconstitute powdered drugs to obtain the correct dose of the drug in the appropriate amount for injections.
  10. Identify the unit dose of the drug after reconstitution.
  11. Identify expiration dates and proper handling of reconstituted medications.
  12. Calculate dosages from reconstituted drugs.
  13. Explain the 6 'Rs' of medication administration in the prevention of medication errors.
  

Module 4 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

  1. Solve dosage problems using ratio and proportion, dimensional analysis, or calculations from body weight.
  2. Define and demonstrate use of ratio and proportion.
  3. Use ‘The Formula’ method to solve dosage problems containing metric, unit, or milli-equivalent dosages.
  4. Convert body weight from pounds to kilograms and from kilograms to pounds.
  5. Calculate drug dosages using mg/kg, mcg/kg or mg/lb and determine if dosages are safe and therapeutic.
  6. Successfully use dimensional analysis to calculate dosages.
  

Module 5 Learning Outcomes

Mapped to Course Competencies (above)

  1. Describe and differentiate between primary and secondary administration sets, peripheral and central IV lines.
  2. Identify abbreviations used for IV fluids, including ordering and charting.
  3. Identify the calibration in gtt/mL on IV administration sets.
  4. Calculate flow rates using ratio and proportion, formula, and division factor methods.
  5. Recalculate flow rates to correct off-schedule infusions.
  

Course Time Commitment and Expectations

For every credit hour, students should plan to spend an average of 2-3 hours per week for course-related activities in a 15-week course. For example, a 3 credit hour course would average an average 6-9 hours per week to read/listen to the online content, participate in discussion forums, complete assignments, and study the course material. For 10  and 6-week courses, the amount of time per week will be higher so all course competencies, module outcomes, and assignments will be covered.

Aside from typical reading assignments, this course has the following (Please Note: This list is subject to change based on the discretion of the instructor facilitating this course.):

Class Assignment Total Points
Nursing Topic - Discussions (5@10 points each) 50
Peer Assistance - Discussions- (5@3 points each) 15
Module quizzes (5@50 points each) 250
Final exam @ 200 points 200
Assignment - Abbreviations worksheet (1 @ 5 points) 5
TOTAL 520

 

 

CCCOnline Course Quality Commitment

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