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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice
Module Code NS5072P (ITS) / NUR1129 (Banner)
Faculty Science & Health School Nursing, PsyT & Comm Health
Module Co-ordinatorSiobhan Rothwell
Module Teachers-
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Students must successfully undertake prescribed module work as determined by coordinator
Description

To develop an expanded understanding of pharmacology principles and their application in the clinical setting. Students will use the foundational knowledge of pharmokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutics, in order to critically analyse how medications affect physiological, pathophysiological and biochemical processes. Students will articulate the key pharmacological characteristics of drug classes, as well as derive an understanding of specific features of individual drugs. Significant issues such as patient education, polypharmacy and concordance are also examined. Students will acquire an understanding of pharmacotherapeutics of patients with common and complex health problems

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically analyse the relevance of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in practice along with factors that influence these processes.
2. Critically analyse and explain the principles underlying pharmacokinetics and drug-drug interactions.
3. Develop searchable, answerable practice related questions to inform decision-making based on the steps of the evidence- based practice process.
4. Demonstrate expanding knowledge of patient education in relation to prescribed medications.
5. Critically analyse and explain medication regimes for specific clinical conditions in their area of practice.
6. Critically analyse and explain concepts such as concordance and polypharmacy across the lifespan



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture36In class lecture
Class Presentation12Student presentations on case studies
Independent Study202Reflection on concepts and frameworks underpinning module focus; prospect for critical and creative thinking; assimilation of new knowledge; identification of informal learning opportunities.
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative content
Extended examination of pharmokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutics. Examine how medications affect physiological, biochemical and pathophysiological processes. Understand the principles of concordance and polypharmacy. Medication regimes for specific clinical conditions e.g cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal diseases, endocrine, urinary. Patient education in relation to prescribed medications and medication regimes. Altered physiological, biochemical and pathophysiological processes and pharmacy across the life span. Actions, adverse reactions and contraindications for commonly prescribed medication. Key pharmacological characteristics of drug classes.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentCase study critically examining the pharmacologic management of a specific patient group25%n/a
Assignment2nd case study critically evaluating patient education in relation to medication regime, incorporating issues of concordance and polypharmacy35%n/a
Loop QuizOn line MCQ at the end of Semester.40%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Adams, M., Holland, N. and C. Urban: 2016, Pharmacology for Nurses: A Pathophysiologic Approach, 5th Edition, Pearson, Harlow,UK., 978013425516
  • Brown, M. and Mulholland, J.: 2015, Drug calculations: Ratio and Proportion Problems for Clinical Practice, 10th Edition, Mosby, New York, 9780323316590
  • Poole Arcangelo, V. and Peterson, A.M.: 2013, Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice. A Practical Approach Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins., 3rd Edition, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins., Philadelphia, 978149631996
  • Karch A.: 2014, Lippincott Nursing Drug Guide, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, Philadelphia, 978145118655
Other Resources

None

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