Maricopa Community Colleges  NUR290AD   20034-20086 
Official Course Description: MCCCD Approval: 07/22/08
NUR290AD 20034-20086 LEC 1 Credit(s) 1 Period(s)
Pharmacology and Aging
Problems of polypharmacy among the elderly, including related physiological changes of the aging process; effects of pathology on drug taking; drug reactions and interactions; special problems of medication use among older persons; review of selected drugs; and interventions for helping older persons achieve safe medication-taking behavior.
Prerequisites: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) licensure, or permission of Instructor.
Go to Competencies    Go to Outline
 
MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
 
NUR290AD   20034-20086 Pharmacology and Aging
1. Describe changes in the aging process affecting drug reactions and interactions. (I)
2. Identify patterns of drug use among the elderly. (II)
3. Identify drugs commonly used among the elderly and describe their risks. (III)
4. Describe special problems of older persons related to drugs. (IV)
5. Formulate interventions for helping older persons achieve safe medication-taking behavior. (V)
Go to Description    Go to top of Competencies
 
MCCCD Official Course Outline:
 
NUR290AD   20034-20086 Pharmacology and Aging
    I. Pharmacokinetics and the Aging Process
        A. Absorption
        B. Distribution
        C. Metabolism
        D. Detoxification
        E. Excretion
        F. Drug reactions and interaction in general
      II. Patterns of Drug Use Among the Elderly
          A. Polypharmacy
          B. Misuse and abuse of drugs
          C. Noncompliance
        III. Review of Selected Drugs Frequently Used by the Elderly
            A. Analgesics
            B. Antacids
            C. Antianginals
            D. Antibiotics
            E. Anticoagulants
            F. Anticonvulsants
            G. Antidiabetics
            H. Antihypertensives
            I. Antiinflammatory drugs
            J. Digitalis preparations
            K. Diuretics
            L. Laxatives
            M. Antidepressants
            N. Antianxiety agents
            O. Sedatives and hypnotics
            P. Cognitive-acting drugs
          IV. Special Problems of Medication-Taking Among Older Persons
              A. Alcohol abuse
              B. Nicotine and caffeine
              C. Controlled substances
              D. Attitudes of professionals
              E. Effects of drugs
                1. On nutrition
                2. On safety
                3. On sleep
                4. On sexuality
            V. Interventions for Helping Older Persons Achieve Safe Medication-Taking Behavior
                A. Importance of assessment of drug use
                B. Methods of assessment
                  1. Drug histories
                  2. Drug therapy evaluations
                C. Guidelines for geriatric dosing
                D. Guidelines for patient education
                E. Special interventions in cases of drug misuse
            Go to Description    Go to top of Competencies    Go to top of Outline