Discussion 1 Advanced Pharmacology as a Nurse
Introduction
All medications and remedies are made of chemical substances. As such, those substances can have interactions and responses of various types to other drugs or to the patient’s chemical makeup, too. This week we will explore those interactions and intended responses as we look at Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics. We will also explore the use of complementary and alternative therapies and possible desirable and undesirable effects when these therapies are intertwined with prescribed medications.
In addition, students will explore the requirements for advanced practice nurse prescribing in their individual locales focusing on prescriptive authority, scope of practice, and collaborative practice as defined in their Nurse Practice Act.
Learning Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:
Discuss the mechanism of action of each major drug class and natural product at the molecular/cellular and organ/organ system level.
Identify the fundamental principles of pharmacology related to prescribed and over-the-counter medications and natural products.
Evaluate common side effects and interactions associated with the major drug classes.
Utilize evidence-based practice to prevent drug interactions and adverse events.
Determine nursing prescriptive privileges, parameters and scope of practice, and restrictions as delineated in federal and state laws and regulations, including state nurse practice acts
As an advanced nursing professional, you should be aware of the rules & regulations in your state governing prescriptive practice even if your specialty area does not involve prescribing medications.
Locate your state’s nurse practice act (NPA) and associated regulations governing prescribing by advanced practice nurses (CNPs, CRNAs, CNMs, CNSs). Answer and discuss the following in this forum:
Does your NPA require the APRN to have a collaborative agreement with a physician?
Discuss whether you think the NPA should or should not require the APRN to have a collaborative agreement, and explain why/why not.
Does your NPA require the APRN to have a prescribing agreement with a physician?
Discuss whether you think the NPA should or should not require the APRN to have a prescribing agreement, and explain why/why not.
Does your NPA permit APRNs to prescribe all classes (schedules) of medications?
Discuss whether you think the NPA should or should not permit APRNs to prescribe all classes of medications, and explain why/why not.
