Essentials of pharmacology for nurses

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New drugs are frequently developed in direct response to the emergence of new understanding of the disease process and the place of enzymes, hormones, neurotransmitters and immuno-active substances within it. Nursing students should not be afraid to ask professors questions if they find something confusing – professors will always answer your question with a clear explanation – instead of giving up studying altogether. The development and use of new drugs are also influenced by our understanding of the genetic basis of disease. With this understanding our ability to tailor therapy to based on individuals’ genetic make-up will increase. This book is definitely a good resource for the first semester nursing students taking up pharmacology for the first time as well as graduate nurses seeking to review topics covered in the various chapters. The length of each chapter and subsections were not so lengthy to lose the interest of the reader, making it easy to understand and remember.

The book was current with material that I cover in my course. Also the other videos and web content were current and easy to follow. The text is well written and clear, and provides adequate context and/or explanations for any jargon/technical terminology used.Take pharmacology as a subject that is easy to learn, and it’s okay if you don’t know everything about medications and their side effect; it is super normal for students who are taking this type of course. The language and glossary helped the reader to have a clear understanding of the technical terminology in pharmacology. The table of content and organization of topics were clearly mapped out. The book was easy to read and understand specially for first year nursing students as well as advancing students in nursing. It is written for the community college level which is very useful for this population. The diagrams and pictures clarify the textual explanations to make it clear. This text book gives a good overall comprehensive review of pharmacology from the perspective of how it affects each system in the body. Along with inclusion on pharmacokinetics, dynamics, and legal/ethical considerations each chapter is broken down into basic overview of the body systems and the pertinent medications for that area. Included are alternate learning activities such as flash cards, mini quizzes, videos, and graphics. Individual drug guides and nursing considerations for the most common medications used in nursing pharmacology:

Reading level is appropriate for an introduction to pharmacology course, seems suitable for multi-lingual students. Bolded text offers basic definitions of unfamiliar words. Text and ancillary materials are clear and tailored to a novice audiance - offers solid foundation for learning basic pharmacology concepts. When it comes to the student’s problem, every student may be facing different issues, but the following are some common problems that almost every nursing students have during their pharmacology course: Developing a Study Method to UseThe layout of the textbook and the chapters is systematic for the learner. I like the strategic design for my style of teaching. The importance of pharmacology in regards to these ethical principles is that it helps the nurse achieve them. For example non- maleficence, the nurse uses their knowledge of pharmacology to safely administer, and monitor actions of the medication. Sound knowledge allows them to do this safely with no harm, and can also coincide with beneficence because the nurse knows they are doing well. For justice and veracity, the nurse maintains fairness and has the duty to tell the truth to the patient about their medications so pharmacology knowledge helps them explain that to the patient. This is the second edition of the Open RN Nursing Pharmacology OER textbook. This free online textbook is an open educational resource with CC-BY 4.0 licensing that has been developed for prelicensure nursing students. Nursing Pharmacology is a well-organized text that flows well. There are ten chapters in the text and answers to the quiz questions in each chapter are found at the end of book. The tables, images, and figures are helpful and point out the key ideas. A glossary is found at the end of each chapter.

Barber, P. , & Robertson, D. (2009). Essentials of Pharmacology for Nurses. Berkshire, England: The McGraw-Hill Companies. Get to know the different types of intravenous solutions or IV fluids in this guide and cheat sheet.

Reviews

The topics in the text are presented in a logical, clear fashion. The overview of the cardiac system and the coagulation cascade might be a bit much for novice students. The topics covered basic concepts and principles in pharmacology progressing to application of concepts in the nursing process with emphasis in safety, effects, patient education as well. The division of the modules into the various body systems and functions were logical and clear. Royal Pharmaceutical Society (2018) Professional guidance on the safe and secure handling of medicines (SSHM). London: RPS.

Reviewed by Rachel Seltz-Falk, Professor of Practice of Nursing Level 1, Grand View University on 12/23/21 Pharmacologists are different to pharmacists. Pharmacists prepare, give out and give advice about medicines that are already available.The application of pharmacogenetic research by the pharmaceutical industry is likely to lead to more drugs that can be targeted at specific patients and diseases based on individual variations in genetic make-up. Research has already shown that patients with HIV experience varying degrees of hypersensitivity reactions to certain drugs directly as a consequence of genetic variations. The Nursing Pharmacology OER by the Wisconsin Technical College System authored by Chippewa Valley Technical College is comprehensive for entry level nursing students that covers areas aligned with our curriculum and end of program student learning outcomes in pharmacology. The Table of Content was easy to read and well organized. Each chapter covered the learning objectives, an introduction, basic concepts and principles, medication types, effects, considerations and safety in preparation and administration, module learning activities and interactive activities, critical thinking activities and a glossary. Answer keys were provided at the end of the book. The references were evidenced-based and comprehensive. When we think of pharmacology as a discipline, it’s easy to imagine research careers in a university or industry setting. At public engagement events, it’s not uncommon for pharmacology to be confused with pharmacy, or even farming, depending on the audience. In reality, pharmacology is part of many professions, from basic science to the clinic, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary practice. The importance of pharmacology in healthcare, and in particular nursing practice, cannot be overlooked given the vital role nurses play in administering medication for patient care. 2020 marks both the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife and the 200 th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth. In April, World Health Day was dedicated to nurses and midwives and in May we will celebrate International Nurses Day, making it timely to shine a spotlight on this underrepresented group in the Society who apply the principles of pharmacology in their day-to-day roles.