San Diego City College

Nursing Education 141

Pharmacology for Nursing

Module 3: Use of the nursing process, principles and hazards of medication

administration, interpreting drug labels, equipment for measuring dosage,
dosage and calculation for oral medications.

Student Learning Outcome

Upon completion of this module the learner will be able to provide basic information regarding
pharmacology and the use of the nursing process for safe administration of medications.

Overview
Module 3 provides an overview of basic pharmacological principles, terminology associated
with medication administration, drug nomenclature, and sources of drug information. Drug
calculation methods will be discussed focusing on oral medication administration.

Theory Objectives
The learner will be able to:
1. Develop a personal drug file.
2. Interpret drug label information.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the use of the nursing process in a client's drug therapy.
4. Describe the eight rights of medication administration.
5. List the general areas that may be included in a client and family teaching plan.
6. List five principles for health teaching related to drug therapy.
7. Identify potential hazards of medication administration and how to avoid them.
8. Define the terms drug abuse, drug misuse, drug dependence, drug addiction.
9. Identify drugs associated with drug abuse.
10. Accurately calculate dosages for administration of oral medications.
11. Identify appropriate equipment to be used for accurate measurement and administration of
medications.

In order to meet the objectives, the learner will complete the following activities:
Read:
Abrams: chapter 3
Ogden: chapters 8-11

View:
Module 3 Power Point – The Nursing Process
Pharmacology Made Easy: Introduction module
Patient Instructions
Dosage Calculation 2.0
Safe Dosage
Medication Administration
Oral Medications
 Practice
Math practice questions contained in the module
Math exercises in textbook(s)

PLEASE NOTE: math and dosage calculation practice sheets & exercises in textbook do
not have to be turned in to the instructor, but math/dosage calculations will be part of each
quiz in the course.