Camille Petallo PHARMACOLOGY

BSN 2 – 202 CI: Carmel Guazon, RN, MAN

Research and study the topics assigned under Module 1 (refer to course outline) and answer
the following questions:

 Explain why a patient might seek treatment from an OTC drug instead of a more
effective
prescription drug. (10 pts)
- OTC medications allow consumers to relieve many unpleasant symptoms and
cure certain diseases easily and affordably. However, using these medications
safely necessitates education, common sense, and accountability. OTC
medications save health-care systems important resources and can save
consumers time and money because they allow them to self-treat.

 Why are certain drugs placed in schedules? What does the nurse need to know when a
scheduled drug is ordered? (10 pts)
- Schedules indicate the possibility of abuse. These schedules assist the nurse in
identifying the possibility for abuse and require the nurse to keep thorough
records for all quantities.

 What is the difference between therapeutic and pharmacologic classifications? (10 pts)

- Therapeutic: Drugs are classified therapeutically depending on the diseases,
problems, or situations they are meant to treat. This classification system
focuses on the drug's principal function or therapeutic impact. Drugs of the
same therapeutic class frequently have the same indications and are used to
treat the same medical diseases. This classification can help healthcare
providers choose a medicine for a specific patient based on the underlying
disease.

Pharmacologic: Drugs are classified pharmacologically based on their method

of action, how they interact with biological systems, and their effects on the
body. This classification system focuses on the molecular and physiological
characteristics of medications. Drugs of the same pharmacologic class
frequently have similar mechanisms of action, even if they are used to treat
different medical problems.

 Identify opportunities that the nurse has in educating, administering, and monitoring
the proper use of drugs. (10 pts)
- Nurses play a critical role in drug education, administration, and monitoring to
ensure patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes.

Patient Education: Patients and their families can be educated by nurses on the
purpose, advantages, and potential hazards of prescribed medications.
 Medication Administration: Nurses are in charge of giving drugs in accordance
with the specified dosage and timing.
Monitoring and Assessment: Nurses keep track of patients' therapeutic
responses to drugs and look for any side effects or complications.
Medication Reconciliation: Nurses play an important role in maintaining
correct medication lists during care transitions to avoid medication errors.
Patient Advocacy: By checking prescriptions, clarifying instructions with
prescribers, and resolving issues with the healthcare team, nurses advocate for
patients' rights to obtain safe and effective medications.
Health Promotion: Nurses can teach patients about lifestyle changes that can be
used in conjunction with prescription therapy, such as dietary changes,
exercise, and stress management.
Adverse Event Reporting: Nurses can contribute to patient safety and quality
improvement efforts by reporting adverse drug reactions or prescription errors
to the relevant channels.
Medication Management Technology: Nurses can teach patients how to use
medication management tools like pill organizers, reminders, and mobile
applications to improve medication adherence.
Counseling and Support: Nurses can offer emotional support to patients who
are worried about taking medications, having specific procedures performed, or
managing chronic diseases.
Continuing Education: Nurses can stay up to date on the newest advances in
pharmacology and drug management by participating in continuing education,
workshops, and professional development.

 Identify the following classifications as therapeutic or pharmacologic: 

PHARMACOLOGIC - Beta-adrenergic Blocker

PHARMACOLOGIC - Oral Contraceptive
PHARMACOLOGIC - Laxative
THERAPEUTIC - Folic Acid Antagonist
THERAPEUTIC - Anti-nauseants
THERAPEUTIC - Antipsychotics
THERAPEUTIC - Anticonvulsants
PHARMACOLOGIC - Cholesterol Absorption Inhibitor
THERAPEUTIC - ACE Inhibitors
THERAPEUTIC - Hallucinogens