Pathophysiology & Pharmacotherapeutics 2 – Adult

Course Details

• TBD

Prerequisite

NUR1140H

This course is asynchronous with synchronous components related to evaluation methods such as examinations and an OSCE overview (in preparation for spring OSCEs). It aligns withNUR1140 H and continues to explore the mechanism of altered functioning of human cells, organs, organ systems and the organism as a whole, in the context of adult primary health care, including care of older adults. Material in this course builds on previous knowledge of physiology and introductory pathophysiology. In addition, this course will continue to provide students with knowledge of basic pharmacologic concepts, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmacotherapeutics, and including the use of controlled drugs and substances. There will also be a focus on therapeutic interventions, with considerations for at risk populations.

The primary focus of this course is on disorders found frequently in general settings pertaining to individuals from adolescent to old age. The intention of this course is not to comprehensively address all illnesses and conditions, but rather to highlight common illnesses and provide a framework from which to organize knowledge application and clinical reasoning within any adult specialty. This framework will be based primarily around the following concepts:

• Alteration in body functions which lead to illness/injury, chronic disease, comorbidities and emergency health needs
• Systematic examination of illness manifestation
• Clinical presentations related to pathophysiological and psychopathological changes
• Client assessment and diagnostic formulations (differential diagnosis)
• Recommended treatment planning, focused on pharmacotherapeutics
• Health implications of client/population trends, including but not limited to:
  • Social determinants of health
  • Vulnerable populations
  • Opioid use misuse, abuse, addiction and diversion
  • Infectious diseases
  • Mental health
  • Cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, and renal disorders
• Pharmacologic content, as is relevant to the topics discussed and including but not limited to:
  • Drug therapy decision making
  • Drug information gathering and interpretation
  • Common indicators for prescribing various classes of controlled substances (including those related to acute/chronic/palliative pain, hyperkinetic and substance abuse, hormonal disorders, sleep disorders, and neurological conditions)
  • Development of appropriate drug monitoring plans, with consideration for at risk populations
  • Mechanisms of adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, and strategies to identify, assess and manage adverse effects of drug therapies
  • Process for reporting to appropriate authorities, in keeping with relevant legislation and organizational policies
  • Marketing strategies used to promote health products, medical devices, medications, and health programs
• Non-pharmacological therapies including but not limited to:
  • Counselling
  • Complementary and alternative therapies in relation to various disease states
  • Complementary and alternative therapies in relation to pain management