PREFIXES / SUFFIXES:

1. Student will study the prefix and suffix list provided on the CANVAS and will be able to identify and match common “prefixes” and “suffixes” to their drug families.

Pharmacodynamics / Pharmacokinetics / Historical Perspectives

Describe how the prototype approach to drugs is a helpful learning tool.
Discuss drug safe drug administration utilizing the nursing process
Learn to read and use drug reference texts: generic and trade name, therapeutic classification, therapeutic outcome, action of medication, major / most likely side effects
Discuss drug research and development
Discuss the absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion of drugs and variable that effect this
Understand what is meant by the onset, peak, and duration of medications
Discuss what is meant by “half-life” of medications and why this is important
Have an understanding of “therapeutic serum levels” and how these are obtained, maintained, and monitored (loading dose, maintenance dose, serum levels)
Discuss the concepts of agonistic and antagonistic actions of medications
Understand the nurse’s role in administration of controlled substances
Consider gerontological, pediatric, and pregnancy considerations in drug administration

Medications for Heart Failure:

Explain the concepts of preload, afterload, and contractility and their relationship to overall cardiac output.
Categorize heart failure drugs according to their classification, mechanism of action, therapeutic outcome, and whether they improve preload, afterload, or contractility in heart failure:
1. a. Digoxin
2. b. Diuretics
3. c. ACE Inhibitors
4. d. Beta Blockers

3. For each of the drug classes above, name the prototype and be able to identify the suffix.

4. Discuss the nurse’s key nursing assessments, continual monitoring, and precautions in administration of each of these drugs. (nursing process)

5. Discuss gerontological considerations in the administration of heart failure drugs.

6. Discuss important patient teaching needed for each of these medications.