Advanced Pharmacology NURS 6521
Here is a detailed, realistic course description for NURS 6521: Advanced Pharmacology at Walden University, based on the official catalog description and typical structure of the course (an 11-week online graduate course worth 5 quarter credits). It includes an overview, learning outcomes, and a week-by-week breakdown with topics, key concepts, discussion prompts, and major assignments.
Course Description
NURS 6521: Advanced Pharmacology (5 quarter credits)
A solid foundation in the concepts and principles of drug therapy across the lifespan is essential to the work of advanced practice nurses. This course applies the advanced principles of pharmacology, including pharmacogenomics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, through analysis of common drug classes prescribed by advanced practice nurses across the lifespan. Factors influencing successful therapy—such as effectiveness, safety, acceptability, cost, genetic and environmental influences, complementary regimens, and patient behaviors—are examined in depth.
Students explore complex decisions in the management and treatment of selected acute and chronic diseases using pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic agents. The course emphasizes evidence-based prescribing, patient education, monitoring for adverse effects and drug interactions, and the ethical and legal implications of prescriptive authority. Advanced practice nursing students gain a deeper understanding of drug legislation, regulation, and the role of the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) in safe and effective pharmacotherapy.
Prerequisites: Typically NURS 6501 Advanced Pathophysiology (or equivalent).
Course Format: Online, 11 weeks, with weekly discussions, application assignments, quizzes/exams, and a final exam.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Evaluate patient-specific factors (age, genetics, comorbidities, etc.) that influence pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Analyze the mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, adverse effects, and interactions of major drug classes.
Develop evidence-based pharmacologic treatment plans for common acute and chronic conditions across the lifespan.
Apply ethical and legal principles to prescribing practices, including informed consent and regulatory guidelines.
Evaluate the outcomes of drug therapy and make adjustments based on patient response and monitoring parameters.
Integrate patient education, adherence strategies, and cost considerations into prescribing decisions.
Weekly Topics, Discussions, and Assignments
The course is typically organized into modules covering foundational concepts followed by body systems and special populations. Each week includes required readings (from textbooks like Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice by Arcangelo et al. or similar), interactive media, a Discussion (initial post + 2–3 responses), and often an Assignment or quiz.
Week 1: Basic Pharmacotherapeutic Concepts / Ethical and Legal Aspects of Prescribing
Topics: Pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion), pharmacodynamics (receptor interactions, dose-response), pharmacogenomics, and the “five rights” of drug administration. Ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice) and legal aspects of prescriptive authority (DEA regulations, state scope of practice, controlled substances).
Discussion: Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics — Select a patient scenario and explain how these factors influence drug response (e.g., elderly patient on multiple medications).
Assignment: Ethical and Legal Implications of Prescribing Drugs — Write a 2–3 page paper analyzing a prescribing scenario involving ethical dilemmas (e.g., off-label use, patient refusal, or conflict of interest) and recommend strategies for safe practice. Include references in APA format.
Week 2: Cardiovascular System (Part 1)
Topics: Hypertension, heart failure, angina, antihyperlipidemics, anticoagulants, and antiplatelets. Mechanisms, indications, monitoring (e.g., INR, lipids), and patient education.
Discussion: Decision-making for antihypertensive therapy in a patient with comorbidities.
Assignment/Quiz: Application questions on cardiovascular drug selection and monitoring.
Week 3: Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems
Topics: Arrhythmias, asthma, COPD, inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and combination therapies. Drug interactions and lifestyle modifications.
Discussion: Pharmacotherapy for a patient with both cardiovascular and respiratory disease.
Assignment: Case study analysis or quiz on respiratory pharmacotherapeutics.
Week 4: Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Systems
Topics: GERD, peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea/constipation, and hepatoprotective agents. Drug-induced liver injury and monitoring liver function tests.
Discussion: Treatment options for a patient presenting with GI symptoms.
Assignment: Case Study — Develop a pharmacotherapeutic plan for a patient with GI/hepatobiliary disorder (e.g., Patient HL with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea). Include rationale, alternatives, and monitoring.
Week 5: Endocrine System
Topics: Diabetes mellitus (oral agents, insulin, GLP-1 agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors), thyroid disorders, adrenal disorders, and osteoporosis treatments (bisphosphonates, etc.). Glycemic control and hormone replacement therapy.
Discussion: Managing diabetes in a diverse patient population (considering genetics and adherence).
Assignment/Quiz: Endocrine pharmacotherapy application.
Week 6: Neurological and Musculoskeletal Systems
Topics: Seizure disorders (antiepileptics), Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, migraine, pain management (opioids, NSAIDs, adjuvants), and muscle relaxants. Opioid stewardship and risk mitigation.
Discussion: Pain management strategies while minimizing risks.
Assignment: Neurologic/musculoskeletal drug selection case.
Week 7: Psychological Disorders
Topics: Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, and sleep disorders. Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs), antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines. Black box warnings and monitoring for suicidal ideation.
Discussion: Selecting psychotropic therapy with consideration of side effects and patient preferences.
Assignment: Psychiatric pharmacotherapy plan or journal reflection.
Week 8: Women’s and Men’s Health / Reproductive System
Topics: Contraception, hormone replacement therapy, erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and treatments for menstrual disorders or infertility. Pregnancy and lactation considerations (teratogenicity categories).
Discussion: Prescribing considerations in reproductive health.
Assignment: Women’s/men’s health case study.
Week 9: Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Therapy
Topics: Antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, etc.), antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. Antibiotic stewardship, resistance, and treatment of common infections (UTI, pneumonia, skin/soft tissue).
Discussion: Appropriate antimicrobial selection to combat resistance.
Assignment/Quiz: Infectious disease pharmacotherapy.
Week 10: Hematologic, Oncologic, and Immunologic Systems / Special Populations
Topics: Anemias, anticoagulants (continuation), chemotherapy basics, immunosuppressants, and vaccines. Considerations for pediatric, geriatric, and pregnant patients.
Discussion: Drug therapy in vulnerable populations.
Assignment: Final project preparation or comprehensive case.
Week 11: Course Synthesis, Review, and Final Exam
Topics: Integration of all systems, polypharmacy, deprescribing, and emerging therapies.
Discussion: Reflection on personal growth in prescribing competence.
Major Assessments: Comprehensive Final Exam (covers all modules) and any remaining assignments.
Additional Course Elements
Required Resources: Textbook (e.g., Arcangelo, V. P., et al. Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice), weekly articles, and Walden library resources.
Grading: Discussions (weekly participation), Application Assignments/Case Studies (majority of points), Quizzes, Midterm/Final Exam, and possibly a practicum journal if linked to clinical.
Technology: Walden’s Blackboard/Canvas platform for submissions, Shadow Health or similar simulation tools in some sections.
This structure prepares advanced practice nurses to make informed, patient-centered pharmacotherapeutic decisions while emphasizing safety, ethics, and evidence-based practice. If your section has specific variations (e.g., different textbook or instructor emphasis), consult your syllabus for exact due dates and rubrics.
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