Course Syllabus
Course: NURS 1101
Division: Business and Applied Tech
Department: Allied Health
Title: Drug Dosage and Calculation for Healthcare Professionals
Semester Approved: Spring 2020
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2025
End Semester: Fall 2025
Catalog Description: This pharmacology course will provide foundational knowledge about current and competent practice in the field of drug dosage and calculation. This course is a study of the fundamental principles of drug dosage, medication administration, and a review of math principles. The wide scope of this course includes a major focus on safe and competent calculations of drug dosage through the application of critical thinking and clinical reasoning. This course is guided by the contemporary educational principles identified by the ACEN standards. This course is part of a foundational series to prepare students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Nurses (NCLEX).
This course is no longer a prerequisite for applying for the Snow College's Nursing Program; however, it is highly recommended. The course is offered online. This course replaces NURP 1101.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
Prerequisites: MATH 0800 or above or ACT score of 18+ or ALEKS score of 30+
Corequisites: None
Justification: Competence and mastery of calculation of medications is paramount in the safety of providing competent nursing care for the Practical Nurse. Due to the unique advantage of online delivery, the student can begin the Nursing Program proficient in the areas of study.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students will define medical abbreviations as used in medical math. Assessment of student learning outcomes will be through unit quizzes and final exam.
Upon completion of this course, students will master drug calculations and dosages using dimensional analysis. Assessment of student learning outcomes will be through unit quizzes, virtual simulation, and final exam.
Upon completion of this course, students will interpret and calculate medication orders with accuracy to ensure safe medication administration. Assessment of student learning outcomes will be through unit quizzes, virtual simulation, and final exam.
Upon completion of this course, students will prioritize client care by mastery of critical thinking scenarios. Assessment of student learning outcomes will be through unit quizzes, virtual simulation, and final exam.
Upon completion of this course, students will choose the proper dosage of injections, oral, topical, and suppository medications. Assessment of student learning outcomes will be through unit quizzes, virtual simulation, and final exam.
Upon completion of this course, students will calculate weight-based doses for oral and parenteral routes. Assessment of student learning outcomes will be through unit quizzes, virtual simulation, and final exam.
Upon completion of this course, students will analyze advanced infusion flow rates and titration. Assessment of student learning outcomes will be through unit quizzes, virtual simulation, and final exam.
Content:
The student will be able to study and master the skills of calculating drug dosages at their own pace. This course is completed through online learning modules and textbook practice problems. The learning resources lead the student systematically through every aspect of dosage calculations. The instructor is available to assist with any questions that the student might have. The course content includes:
a. Basic Math Review: Fractions, Decimals, Ratios, Proportions, and Percentages.
b. Systems, Conversions, and Methods of Drug Calculations: Metric System, Apothecary, and Household.
c. Dimensional Analysis
d. Calculations for Oral, Injectable, and Intravenous Drugs
e. Calculations for Speciality Areas: Pediatric, Critical Care, Labor and Delivery, and Community
Key Performance Indicators:
The student must score 80% or higher in order to proceed to the next module. This ensures an understanding of key concepts prior to moving on to the next module.
Assignments and unit quizzes 55 to 65%
Final Exam 35 to 45%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Turner, S. Mullholland’s the nurse, the math, the meds. St. Louis, MO. Elsevier. Current edition or equivalent.
Pedagogy Statement:
This course is taught through online learning modules and a workbook. Students are lead systematically through every aspect of dosage calculations. The instructor is available to assist with any questions that the student might have. The course learning resources and instructional methods include:
a. Textbook and corresponding online textbook resources
b. Practice problems with solutions
c. Online lesson modules
e. Video presentations of content
f. Synchronous - Question and Answer Sessions
Instructional Mediums:
Online
Maximum Class Size: 40
Optimum Class Size: 30
