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Course Syllabus

NURS 1101 Drug Dosage and Calculation for Healthcare Professionals

  • Division: Business and Applied Tech
  • Department: Health Professions
  • 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
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2020
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2025
  • End Semester: Fall 2025
  • Optimum Class Size: 30
  • Maximum Class Size: 40

Course 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.

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

  1. Upon completion of this course, students will define medical abbreviations as used in medical math.
  2. Upon completion of this course, students will master drug calculations and dosages using dimensional analysis.
  3. Upon completion of this course, students will interpret and calculate medication orders with accuracy to ensure safe medication administration.
  4. Upon completion of this course, students will prioritize client care by mastery of critical thinking scenarios.
  5. Upon completion of this course, students will choose the proper dosage of injections, oral, topical, and suppository medications.
  6. Upon completion of this course, students will calculate weight-based doses for oral and parenteral routes.
  7. Upon completion of this course, students will analyze advanced infusion flow rates and titration.

Course 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