PHM 243 Pharmacology 1 for the Anesthesia Technologist

Lecture Hours: 3
Credits: 3

Provides a basic understanding and principles of pharmacology and medical terminology in anesthesiology. Examines pharmaceutical terms such as pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenetics/pharmacogenomics; a brief introduction of types of anesthesiology medications: more in depth study of the cardiovascular system medications; discussion of medication use, labeling, handling and storage; route of administrations, variables that affect drug actions including drug contraindications and drug interactions; efficacy and toxicity of xenobiotics as well as pathophysiology of various body systems; acid-base understanding; and introduction to pharmacology mathematics.

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: MTH 095 with a grade of C or better; and concurrent enrollment in ANES 101, ANES 112, and ANES 103; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Define the role of Anesthesia Tech in administration of medications and purpose of perioperative anesthesia evaluation.
Distinguish and define terms and abbreviations related to pharmacology.
Identify, discuss, and explain types of anesthetic agents.
Develop working knowledge of cardiovascular system and assessment of cardiac rhythm
Identify, discuss, and explain aseptic techniques for delivery of medications and storage
Describe acid/base physiology and fluid loss including electrolytes and their functions crucial to homeostasis.
Describe and define key terms related to physiology of blood coagulation and medications involved in coagulation.
Identify, determine, and define medication storage, handling, delivery systems
Define the basic mathematics, terminology, and metric system of measurement.

Content Outline

Anesthesia Pharmacology Principles
- Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
- Medication use and storage
- Physiological effects of medication
- Administration of medications
Overview of Types of Anesthesia Drugs
- Differentiate between the various types of anesthesia
- Intravenous medications
  - Opioids, benzodiazepines, sedative hypnotics
- Inhalational Anesthetics
- Local Anesthetics
- Muscle Relaxants
- Cardiovascular agents
  - Antihypertensives
    - Beta blockers
    - ACE inhibitors
    - Vasodilators
    - Calcium channel blockers
  - Antidysrhythmic
  - Diuretics
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Cardiovascular System
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pharmacology
- Cardiovascular monitoring
- Mechanical cardiovascular support
- Cardiac arrest
Parenteral Agents
- IV fluids
- Crystalloid
- Colloids
- Blood products
- Equipment for delivery
Medication Handling, Storage, and Delivery Systems
- Stability, dating
- Syringe labeling
- Temperature
- Checking for outdated drugs
- Handling of medications and narcotics
- Agencies
- Medication Safety Systems
- Associated Equipment
Medication Calculations and Conversions
- Parenteral Rates
- Review of common Measurements