MEDA 1530 Pharmacology for the Medical Assistant

This course introduces the student to principles of pharmacology related to the role of the medical assistant. Emphasis is on correlation of drug therapy and pathologic conditions, patient education regarding medications, and researching drugs using drug reference. The uses, action, side effects, contraindications, and routes of administration of drugs most commonly administered in ambulatory care are included. Legal considerations applied to the scope of practice of the medical assistant are discussed.  Demonstration of medication preparation and administration using proper technique is required. This pharmacology course does not meet requirements for the Nursing Program. Prerequisite: Completion of MEDA 1520. (1.5 lect., 3 lab)

Credits

3 credits

Major Topics

  • Role of the Medical Assistant in Medication Administration and Patient Teaching
  • Mathematics Applied to Dosage Calculations
  • Systems of Measurement Used in Medication Administration  
  • Legal and Ethical Implications Applied to Medication Administration 
  • Prescription Drug Legal Implications 
  • Drug Names, Classifications, Forms, and Uses Based on the Most Frequently Prescribed Medications 
  • Reading and Interpreting Medication Orders  
  • Sources of Drug Information  
  • Safe Medication Administration 
  • Routes of Administration

Outcomes

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:

Adhere to the legal role of the medical assistant in medication administration.

Describe principles of medication preparation, administration, and measurement.

Identify drug classifications, drug forms, drug actions, side effects, and emergency procedures with emphasis on the most commonly prescribed drugs.

Maintain accurate patient records and agency-specific documentation related to medication administration.

Demonstrate proper use of drug references.

Demonstrate safe calculation of dosages.

Prepare dosages of medications for administration using appropriate abbreviations and symbols.

Demonstrate safe oral and parenteral (excluding intravenous) medication administration according to current standards of care.

Correlate common disorders of the body with common medications used in their management.

Incorporate critical thinking in the reconciliation of patient drug profiles based on both prescription and non-prescription medications and disorders being treated.