Click the link below to download the Full Original PDF CLICK
Overview: "Focus on Nursing Pharmacology, 8th Edition" by Amy M. Karch provides a comprehensive guide to understanding pharmacology with a strong emphasis on the nursing perspective. This edition is tailored to help nursing students and professionals grasp the essentials of pharmacology, focusing on drug classes, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, side effects, and nursing considerations. The text is designed to integrate seamlessly with the nursing process, highlighting critical thinking and evidence-based practice.
Structure and Organization: The textbook is divided into several units, each focusing on different drug categories and their implications in nursing practice. Each chapter includes learning objectives, key terms, drug tables, nursing process summaries, critical thinking exercises, and review questions to reinforce understanding and practical application.
Unit I: Introduction to Pharmacology
1.The Nursing Process in Pharmacology:
• Overview of the nursing process (assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation) and its application in pharmacology.
• Patient-centered care and the importance of understanding pharmacology in nursing practice.
2.Drug Therapy and the Nursing Process:
• Basic principles of drug therapy and how it fits within the nursing process.
• The importance of patient assessment and education in drug therapy.
• Ensuring patient safety and efficacy of drug administration.
3.The Role of Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics:
• Fundamental concepts of pharmacodynamics (drug actions and effects) and pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion).
• Factors influencing drug action and patient response.
Unit II: Drugs Affecting the Central Nervous System
4.Central Nervous System Stimulants and Depressants:
• Overview of CNS stimulants (e.g., amphetamines) and depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, barbiturates).
• Mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and nursing considerations for each class.
5.Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, and Mood Stabilizers:
• Detailed discussion on different classes of antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, TCAs), antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers.
• Nursing implications, patient education, and monitoring for therapeutic and adverse effects.
6.Analgesics and Anesthetics:
• Classification of analgesics (opioids, nonopioids) and anesthetics (local, general).
• Safe administration practices and nursing care for patients receiving these drugs.
Unit III: Drugs Affecting the Autonomic Nervous System
7.Adrenergic Agonists and Antagonists:
• Mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and side effects of adrenergic drugs.
• Nursing considerations for patients on adrenergic agonists and antagonists.
8.Cholinergic Agonists and Antagonists:
• Mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and side effects of cholinergic drugs.
• Nursing considerations for patients on cholinergic agonists and antagonists.
Unit IV: Drugs Affecting the Cardiovascular System
9.Antihypertensives:
• Overview of different classes of antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, diuretics).
• Nursing care and patient education for managing hypertension with these drugs.
10. Drugs for Heart Failure and Dysrhythmias:
• Therapeutic management of heart failure and dysrhythmias using various drug classes (cardiac glycosides, antiarrhythmics).
• Nursing considerations for monitoring and managing patients on these medications.
11. Antianginal Drugs:
• Classification and mechanisms of antianginal drugs (nitrates, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers).
• Nursing care and patient education for managing angina.
Unit V: Drugs Affecting the Respiratory System
12. Bronchodilators and Other Respiratory Drugs:
• Overview of bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and other medications used in respiratory disorders.
• Nursing implications for managing asthma, COPD, and other respiratory conditions.
Unit VI: Drugs Affecting the Gastrointestinal System
13. Drugs for Gastrointestinal Disorders:
• Overview of medications for GI disorders (antacids, H2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, laxatives, antiemetics).
• Nursing care and patient education for managing GI conditions with these drugs.
Unit VII: Drugs Affecting the Endocrine System
14. Drugs for Diabetes Mellitus:
• Detailed discussion on insulin and oral hypoglycemics.
• Nursing care and patient education for managing diabetes with pharmacological interventions.
15. Thyroid and Antithyroid Drugs:
• Overview of medications for thyroid disorders.
• Nursing considerations for patients on thyroid and antithyroid drugs.
Unit VIII: Drugs Affecting the Reproductive System
16. Contraceptives and Drugs for Reproductive Health:
• Overview of contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and drugs for reproductive health.
• Nursing implications for managing reproductive health with these medications.
Unit IX: Anti-Infective Drugs
17. Antibiotics, Antivirals, and Antifungals:
• Comprehensive discussion on different classes of anti-infective drugs.
• Nursing care and considerations for preventing and managing infections.
Unit X: Drugs for Pain and Inflammation
18. NSAIDs and Corticosteroids:
• Mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and side effects of NSAIDs and corticosteroids.
• Nursing care for patients on antiinflammatory medications.
Unit XI: Special Populations
19. Pediatric and Geriatric Pharmacology:
• Considerations for drug therapy in pediatric and geriatric populations.
• Age-related differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
20. Pharmacology in Pregnancy and Lactation:
• Safe medication practices during pregnancy and lactation.
• Nursing care and patient education for pregnant and lactating patients.
Unit XII: Special Topics in Pharmacology
21. Complementary and Alternative Therapies:
• Overview of commonly used complementary and alternative therapies.
• Nursing considerations for integrating these therapies with conventional pharmacology.
Pedagogical Features:
• Case Studies: Real-world scenarios illustrating key concepts and applications in pharmacology.
• Critical Thinking Exercises: Activities designed to enhance analytical and problemsolving skills.
• Drug Tables: Detailed tables summarizing drug classifications, mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and side effects.
• Nursing Process Summaries: Summaries of the nursing process for specific drug classes, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Reflective Questions: Questions at the end of each chapter to encourage reflection and application of concepts.
• Glossary: Definitions of key terms and concepts in pharmacology.
Conclusion: "Focus on Nursing Pharmacology, 8th Edition" is an essential resource for nursing students and professionals. Its comprehensive coverage of pharmacological principles, integration of the nursing process, and emphasis on patient-centered care prepare readers to navigate the complexities of medication administration in diverse patient populations. The textbook's focus on critical thinking, evidence-based practice, and effective communication ensures that nurses are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide
