NRAN735: Applied Pharmacology for Nurse Anesthesia Practice

Lecture and discussion focused on advanced pharmacological concepts in anesthetic administration including pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicology profiles of primary anesthetic agents. Major drug classes include inhalation anesthetics, sedative-hypnotics, narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics, muscle relaxants and local anesthetics. Problem solving applications in the clinical area are utilized especially as they relate to proper drug selection, dose calculation and administration. 

Upon completion of the course the learner should be able to:

1. Recall the theories of the mechanism of action of inhalation anesthetics.
2. Describe the physical and chemical properties of inhalation anesthetics.
3. Explain and differentiate the uptake, distribution, and elimination of inhalation anesthetics.
4. Explain the effects of inhalation anesthetics on the organ systems.
5. Formulate a plan of care in the clinical application of inhalation anesthetics.
6. Describe the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of intravenous anesthetics.
7. Describe the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of benzodiazepine receptor antagonists.
8. Formulate a plan of care in the clinical application of intravenous anesthetics and benzodiazepine receptor antagonists.