This unit introduces the concepts of pathophysiological processes, homeostasis, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Pathophysiology is "defined as the physiology of altered health" (Porth, 2015, p.xviii). It deals with the disturbances of body functions caused by disease and prodromal symptoms. Building on your basic knowledge of pharmacology, this unit re-introduces you to pharmacodynamics (how drugs affect the body) and pharmacokinetics (how the body acts on drugs). These processes form guidelines that have been established regarding drug administration (Karch, 2016).
316 Unit 1 from AU FHD on Vimeo.
This unit re-introduces the concepts of pathophysiological processes: homeostasis, and the relationship between homeostasis and health alterations. Also included are the compensatory mechanisms in maintaining homeostasis. Pathophysiology is concerned with the changes that occur with cells and body organs as a result of a disease process. It also focuses on the effect the changes have on body functioning, the underlying disease, and the background for preventing and treating diseases (Porth, 2015). In your reading within this course, it is particularly important that you understand disease as a disturbance of normal body function with attention to the etiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of the dysfunction. Etiology, or the cause of a dysfunction, may be physical, biological, or associated with some risk factors, which can be genetic or cultural.
A disease-causing agent may be single with a multiorgan or multisystem effect and some multiple disease-causing agents may affect only a single organ or system (Porth, 2015). In your reading, it is imperative that you are able to discern the causing agent, the systemic or organ effect, and the body reaction to the altered homeostasis. When cells come in contact with a disease-causing agent, they adapt by producing substances to help with homeostasis (Porth, 2015). Within each body system review, endeavor to recall the concept of homeostasis and relate it to the dysfunction or disease process in focus. Also pay attention to the compensatory mechanisms that may be occurring at the cellular level and the structural or functional manifestations.
Clinical manifestations or signs and symptoms can be observed and detected by diagnostic procedures. The diagnostic process is paramount in determining the presence of disease and required treatment. Pay attention to both normal and abnormal test results in relation to clinical manifestations and pathogenesis; compare test results across the lifespan, and also consider cultural differences to increase your knowledge of required treatment. In-depth knowledge of the components of pathophysiology and disease processes is vital in understanding the principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
All drugs are potentially dangerous and can cause desirable and undesirable effects on the body. It is imperative that you have an in-depth understanding of the role of drugs within the body. To help with this, pay attention to the components of pharmacokinetics and the influence of:
Also, understand the significance of a medication’s half-life in relation to pharmacodynamics, as well as the following:
The focus in pharmacology will be on learning medication classifications, the therapeutic actions and indications, pharmacokinetics, contraindications and cautions, adverse effects, and important drug-drug interactions.
Each chapter opens with a list of learning objectives for that chapter, helping the student to understand what the key learning points will be. Also concentrate on the "Focus On" section where Drug therapy across the lifespan concisely summarizes points to consider when using the drugs in each class with children, adults, and the elderly. Gender and cultural discussions encourage you to understand factors that may affect the effectiveness of drug therapy (Karch, 2016).
Athabasca University Math-site. (2023). Math site. . https://www.athabascau.ca/math-site/
Fomenko, J. (2013). Dimensional analysis for dosage & drip calculations: A quick study guide. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ofqkWIEuYc
Karch, A. M. (2016). Focus on nursing pharmacology (7th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health.
Karch, A. M. (2020). Focus on nursing pharmacology (8th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health.
Norris, T. L. (2020). Porth’s essentials of pathophysiology: Concepts of health and disease (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health.
Porth, C. M. (2015). Essentials of pathophysiology: Concepts of altered health states (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health.
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