NUR 652-001  Psychopharmacology Across the Lifespan 

     Course Objectives

1.      Articulate elements of medication history- taking and necessary elements of a baseline client assessment for initiating psychopharmacotherapy

2.      Explain the principles of psychopharmacology including pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetic principles as they relate to the psychiatric client.

3.      Analyze classes of psychiatric medications and neurochemical action including

   actions, side effects, and age-appropriate prescribing principles.  

4.      Explain considerations related to special populations such as Pregnancy, Child &   Adolescent and Geriatric clients

5.      Describe dosages, areas of risk, drug interactions and health promoting interventions for  major classes of psychotropic medications

6.      Analyze steps in collaborating with patients for medication choice and understand principles of ongoing medication management safety

7.      Analyze factors that influence prescribing medication such as genomic-related efficacy, cost, need for monitoring, and potential concerns about adherence

8.      Demonstrate an understanding of prescription writing, documentation and legal and ethical issues related to prescribing psychotropic medications

Group Presentation: Stimulants