NC 617: Medication Safety II

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Credits: 0
Total Contact Hours: 20
Lecture Hours : 20
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 40
Total Student Learning Hours: 60
Strongly Recommended: Intermediate to advanced English language proficiency and basic computer literacy; previous science course in biology or chemistry.
Transferable to CSU: No
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Non-Credit Course

Catalog Course Description

The course is an extension to Medication Safety I and will introduce students to dosage calculation and selected drugs that manage high blood pressure, respiratory problems, diabetes, and other common conditions. The course is designed for healthcare workers and prospective or current nursing students. Open entry/exit. 20 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Identify the four primary processes of pharmacokinetics.
  • Distinguish medication administration between children and adults.
  • Perform dosage calculations using two formula methods.
  • Identify drugs used to treat high blood pressure and angina.
  • Identify commonly used drugs used to treat upper and lower respiratory problems.
  • Identify commonly used drugs used to treat diabetes.
  • Identify other drugs used to treat common medical problems.

Major Course Content

  1. Pharmacokinetics
    1. Absorption
    2. Distribution
    3. Metabolism
    4. Excretion
  2. Medication administration principles
    1. Pediatrics
    2. Adult-geriatrics
    3. Special considerations 
  3. Dosage calculations 
    1. Ratio and proportions 
    2. Dimensional analysis
  4. Antihypertensive and antianginal drugs
    1. Beta-adrenergic blockers
    2. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
    3. Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
    4. Calcium channel blockers (CCB)
    5. Diuretics
    6. Nitrates
  5. Upper and lower respiratory drugs 
    1. Antihistamines and decongestants
    2. Antitussive, expectorants and mucolytics
    3. Adrenergic and anticholinergics
    4. Corticosteroids
  6. Diabetic drugs 
    1. Insulin and non-insulin drugs
    2. Oral anti-diabetic drugs
  7. Other drugs
    1. Nonopioids and opioids
    2. Anticoagulants and anti-platelets 
    3. Statins  

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture