NURS 531 EXAM STUDY NOTES
NURS 531 Pharmacotherapeutics Notes
Pharmacotherapeutics is the study of the therapeutic use and the clinical application of drugs.
The course typically covers essential concepts, mechanisms, pharmacokinetics,
pharmacodynamics, and the safe and effective use of medications. Below is an outline of key
areas commonly covered in a pharmacotherapeutics course for advanced nursing practice.
1. Introduction to Pharmacotherapeutics
• Definition: Pharmacotherapeutics involves the study of how medications are used to
treat diseases and manage clinical conditions.
• Drug Classification: Drugs are classified based on their effects, chemical structure,
or therapeutic use.
o Therapeutic Classification: Anti-hypertensives, analgesics, antibiotics, etc.
o Pharmacologic Classification: Related to the mechanisms of action and
chemical properties.
2. Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics refers to the movement of drugs within the body, often summarized by the
acronym ADME:
• Absorption: The process by which a drug enters the bloodstream.
o Factors affecting absorption: Drug form (tablet, IV, etc.), route of
administration, blood flow at the site of administration.
• Distribution: How the drug spreads throughout the body.
o Factors: Blood flow, tissue permeability, plasma protein binding.
o The blood-brain barrier and placenta affect distribution of certain drugs.
• Metabolism (Biotransformation): The process by which the body modifies drugs,
primarily in the liver.
o Cytochrome P450 enzymes: A critical system in drug metabolism. CYP450
enzyme inducers and inhibitors can significantly affect drug metabolism.
o First-pass effect: The initial metabolism of drugs administered orally,
reducing their effectiveness.
• Excretion: The elimination of drugs or their metabolites through the kidneys, liver, or
intestines.
o Renal function is critical for excretion (creatinine clearance, glomerular
filtration rate).
3. Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacodynamics studies the effects of drugs on the body, including the mechanism of
action and therapeutic effects.
NURS 531 Pharmacotherapeutics Notes
Pharmacotherapeutics is the study of the therapeutic use and the clinical application of drugs.
The course typically covers essential concepts, mechanisms, pharmacokinetics,
pharmacodynamics, and the safe and effective use of medications. Below is an outline of key
areas commonly covered in a pharmacotherapeutics course for advanced nursing practice.
1. Introduction to Pharmacotherapeutics
• Definition: Pharmacotherapeutics involves the study of how medications are used to
treat diseases and manage clinical conditions.
• Drug Classification: Drugs are classified based on their effects, chemical structure,
or therapeutic use.
o Therapeutic Classification: Anti-hypertensives, analgesics, antibiotics, etc.
o Pharmacologic Classification: Related to the mechanisms of action and
chemical properties.
2. Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacokinetics refers to the movement of drugs within the body, often summarized by the
acronym ADME:
• Absorption: The process by which a drug enters the bloodstream.
o Factors affecting absorption: Drug form (tablet, IV, etc.), route of
administration, blood flow at the site of administration.
• Distribution: How the drug spreads throughout the body.
o Factors: Blood flow, tissue permeability, plasma protein binding.
o The blood-brain barrier and placenta affect distribution of certain drugs.
• Metabolism (Biotransformation): The process by which the body modifies drugs,
primarily in the liver.
o Cytochrome P450 enzymes: A critical system in drug metabolism. CYP450
enzyme inducers and inhibitors can significantly affect drug metabolism.
o First-pass effect: The initial metabolism of drugs administered orally,
reducing their effectiveness.
• Excretion: The elimination of drugs or their metabolites through the kidneys, liver, or
intestines.
o Renal function is critical for excretion (creatinine clearance, glomerular
filtration rate).
3. Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacodynamics studies the effects of drugs on the body, including the mechanism of
action and therapeutic effects.
