Assignment 1: Pharmacology Medication Cards and Case Study

Course Details

Course Code: NR 293

Course Title: Pharmacology for Nursing Practice

University: Chamberlain University

Semester: Spring 2026

Level: Undergraduate (Year 1 or 2)

Assessment Weighting: 20%

Due Date: Week 5

Requirement: Complete 5 medication cards

Context

This assignment strengthens knowledge of drug classifications, mechanisms, administration, and nursing responsibilities in pharmacology. It supports safe medication practice aligned with standards from the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) and focuses on patient safety in diverse clinical scenarios. Students apply concepts from lectures on pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and adverse effects to real-world cases, building competence for accurate medication management in hospital or outpatient care.

Task Description

Review the provided case study of a patient on multiple medications (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, and pain management). Complete medication cards for five assigned or selected drugs from the scenario. Include a brief analysis linking cards to patient care, potential interactions, and nursing implications.

Requirements

• Use the case: 68-year-old patient with hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and chronic pain, prescribed lisinopril, metformin, atorvastatin, hydrocodone/acetaminophen, and omeprazole.
• Complete cards for all five drugs using the provided template: generic/trade name, classification, mechanism of action, indications, dosage/range, side effects/adverse reactions, nursing considerations (monitoring, teaching, administration), and contraindications.
• Add a 300-500 word summary discussing interactions, priority administration, and patient education.
• Support with at least three evidence-based sources; use APA 7th edition.
• Submit as Word document with completed cards (table format) and summary.

Marking Criteria/Rubric

1. Medication Card Completeness (50%): All sections filled accurately for five drugs; information current and relevant.
2. Accuracy and Depth (20%): Correct classifications, mechanisms, dosages; includes key adverse effects and monitoring.
3. Nursing Implications (15%): Thorough considerations for administration, teaching, safety.
4. Case Analysis Summary (10%): Links drugs to patient scenario; addresses interactions and priorities.
5. Academic Standards (5%): Proper formatting, citations, grammar.

Metformin belongs to the biguanide class and reduces hepatic glucose production while improving insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. Patients take typical doses of 500-1000 mg twice daily with meals to minimize gastrointestinal upset. Common side effects involve nausea, diarrhea, and rare lactic acidosis risk in renal impairment cases. Nurses monitor blood glucose levels regularly and assess renal function via creatinine clearance before initiation. Patient education emphasizes taking with food and reporting persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. As outlined by Burchum and Rosenthal (2019), metformin remains first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes due to low hypoglycemia risk and cardiovascular benefits. Monitoring for vitamin B12 deficiency supports long-term management.

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• References

1. Burchum, J. R. and Rosenthal, L. D. (2019) Lehne’s pharmacology for nursing care. 10th edn. St. Louis: Elsevier. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-52949-5.00001-6.
2. Lilley, L. L., Collins, S. R. and Snyder, J. S. (2020) Pharmacology and the nursing process. 9th edn. St. Louis: Elsevier. Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/books/pharmacology-and-the-nursing-process/lilley/978-0-323-52949-5.
3. Kee, J. L., Hayes, E. R. and McCuistion, L. E. (2022) Pharmacology: a patient-centered nursing process approach. 10th edn. St. Louis: Elsevier. Available at: https://www.elsevier.com/books/pharmacology/kee/978-0-323-64347-4.
4. Aschenbrenner, D. S. and Venable, S. J. (2021) Drug therapy in nursing. 5th edn. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer. Available at: https://shop.lww.com/Drug-Therapy-in-Nursing/p/9781975105563.