Course Number and Title:
MEA 170 Pharmacology for Medical Assistant
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: MEA 120 and MEA 150
Course Credits and Hours
4 credit(s)
4 lecture hours/week
2 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course is an introduction to chemical characteristics, actions, and uses of common prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Modes of contraindications are covered for each drug discussed. Additional topics include drug dosage, medication administration, infection control, and nutrition education. Communication skills and the use of legal guidelines are included.
Additional Materials
Medical Assistant Program Manual
Allied Health/Science Department Program Student Policy Manual medical dictionary
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Demonstrate medical assistant skills pertaining to clinical skills and medication administration. (CCC 2, 5, 6; PGC 2, 4)
- Apply mathematical calculations pertaining to medications. (CCC 6; PGC 4)
- Demonstrate infection control as required in a clinical medical office. (CCC 6; PGC 4)
- Discuss nutrition pertaining to medications. (CCC 1, 3, 5; PGC 1, 4)
- Demonstrate effective communication skills as a medical assistant. (CCC 1, 4; PGC 1, 3)
- Discuss legal implications pertaining to medications. (CCC 2; PGC 2)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Demonstrate medical assistant skills pertaining to clinical skills and medication administration.
- Describe structural organization of the body.
- List major organs in each body system.
- Identify anatomical location of major organs in each body system.
- Differentiate structure and function of the human body across the life span.
- Identify common pathology related to each body system, including signs, symptoms, and etiology.
- Recognize pathology for each body system, including diagnostic measures and treatment modalities.
- Identify the classifications of medications, including indications for use, desired effects, side effects, and adverse reactions.
- Identify the rules of medication administration: right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, and right documentation.
- Select proper sites for administering parenteral medication.
- Role play administering oral and parenteral (excluding IV) medications.
- Demonstrate how to instruct and prepare a patient for a procedure or treatment.
- Demonstrate how to assist a provider with a patient exam.
- Apply critical thinking skills when performing patient assessment and patient care.
- Apply mathematical calculations pertaining to medications.
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic math computations.
- Apply mathematical computations to solve equations.
- Define basic units of measurement in the metric system and the household system.
- Convert among measurement systems.
- Identify abbreviations and symbols used in calculating medication doses.
- Compute proper dosages of medication for administration.
- Demonstrate infection control as required in a clinical medical office.
- List major types of infectious agents.
- Explain the principles of standard precautions.
- Describe personal protective equipment (PPE) for all body fluids, secretion, excretions, blood, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes.
- Identify Center for Disease Control (CDC) regulations that impact healthcare practices.
- Demonstrate proper disposal of sharps.
- Discuss nutrition pertaining to medications.
- Describe dietary nutrients, including carbohydrates, fat, protein, minerals, electrolytes, vitamins, fiber, and water.
- Discuss the function of dietary supplements.
- Identify the special dietary needs for weight control, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, lactose sensitivity, gluten-free, and food allergies.
- Explain special dietary needs to a patient.
- Express awareness of patient's concerns regarding a dietary change.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills as a medical assistant.
- Use feedback techniques to obtain patient information including reflection, restatement, and clarification.
- Practice coaching patients regarding health maintenance, disease prevention, and treatment plan.
- Practice coaching patients appropriately considering their developmental life stage.
- Demonstrate professional telephone techniques.
- Write telephone messages accurately.
- Review and report relevant information concisely and accurately.
- Demonstrate appropriate response(s) to ethical issues.
- Recognize the impact personal ethics and morals have on the delivery of healthcare.
- Discuss legal implications pertaining to medications.
- Describe the process in compliance reporting for errors in patient care and incident reports.
- Chart patient care accurately in the medical record.
- Perform compliance reporting based on public health statutes.
- Identify and report an illegal activity in the healthcare setting following proper protocol.
- Write an incident report related to an error in patient care.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
|
Evaluation Measure
|
Percentage of final grade
|
|
Summative Tests (6) equally weighted
|
10%
|
|
Summative Final Test (1)
|
5%
|
|
Summative Lab Competencies (38) equally weighted
|
75%
|
|
Formative Reading Lessons (28) equally weighted
|
5%
|
|
Summative Assignments (28) equally weighted
|
5%
|
|
TOTAL
|
100%
|
|
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
AHTAASMEA Program Graduate Competencies:
- Exhibit effective nonverbal, verbal, and written communication in patient/client and family interventions and education and in professional relationships.
- Exercise independent judgment and critical thinking in performance of medical assisting, according to the profession's standards of practice.
- Demonstrate professional patterns of behavior consistent with the profession's code of ethics.
- Demonstrate clinical competence by performing a full range of medical assistant procedures on all patient population.
- Demonstrate administrative competence by performing a full range of medical assistant procedures on all patient population.
AHTDIPMAS Program Graduate Competencies:
- Exhibit effective communication, independent judgment, and critical thinking in performance of medical assisting, according to the profession's standards of practice.
- Demonstrate professional patterns of behavior consistent with the profession's code of ethics.
- Demonstrate clinical and administrative competence by performing a full range of medical assistant procedures.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.