Unit 8 Pharmacology Self-Reflection Assignment
Running head: UNIT 8: Self-Reflection Assignment
UNIT 2: GRAPHING DATA
Celine Bediako
MA 320
1.(Introduction) 3 things you picked up from the course (how I felt in the beginning and key topics I took from class)
2.(Body) 3 things from the duration of the course (each paragraph is about one of those key topics and each needs to be sourced )
3. conclusion
Introduction
Prior to starting this course, I was nervous about taking the pharmacology class due to the fact I have not had any experience or knowledge of the material learned. I believe the aspect of this course that was most beneficial to me would have to be the various assignments we did throughout the 5 weeks. When a professor assigns me an assignment, I can actually apply my knowledge instead of memorizing and forgetting the material. For example, you assigned quizzes, discussions, case studies, and reflections, which allowed me to gain a lot of knowledge from reading and researching about the particular subject. This class was not solely based on quizzes and tests like a lot of my other prerequisite courses, which allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. I feel confident in the knowledge I have gained in this course, and I now have a better understanding of pharmacology. To begin, I would like to mention the top 3 things I learned in this pharmacology course are, Pharmacodynamics and PharmacokineticsPharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics , Decision-Making Related to the Use of Drugs in Dental Hygiene Care.
Body
The first key thing I am taking from this course is understanding the Pharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics of drugs. Pharmacology encompasses two aspects of drug metabolism – pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. While pharmacokinetics deals with drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, pharmacodynamics deals with drug efficacy, safety, potency, and drug interactions. According to Haveles, the effects of a drug can be affected by a client’s general condition, age, and drug history or by the presence of disorders. The pharmacodynamic effect of a drug can be affected by a client’s general condition, age, and drug history or by the presence of disorders. (Haveles, 2020). Each of these may have an effect on binding at the receptor site or on the presence of necessary components that facilitate drug binding. In some cases, these effects can be toxic or lethal. Therefore, in terms of prescribing, pharmacokinetic principles suggest that the dosage may need to be adjusted to prevent undesired effects and/or adverse reactions.
2.
The second key thing I would like to touch on is the importance of medication used in dentistry. I believe this topic is important to know is because depending on the patient’s condition, a dentist may prescribe a number of different medications, depending on your condition. Common medicaition used in Dentistry aree antibiotics and antiseptics which are employed to treat the ailments such as plaque and gingivitis, and anti-fungal medicines which are used to treat oral thrush. These medicines target the gums and the dental roots, and are available as oral pills, mouth rinses and gargles. They are also utilized to treat breath odor. Bacteriostatic as well as bactericidal antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides etc. classes of drugs. The choice of antibiotics is driven by several factors including type of infection, age of the patient, compliance, medical history, concomitant medications, and bacterial resistance. It is also important to know other medications as well. For example, Hypertension is the most common Cardiovascular disease in America. According to the CDC, nearly half of adults in the United States (108 million, or 45%) have hypertension. It is important for the hygienist to identify it as well as
Decision-Making Related to the Use of Drugs in Dental Hygiene Care.
Lastly, a key topic that greatly stood out to me and I will be taking from this course is Decision-Making Related to the Use of Drugs in Dental Hygiene Care. I believe this is important because The medical history intake opens the door to effective patient-provider communication, which facilitates the evaluation of possible drug interactions, medication adherence, and possible implications for planned dental procedures. For example, a patient with a history of liver damage should avoid the consumption of pain medication of acetaminophen due to its toxic hepatic effects. Nevertheless, I believe this is important is because upon this decision-making skills and deductive reasoning needed to determine the appropriate drug therapies and recommendations.
Conclusion
Overall, looking in hindsight, I feel that advanced pharmacology did enhance my awareness and knowledge of pharmacology. I feel that it pulled things together that I did not necessarily realize that I did not completely understand. It increased my knowledge and promoted critical thought. It was also beneficial to understand the differences between states on practice authority for nurse practitioners. This was something that I was slightly confused about upon entering the course, but I was enlightened to the variances and the resources to ensure accurate information. Having a strong background and understanding in pharmacology is important, no matter what level of authority a nurse practitioner has- especially because the practice authority changes within states regularly. Because some states allow the nurse practitioner to prescribe all drugs, including controlled drugs, it is important to understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of each drug (Vacek & Vuckovic, 2019). Although there are new drugs all the time, it is good to have a strong foundation and know what resources are the best and available to keep up with new information regarding pharmacology. It is also important to stay current with continuing education, as a nurse practitioner. Staying competent in prescribing is vital, for both enhanced awareness in new drugs, clinical trials and prescribing laws
References
Haveles, E. Applied Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist. [Bookshelf Ambassadored]. Retrieved from https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/#/books/9780323595391/
https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm