Overview
This unit facilitates the development of the knowledge and skills required for the safe administration of medications, including evaluation of therapeutic effects and/or adverse reactions post administration and relevant nursing and patient education considerations. You will critically examine the role of the nurse in the preparation and administration of medicines and other therapeutic substances. You will examine the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of common medications and polypharmacy considerations. In addition, you will apply legal, ethical and best practice principles in the safe administration of medication and other therapeutic substances (e.g. oxygen, blood and blood products) including proper use of related devices. You will also engage in electronic medication management systems, and address patient education and engagement in medication management.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Must be enrolled in CL91 Bachelor of Nursing or CG41 Start Uni Now.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
- Discuss the role of the nurse in preparing, administering and evaluating medications and other therapeutic substances, with an emphasis on quality, safety and best practice
- Investigate the professional, legal and ethical implications of medication administration
- Identify the principles and core concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
- Examine best practice principles in the safe administration of medication and other therapeutic substances (oxygen, blood, blood products and parenteral nutrition) including proper use of related devices.
Content in this unit incorporates a number of professional nursing requirements;
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Decision-Making Framework (DMF) - Nursing
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Registered Nurse Standards for Practice
Thinks critically and analyses nursing practice
Engages in therapeutic and professional relationships
Maintains the capability for practice
Comprehensively conducts assessments
Develops a plan for nursing practice
Provides safe, appropriate and responsive quality nursing practice
Evaluates outcomes to inform nursing practice
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Nursing Code of Conduct
Legal compliance
Person-centred practice
Cultural practice and respectful relationships
Professional behaviour
Teaching, supervising and assessing
Research in health
Health and wellbeing
International Council of Nursing Code of Ethics for Nursing
Nurses and People
Nurses and Practice
Nurses and the Profession
Nurses and co-workers
National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards
Clinical governance
Partnering with consumers
Preventing and Controlling healthcare-associated infection
Medication safety
Comprehensive care
Communicating for safety
Blood management
Recognising and responding to acute deterioration
Patient Safety Competency Framework
Person-centred care
Therapeutic communication
Cultural competence
Teamwork and collaborative practice
Clinical reasoning
Evidence-based practice
Preventing, minimising and responding to adverse events
Infection prevention and control
Medication safety
Aged Care Quality Standards
Consumer dignity and choice
Ongoing assessment and planning with consumers
Personal care and clinical care
Services and supports for daily living
Organisation’s service environment
Feedback and complaints
Human resources
Organisational governance
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Online Quiz(zes) - 40% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 60% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
There are no required textbooks.
Additional Textbook Information
Recommended textbooks are not required.
Supplementary e-books are accessible via the online library. The chapters are individually recommended and are placed in the recommended reading list where appropriate.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- CQUniversity library literature search tools
- Microsoft Word
- Wordprocessing, spreadsheeting and powerpoint software
- Zoom account (Free)
- Zoom app on your smart phone or access to Zoom on your laptop
- CQUniversity Library Resources
- Zoom (both microphone and webcam capability)
- CQUniversity Library search engines for research articles
- CQUniversity Library Nursing/Midwifery/Social Work Resources
- Australian Standards (through CQU library)
- Endnote bibliographic software. This is optional for formatting references
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
j.padigos@cqu.edu.au
p.heidke@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Foundations of Pharmacology and Safe Medication Practice in Nursing
Chapter
Review the Moodle site and click on all the links.
Find out what is in Student Support.
Find out how to find the library.
Click on the link and learn what is in the Academic Learning Centre.
See the recommended e-readings and activities as outlined in module.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentations are available for each module. Live Zoom sessions will be held WEEKLY (Thursday 10am-11am) followed by online drop-in session. The material presented is considered essential. If you cannot attend the live session, please watch the recording when available.
Welcome and Unit Introduction.
Activity: Access the General Discussion page and introduce yourself to your colleagues by providing your name and maybe why you are studying this unit and course.
Quiz A (Due by Week 3): Review the assessment tasks for this Week and make a study plan to prepare for Quiz A (10 items) in Week 3. Quiz A will assess your knowledge and understanding of materials covered in Weeks 1–2.
Foundations of Academic Integrity Program: Complete your annual program.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates.
Week 2
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Professional, Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
Chapter
See recommended e-reading list for Module 2.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom – Tutorial and unit content and assessments. Live Zoom sessions will be held Thursday 10am-11am followed by online drop-in session.
Assessment 1 – Perform the practice quizzes and review learning materials provided for Quiz A on Week 3 (Coverage: Weeks 1-2)
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Pharmacodynamics
Chapter
See recommended e-reading list for Module 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Quiz A (Coverage for Exam: Weeks 1-2)
Quiz opens: 00:01 hour (AEST) Monday 27 July 2026 (Week 3)
Quiz closes: 23:59 hours (AEST) Wednesday 29 July 2026 (Week 3)
Zoom – Tutorial and unit content and assessments. Live Zoom sessions will be held Thursday 10am-11am) followed by online drop-in session.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Census Date is next week. If you are struggling, please contact your Unit Coordinator for help.
Online Quiz(zes) - 10% (Week 3); 30% (Exam Week/Week 13) Due: Week 3 Wednesday (29 July 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 4
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Pharmacokinetics
Chapter
See recommended e-reading list for Module 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Census Date – Tuesday Week 4 (4 August 2026)
Written Assessment 2 (Due Week 10) – Start planning for the written assessment. Review the assessment task. Identify learning needs and seek adequate support.
Zoom – Tutorial and unit content and assessments. Live Zoom sessions will be held Thursday 10am-11am) followed by online drop-in session.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 5
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Medication Safety and Understanding the Elements of a Proper Prescription
Chapter
See recommended e-reading list for Module 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom – Tutorial and unit content and assessments. Live Zoom sessions will be held Thursday 10am-11am) followed by online drop-in session.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 6
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Routes of Medication Administration
Chapter
See recommended e-reading list for Module 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom – Tutorial and unit content and assessments. Live Zoom sessions will be held Thursday 10am-11am) followed by online drop-in session.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
This is a non-teaching week.
Chapter
Please use this mid-term break as an opportunity to rest and recover. Enjoy your break!
Events and Submissions/Topic
No timetabled learning activities. Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Week 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
The High-Risk Medications APINCHS
Chapter
See recommended e-reading list for Module 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Written Assessment 2 (Due Week 10) – Work on your progress for the written assessment. Review the assessment task. Identify learning needs and seek adequate support.
Zoom – Tutorial and unit content and assessments. Live Zoom sessions will be held Thursday 10am-11am) followed by online drop-in session.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Mandatory Check closing date, i.e., Monday Week 10.
Week 8
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Polypharmacy
Chapter
See recommended e-reading list for Module 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom – Tutorial and unit content and assessments. Live Zoom sessions will be held Thursday 10am-11am) followed by online drop-in session.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Professional Nursing Practice (PNP) Units – 1) Enrol in PNP unit, and 2) upload Mandatory Checks by Mandatory Check closing date, i.e., Monday Week 10.
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Medication Reconciliation
Chapter
See recommended e-reading list for Module 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Written Assessment 2 (Due Week 10) – Finalise the written assessment. Review the assessment task. Identify learning needs and seek adequate support.
Zoom – Tutorial and unit content and assessments. Live Zoom sessions will be held Thursday 10am-11am) followed by online drop-in session.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Professional Nursing Practice (PNP) Units – 1) Enrol in PNP unit, and 2) upload Mandatory Checks by Mandatory Check closing date, i.e., Monday Week 10.
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Therapeutic Substances
Chapter
See recommended e-reading list for Module 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Written Assessment (Task 2)
Due Date: 4 pm (AEST), Wednesday 23 September 2026 (Week 10)
Zoom – Tutorial and unit content and assessments. Live Zoom sessions will be held Thursday 10am-11am) followed by online drop-in session.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Professional Nursing Practice (PNP) Units – 1) Enrol in PNP unit, and 2) upload Mandatory Checks by Mandatory Check closing date, i.e., Monday Week 10.
Don’t forget - Check your unit enrolments for next term.
Written Assessment - 60% (Week 10) Due: Week 10 Wednesday (23 Sept 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Advanced Medication Management and Professional Practice Integration
Chapter
See recommended e-reading list for Module 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz B (Due by Exam Week/Week 13): Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan to prepare for Quiz B (30 items). Quiz B will assess your knowledge and understanding of materials covered in Weeks 3–12.
Zoom – Tutorial and unit content and assessments. Live Zoom sessions will be held Thursday 10am-11am) followed by online drop-in session.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – We encourage you to provide feedback about your unit and teaching experiences in this unit. The survey opens Week 11 and closes one week before release of grades.
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Review
Chapter
See recommended e-reading list for Module 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Quiz B (Due by Exam Week/Week 13): Work on your progress as you prepare for Quiz B (30 items). Quiz B will assess your knowledge and understanding of materials covered in Weeks 3–12.
Zoom – Tutorial and unit content and assessments. Live Zoom sessions will be held Thursday 10am-11am) followed by online drop-in session.
Announcement and Discussion Forums – Check for posts and updates.
Student email – Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Exam Week
Chapter
Coverage for Quiz B is Weeks 3-12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Online Quiz A (Coverage for Exam: Weeks 3-12)
Quiz opens: 00:01 hour (AEST) Monday 12 October 2026 (Week 13/Exam Week)
Quiz closes: 23:59 hours (AEST) Wednesday 14 October 2026 (Week 3/Exam Week)
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – Please complete the unit evaluation survey.
Congratulations on completing this unit. Don’t forget to check your unit enrolments for next term.
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
As this unit is offered online (with optional face-to-face delivery in Rockhampton and Brisbane campuses), students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator/s. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
1 Online Quiz(zes)
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and application of the foundational concepts of pharmacology and apply these principles to safe, ethical and evidence-based clinical practice.
Extension
Extension is not available for this assessment.
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
· Quiz questions are drawn from a bank and will be randomised.
· You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
· The use of any generative artificial intelligence is not permitted as per Level 1 (No AI) in the AI Assessment scale tool indicators.
Marking Criteria
· Results will be available immediately after the attempt is complete. The results will only show the score and not the actual answers of the quiz.
· Assessment re-attempt is not available for this Assessment task.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative mark of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
· In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
In accordance with policy, any marks and/or grades for assessments released to students prior to Certification of Grades are provisional and are subject to moderation and confirmation through the relevant Program and Divisional Assessment Committees.
2
Other
Week 3 Wednesday (29 July 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
The number of correct responses will be available immediately after the attempt is complete.
Exam Week Wednesday (14 Oct 2026)
The number of correct responses will be available immediately after the attempt is complete.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Discuss the role of the nurse in preparing, administering and evaluating medications and other therapeutic substances, with an emphasis on quality, safety and best practice
- Investigate the professional, legal and ethical implications of medication administration
- Identify the principles and core concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
- Examine best practice principles in the safe administration of medication and other therapeutic substances (oxygen, blood, blood products and parenteral nutrition) including proper use of related devices.
2 Written Assessment
Aim
The aim of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding, and application of foundational pharmacology concepts through the analysis of a perioperative clinical scenario. You will apply principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, evaluate the safe use of multiple medications and therapeutic substances, and integrate legal, ethical, and evidence-based frameworks underpinning medication administration in Australia. The assessment task also requires you to demonstrate your ability to identify and justify appropriate nursing actions to ensure safe, professional clinical practice and optimal patient outcomes.
Extensions
Extension is available for this assessment as per policy. The 72-hour grace period may apply.
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
1. You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
2. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning) AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
a. Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
b. Checking spelling and grammar.
c. CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
3. Any use of Gen AI software:
a. Must be cited in the relevant sections.
b. Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
Week 10 Wednesday (23 Sept 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
4 pm (AEST), Wednesday 23 September 2026 (Week 10). The 72-hour grace period may apply to this assessment.
Exam Week Wednesday (14 Oct 2026)
Results for this assessment will be made available on 4 pm Wednesday, 14 October 2026 (AEST) (Week 13). This applies to on time submissions.
Assessment criteria will be available on the Moodle site.
- Discuss the role of the nurse in preparing, administering and evaluating medications and other therapeutic substances, with an emphasis on quality, safety and best practice
- Investigate the professional, legal and ethical implications of medication administration
- Identify the principles and core concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics
- Examine best practice principles in the safe administration of medication and other therapeutic substances (oxygen, blood, blood products and parenteral nutrition) including proper use of related devices.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
