Overview
This unit will provide you with knowledge and skills related to best practice principles in the safe use of medications across the lifespan. Knowledge of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, as well as antimicrobial stewardship, are considered in relation to safe nursing practice and quality use of medicines (QUM). In this unit, you will be required to demonstrate accountability in relation to administration of medications including knowledge of side effects, adverse drug events, medication errors, accurate documentation and the impact of complementary medicines. You will also consider ethical issues related to safe medication administration.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites NURS11161 Clinical Nursing Practice 1 or NURS11154 Foundations of Nursing Practice 2 BIOH11005 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Co-requisite BIOH11006 Advanced Anatomy and Physiology
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 - 2021
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.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from My Experience
"The layout of moodle, use of readings and relevant information is great. Danielle is very logical and easy to understand. Knows and covers relevant information fully".
Nil changes required
Feedback from My Experience
"Danielle is an amazing supportive lecturer. I struggle with the content because its very hard, but Danielle has an amazing way of teaching to help me understand".
Nil changes requested
Feedback from My Experience
"Great, relevant information. Super interesting and well presented. We know exactly what we need for each assessment piece . This subject has enhanced our knowledge of medication and pharmacology, thankyou".
Students appear satisfied with unit material and assessment instructions. Nil changes required.
- Explain the principles of quality use of medicines (QUM) relevant to nursing practice
- Describe the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of particular drugs
- Explain the importance of antimicrobial stewardship for nursing practice
- Demonstrate accountability in relation to safe administration of medications.
The learning outcomes are linked to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation (ANMAC) Standards for registered nurses and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) registered nurse standards for practice.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Case Study - 40% | ||||
| 2 - Online Quiz(zes) - 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 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Case Study - 40% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Online Quiz(zes) - 60% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Fundamentals of Pharmacology
Edition: 8th ed. (2017)
Authors: Bullock, S & Manias, E
Pearson Australia
Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
ISBN: 9781488610028
Binding: Paperback
Pharmacology in Nursing: Australian & New Zealand
Edition: 3rd ed. (2020)
Authors: Broyles, McKenzie, Pleunik, Page, Reiss, & Evans
Cengage Learning Australia
South Melbourne South Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
ISBN: 9780170421850
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
Both paper and eBook versions can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code).
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
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.
d.lelagadec@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Module 1: Understanding pharmacology
Chapter
View lecture and access eReading list on the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Access the unit profile and the study guide.
- Access and view introduction to the unit.
- Open Week 1 tab and complete the corresponding weekly activities.
- Enrol in the NPS MedicineWise Learning website and undertake 'Quality use of medication safety'.
- Undertake the non-assessable formative quiz.
Module/Topic
Module 2: Quality use of medicines (QUM) and safety in medication administration
Chapter
View lecture and access eReading list on the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Open Week 2 tab and review the content.
- Review the study guide and complete the corresponding weekly activities.
- Undertake the non-assessable formative quiz.
- Review Assessment 1 requirements including the marking criteria rubric.
Module/Topic
Module 3: Agents used to treat endocrine imbalances
Chapter
View lecture and access eReading list on the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Open Week 3 tab and review the content.
- Review the study guide and complete the corresponding weekly activities.
- Undertake the non-assessable formative quiz.
- This weeks learning material pertains directly to Assessment 1.
- Commence your first draft of Assessment 1.
Module/Topic
Module 4: Antimicrobial agents and
Module 5: Analgesics
Chapter
View lecture and access eReading list on the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Open Week 4 tab and review the content.
- Review the study guide and complete the corresponding weekly activities.
- Undertake the non-assessable formative quiz.
- Continue to work on Assessment 1 requirements.
Module/Topic
Module 6: Agents used to treat mental health disorders
Chapter
View lecture and access eReading list on the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Open Week 5 tab and review the content.
- Review the study guide and complete the corresponding weekly activities.
- Undertake the non-assessable formative quiz.
- Continue to work on Assessment 1 requirements.
- Seek help from the Academic Learning Centre or Studiosity if required.
Module/Topic
No lectures this week
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Finalize Assessment 1.
- Spend a bit of time relaxing with family and friends.
Module/Topic
Module 7: Legal and ethical considerations in medication administration
Chapter
View lecture and access eReading list on the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Assessment 1 due date on Monday, 23rd August 2021 at 11:55 pm (Brisbane time). All late submissions are subject to a 5% late penalty per day or part-thereof after the due date.
- Open Week 6 tab and review the content.
- Review the study guide and complete the corresponding weekly activities.
- Undertake the non-assessable formative quiz.
Short Answers based on a Case study – Diabetes Mellitus Due: Week 6 Monday (23 Aug 2021) 11:55 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Module 8: Agents used to treat respiratory disorders
Chapter
View lecture and access eReading list on the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Open Week 7 tab and review the content.
- Review the study guide and complete the corresponding weekly activities.
- Undertake the non-assessable formative quiz.
- Start planning the revision of the modules for Assessment 2, the online quiz.
Module/Topic
Module 9: Agents used to treat cardiovascular disorders
Chapter
View lecture and access eReading list on the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Open Week 8 tab and review the content.
- Review the study guide and complete the corresponding weekly activities.
- Undertake the non-assessable formative quiz.
- Commence online quiz review: Modules 1-4.
Module/Topic
Module 10: Anticoagulants
Chapter
View lecture and access eReading list on the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Open Week 9 tab and review the content.
- Review the study guide and complete the corresponding weekly activities.
- Undertake the non-assessable formative quiz.
- Return of Assessment 1, Monday 13th September. Access Assessment 1 in Turnitin and review the marker's comments. You have 48 hours to query any concerns regarding your grades.
- Commence online quiz review: Modules 5-7.
- The Red Button - Have your say.
Module/Topic
Module 11: Non-traditional and complementary pharmacological therapies
Chapter
View lecture and access eReading list on the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Open Week 10 tab and review the content.
- Review the study guide and complete the corresponding weekly activities.
- Undertake the non-assessable formative quiz.
- Continue online quiz review: Modules 8-9.
- The Red button - Have your say.
Module/Topic
Module 12: Medications across the lifespan
Chapter
View lecture and access eReading list on the unit Moodle site.
Events and Submissions/Topic
- Open Week 11 tab and review the content.
- Review the study guide and complete the corresponding weekly activities.
- Undertake the non-assessable formative quiz.
- Continue online quiz review: Modules 10-12.
- The Red button - Have your say.
Module/Topic
Review and preparation for the online quiz
Chapter
Revision week
Events and Submissions/Topic
Review Modules 1 - 12.
Test opens on Thursday 7th October at 00:15 am and closes on 8th October at 11:55 pm
Online Quiz - Multiple choice and short answer questions Due: Week 12 Friday (8 Oct 2021) 11:55 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Students are required to make a reasonable attempt, and submit both Assessments 1 and 2 in order to pass this unit.
1 Case Study
Please refer to the Assessment instructions in Moodle.
The aim of this assessment is to embed your knowledge regarding the quality use of medications and to enhance your recognition of medication errors. The assessment also aims to assist you to apply your knowledge regarding the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of hyperglycaemic agents.
Week 6 Monday (23 Aug 2021) 11:55 pm AEST
Assessments are to be submitted via the submission portal of the unit Moodle site. Please submit your assignment as an MS Word document via Turnitin. Marks will be returned through Feedback Studio (grademark) - online. Please review 'Moodle Help for Students: accessing grademark'.
Week 9 Monday (13 Sept 2021)
Student who submits on or before the due date will have their assessment feedback returned on 13th September 2021
| Key Criteria | High Distinction 84.5 – 100% | Distinction 74.50 – 84.49% | Credit 64.50 – 74.49% | Pass 49.50 – 64.49% | Fail <49.5% | Fail (content absent) 0% |
| Structure (5%) | Excellent presentation of assignment as per assessment instructions, double line spaced, correct font and word count. Consistently accurate with spelling and grammar. Clear paragraph structure 5.0–4.3 | Well-presented assignment as per assessment instructions, double line spaced, correct font and word count. Generally accurate with 1 or 2 spelling and grammatical errors. Largely clear paragraph structure 4.2–3.7 | Well-presented assignment as per assessment instructions, double line spaced, correct font and word count. Occasional inaccuracies with 3 or 4 spelling and grammatical errors. Occasional inaccuracies with paragraph structure 3.6–3.2 | Adequate assignment presentation mostly follows assessment instructions. Includes double line spaced and correct font used. Adheres to the required word count for 1 or both topics. Frequent inaccuracies with 5 to 7 spelling and/or grammatical errors. Paragraph structure is present; however difficult to identify the structure 3.1–2.5 | Poorly presented assignment does not follow assessment instructions. Little or no paragraph structure or does not adhere to the required word count. Multiple errors, and/or double spacing not used, and/or correct font not used and/or many inaccuracies in spelling and or grammar (> 7 errors) < 2.5 | Submission is missing most aspects of task. Little evidence of task requirements 0 |
| Approach and Argument Topic 1 – DM (50%) | T1DM and T2DM, and their treatments comprehensively discussed, DM type correctly identified, rationale for patient’s treatment plan comprehensively explained 15–12.7 | T1DM and T2DM, and their treatments well discussed, DM type correctly identified, rationale for patient’s treatment plan clearly explained 12.6- 1.2 | T1DM and T2DM, and their treatments adequately discussed, DM type correctly identified, rationale for patient’s treatment plan adequately explained 11.1–9.7 | T1DM and T2DM, and their treatments somewhat relevantly discussed, DM type correctly identified, rationale for patient’s treatment plan limited 9.6–7.5 | T1DM and T2DM, and their treatments inadequately discussed, DM type either incorrectly identified, or rationale for patient’s treatment plan inadequate explained < 7.5 | Topic 1a and 1b not addressed 0 |
| Comprehensive description of the pharmacodynamics of insulin and a clear logical explanation of medication choices including accurate efficacy times (Topic 1c and 1d) 15 -12.7 | Extensive description of the pharmacodynamics of insulin and a logical explanation of medication choices including accurate efficacy times (Topic 1c and 1d) 12.6 - 11.2 | Appropriate description of the pharmacodynamics of insulin and a reasonable explanation of medication choices including accurate efficacy times (Topic 1c and 1d) 11.1 – 9.7 | Contains some relevant information on the pharmacodynamics of insulin and an acknowledgement of the reasoning for medication choices including some accurate drug efficacy times (Topic 1c and 1d) 9.6 – 7.5 | Not able to provide, or provides an inadequate response on the pharmaco-dynamics of insulin; Lacks information accuracy of medication choice and/or effectivity times (Topic 1c and 1d) < 7.5 | Topic 1c and 1d has not been attempted 0 | |
| Comprehensive discussion on patient education including Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation 20-17 | Extensive discussion on patient education including Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation 16.9–14.9 | Appropriate discussion on patient education; may include aspects of Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation 14.8–12.9 | Contains some relevant information on patient education 12.8–10 | Inadequate discussion on patient education < 10 | Topic 1e has not been attempted 0 | |
| Topic 2 – Medication error (35%) | Comprehensively includes a detailed discussion of the topic with clear, coherent and convincing critical thought demonstrated of the medication error and contributing factors as per Topic 2a and 2b 20-17 | Extensively includes a thorough discussion of the topic with well developed critical thought evident of the medication error and contributing factors as per Topic 2a and 2b 16.9–14.9 | Content is appropriate and answers the topic. Generally includes a reasonable discussion on the medication error and contributing factors as per Topic 2a and 2b 14.8–12.9 | Content is relevant. Demonstrates a limited discussion of the medication error and contributing factors as per Topic 2a and 2b 12.8–10 | Not able to provide or provides an inadequate discussion of the medication error and contributing factors as per Topic 2a and 2b < 10 | Topic 2a and 2b has not been attempted 0 |
| Two appropriate Actions of NSQHS Standard 4 – Medication Safety identified and comprehensively discussed as per assessment instructions 15-12.7 | Two appropriate Actions of NSQHS Standard 4 – Medication Safety identified and extensively discussed as per assessment instructions 12.6-11.2 | Two appropriate Actions of NSQHS Standard 4 – Medication Safety identified and appropriately discussed as per assessment instructions 11.1–9.7 | Either two appropriate Actions of NSQHS Standard 4 identifies but not appropriately discussed; or only one appropriate Action identified and appropriately discussed as per the assessment 9.6–7.5 | Actions of NSQHS Standard 4 identified were not appropriate or selection of Actions were not supported by an appropriate discussion < 7.5 | Topic 2c has not been attempted 0 | |
| Referencing (10%) | Consistently accurate with in-text referencing to support and reflect all ideas, factual information and quotations 5.0–4.3 | 1 or 2 in-text referencing errors identified to support and reflect all ideas, factual information and quotations 4.2–3.7 | 3 or 4 in-text referencing errors identified to support and reflect all ideas, factual information and quotations 3.6–3.2 | 5 or more in-text referencing errors identified to support and reflect all ideas, factual information and quotations 3.1–2.5 | In-text referencing is not consistent with APA style. Many inaccuracies (>5) with in-text referencing to support and reflect all ideas, factual information and quotations < 2.5 | No, or very few in-text references used and APA style has not been followed 0 |
| A minimum of 10 up to date* references that include at least 5 or more journal articles as well as relevant books and web sites spread consistently across all topics. Reference list appears in alphabetical order and fully adheres to reference list presentation guidelines APA style 5.0–4.3 | A minimum of 9 up to date* references that includes at least 4 journal articles as well as relevant books and web sites, spread consistently across all topics. Reference list appears in alphabetical order and consistently adheres to reference list presentation guidelines APA style (1 or 2 errors) 4.2–3.7 | A minimum of 8 up to date* references. Must include at least 3 journal articles as well as relevant books and web sites spread consistently across all topics. Reference list appears in alphabetical order and frequently adheres to reference list presentation guidelines APA style (3 or 4 errors) 3.6–3.2 | A minimum of 7 up to date* references used including 2 journal articles as well as relevant textbooks and web sites spread consistently across all topics. Reference list is mostly in alphabetical order and occasionally adheres to reference list presentation guidelines APA style (5 errors) 3.1–2.5 | The required number of 7 up to date* references not used. Journal articles or relevant textbooks not sourced and not consistently spread across all topics or web sites only used. Reference list is not in alphabetical order and does not adhere to reference list presentation guidelines APA style (>5 errors) < 2.5 | Fewer than 7 credible references used and reference list absent. 0 |
- Explain the principles of quality use of medicines (QUM) relevant to nursing practice
- Describe the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of particular drugs
- Demonstrate accountability in relation to safe administration of medications.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Ethical practice
2 Online Quiz(zes)
This quiz is an open-book, timed online quiz. The quiz is available for 48 hours and you have two (2) hours to complete the quiz once you begin. You may only attempt the quiz once and, unless there are exceptional circumstances, you will not be able to resit the quiz if not completed within the required time frame.
As this is an open-book assessment, you can access resources throughout the quiz. While you may use unit resources and your own notes, we expect you to provide answers in your own words. Copying and pasting information will be considered a breach of academic integrity.
The assessment is worth 60 marks of which 20 marks are allocated to multiple choice questions, true/false questions and matching questions. The remaining 40 marks are short answer and case study questions. Marks may differ between questions. Please type your answers into the areas allocated for the answers. Marks may differ between questions.
We expect that you complete this quiz independently and adhere to the conditions associated with undertaking an assessment. It means that you must ensure academic integrity and comply with the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. Acting honestly and with integrity means that you avoid behaviour that may breach academic honesty, such as plagiarism, collusion, cheating, and other forms of academic misconduct. If any academic misconduct is detected, it will be managed according to the policy and may result in penalties.
1
Other
Week 12 Friday (8 Oct 2021) 11:55 pm AEST
Must be completed within two (2) hours, once opened, only one attempt permitted.
Online quiz result will be released before Certification of Grades
There are no minimum marks to pass this assessment item, however, students must achieve at least 50% overall (the combination of Assessment 1 and Assessment 2 - the Online Quiz) in order to be eligible to pass the unit.
- Describe the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of particular drugs
- Explain the importance of antimicrobial stewardship for nursing practice
- Demonstrate accountability in relation to safe administration of medications.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
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?
