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Course/Program Inventory

MOA 3051 - Human Diseases and Pharmacology


Clock Hours: 60

Delivery Mode
on-ground

Prerequisites: MOA 2040-Anatomy and Physiology

Course Description:
This course provides an in-depth study of human pathological processes and their effects on homeostasis. Emphasis is on interrelationships among organ systems in deviations from homeostasis. This course focuses on the pathophysiology of common disease conditions affecting human beings across the adult lifespan. The pathophysiologic bases of common human health alterations and associated clinical manifestations are discussed. This course also introduces essential concepts of pharmacology for the Medical Assistant. The focus will be on the study of pharmacological classifications, actions, therapeutic uses, and side effects of medications. Students will be taught to accurately interpret data to monitor the outcomes of client interventions. This course will expand on the basic content of Anatomy and Physiology and the pharmacology principles from the Administration of Medications courses.  

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:  

  1. Recognize pathophysiological changes related to disease processes in the care of the adult.   
  2. Identify signs and symptoms of diseases related to each body system  
  3. Identify diagnostic studies in relation to each body system  
  4. Identify treatment modalities as related to diseases  
  5. Identify therapeutic and care measures as indicated in the following disorders:  
  6. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance Disorders  
  7. Neurological Disorders  
  8. Sensory Disorders  
  9. Respiratory Disorders  
  10. Cardiovascular or Peripheral Vascular Disorders  
  11. Endocrine Disorders  
  12. Gastrointestinal Disorders  
  13. Urinary/Renal Disorders ix.
  14. Musculoskeletal Disorders  
  15. Integumentary Disorders
  16. Hematologic/Lymphatic Disorders
  17. Cancer  
  18. Immune Disorders  
  19. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/ Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)  
  20. Differentiate between pharmacology and drug therapy.  
  21. Select authoritative sources of drug information.  
  22. Discuss major drug laws, standards, and the role of the Food and Drug Administration.  
  23. Describe the main categories of controlled substances in relation to therapeutic use and potential for abuse.  
  24. Analyze the potential impact of drug costs on drug therapy regimens.  
  25. Identify and develop basic knowledge of general pharmacokinetics for each body system and/or classification of drugs.  
  26. Describe the principles of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion            of drugs in the body  
  27. List drug-related and client-related variables that affect drug actions  
  28. Discuss mechanisms and potential effects of drug-drug interactions.  
  29. Describe major considerations in drug therapy for children, adults, and clients with impaired renal or hepatic function.  
  30. Discuss general management of drug overdose and toxicity.  
  31. Identify and have basic knowledge of common drug classifications, drug actions, side effects, adverse effects, client education, and precautions with administration of the following:  
  32. Drugs Affecting the Central Nervous System (CNS)   
  33. Drugs Affecting the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)   
  34. Drugs used to fight infection  
  35. Drugs used to manage pain  
  36. Drugs Affecting the Neuromuscular System   
  37. Drugs Affecting the Respiratory System   
  38. Drugs Affecting the Cardiovascular System  
  39. Drugs Affecting the Endocrine System  
  40. Drugs Affecting the Gastrointestinal System  
  41. Drugs Affecting the Hematopoietic and Immune Systems  
  42. Drugs Used in Ophthalmic Conditions  
  43. Drugs Used in Dermatologic Conditions