Rio Grande College of Pharmacy

Course Syllabus

Pharmacist are integral parts of the health care treatment team for critically ill patients. The responsibilities of crittically ill patient assessment require a pharmacist to be comfortable with the principles of hemodynamic monitoring, mechanical ventilation, and acid-base and fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. As well, the pathophysiologic consequences of hypoperfusion, inflammatory mediators, and shock leading to end-organ dysfunction must be visualized by clinicians at a cellular level to identify opportunities for improving pharmacotherapy and assuring optimal patient outcomes.

Topics
1. Shock syndromes
2. Acute Respiratory Failure and the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
3. Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
4. Dosorders of Acid-Base, Fluid, and Electrolytes
5. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Considerations
6. Neurotrauma
7. Burns
8. Toxicologic Considerations

Procedure
Students will receive the required texts soon after enrollment. Students should read the entire text and all handouts then complete the exam contained in the PSAP module and return it to the instructor. The instructor will grade the exam and return it to the student along with a grade. Students are allowed to retake the exam once if a failing grade is received on the first attempt. A booklet containing the answers to the exam questions will be mailed to the student upon completion of the program.

Required Text
ACCP PSAP Critical Care Module
Selected journal articles

Pre/Co-requisites
Ph625 Biostatistics and Drug Research