INTRODUCTION

A strong foundation in pharmacology and competence in medication administration are critical to professional nursing practice. The rapid development of new drugs and sheer number of medications available today present a continual, on-going challenge for nurses. 

The intent of this seminar is to enable participants to apply updated information at the bedside, thus building self-confidence in one of the most potentially dangerous aspects of practice - prescribing and administering medications. 

Also included are an overview of the increasingly popular use of vitamin and herbal supplements.

Target Audience

This seminar is intended for staff nurses, nurse educators, nurse managers, and advanced practice nurses who have responsibility for administering or prescribing medications.

Examples of questions that will be answered during this seminar include:

	How does the immune system fight infection and how can this be monitored as part of the routine assessment?
	How is the culture and sensitivity report utilized to determine the appropriate antibiotic(s) and dose?
	Why have resistant organisms developed?
	How are infections with resistant organisms treated, and how can they be prevented?
	What is the rationale for using triple antibiotic therapy, and what factors guide selection of specific drugs?
	What treatments are available for bio-terrorism agents and how are they administered?
	How are the new sepsis drugs different than traditional antibiotic therapy for infections?
	What are the current guidelines for the pharmacologic management of hypertension?
	How do the new antiarrhythmics like amiodarone and ibutilide compare to the standard drugs like lidocaine, procainamide and bretylium?
	What are the current guidelines for the pharmacologic management of heart failure?
	How do the new anticoagulants/platelet inhibitors like Lovenox, Plavix, and GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors compare to Coumadin, heparin and aspirin?
	What are the American Heart Association recommendations for INR with chronic Coumadin therapy?
	How are anticoagulants used in acute and chronic management of stroke?
	Which is the most effective drug prophylaxis for DVT-heparin SQ, heparin IV, Coumadin or Lovenox?
	Why might surgery be cancelled if it is discovered that a patient has been taking herbal preparations?
	What are the major concerns regarding potential interactions between prescription medications and over-the-counter vitamin and herbal preparations?
	Are there any legal safeguards regulating the sale of potentially dangerous vitamin and herbal supplements?

Presented by:
Carol A. Rauen,
R.N., M.S., CCNS, CCRN