A study of medications used in the operating room with an emphasis on the common drugs used in the surgical area. This course examines the administration, actions, interactions, side effects, and terminology of perioperative medications. Included are legal responsibilities of the surgical technologist and common calculations performed in a sterile field. The student must present two reports as well as complete a term paper.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- Basic Mathematics
- Basic Pharmacology, Including Drug Relations and Administration
- Legal/Ethical Responsibilities of the Surgical Technologist & OR Team Members as it Relates to Surgical Pharmacology
- Antibiotics, Diagnostic Agents, Diuretics, Gastric Drugs, Hormones
- Drugs that Effect Coagulation, Ophthalmic Drugs, Preoperative and Intraoperative Medications
- Blood and Fluid Replacements
- Anesthesia
- Emergency Situations & Medications
Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:
- Apply the common pharmacology terms, abbreviations, and symbols.
- Explain the principles and practices of surgical pharmacology.
- Identify the classifications of drugs used in the surgical area.
- Describe the common drugs used during the perioperative phases of care.
- Categorize the actions and mode of administration of the more common surgical medications.
- Describe drugs found on a cardiac arrest cart and their actions.
- Describe symptoms of toxicity and over dose.
- Compare and contrast methods, agents, and techniques of anesthesia administration.
- Explain anesthesia complications and interventions.
- Prepare and manage medications and solutions commonly used within the operative field.
- Explain the ethical and legal responsibilities of the surgical technologist and other OR team members as they relate to surgical pharmacology.
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment of academic achievement will be based on class participation, student presentations/reports, quizzes, unit exams, and a cumulative final.
Students must pass this course with a “C” or better grade to remain in the SRG Program.
Students must follow all classroom/ clinical policies described in the most current SRG Student Handbook.
Required –Textbook(s) as determined by program faculty