Running head: UNIT 8: Self-Reflection Assignment
PSYC 3170 Unit 8 Self Reflection Assignment
Celine Bediako
MA 320
1.(Introduction) 3 things you picked up from the course (how I felt in the beginning and key
topics
...
Running head: UNIT 8: Self-Reflection Assignment
PSYC 3170 Unit 8 Self Reflection Assignment
Celine Bediako
MA 320
1.(Introduction) 3 things you picked up from the course (how I felt in the beginning and key
topics I took from class)
2.(Body) 3 things from the duration of the course (each paragraph is about one of those key
topics and each needs to be sourced )
3. conclusion
Introduction
Prior to starting this course, I was nervous about taking the pharmacology class due to the fact I
have not had any experience or knowledge of the material learned. I believe the aspect of this
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course that was most beneficial to me would have to be the various assignments we did
throughout the 5 weeks. When a professor assigns me an assignment, I can actually apply my
knowledge instead of memorizing and forgetting the material. For example, you assigned
quizzes, discussions, case studies, and reflections, which allowed me to gain a lot of knowledge
from reading and researching about the particular subject. This class was not solely based on
quizzes and tests like a lot of my other prerequisite courses, which allowed me to step out of my
comfort zone. I feel confident in the knowledge I have gained in this course, and I now have a
better understanding of pharmacology. To begin, I would like to mention the top 3 things I
learned in this pharmacology course are, Pharmacodynamics and
PharmacokineticsPharmacodynamics and Pharmacokinetics , Decision-Making Related to the
Use of Drugs in Dental Hygiene Care.
Body
The first key thing I am taking from this course is understanding the Pharmacodynamics
and Pharmacokinetics of drugs. Pharmacology encompasses two aspects of drug metabolism –
pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. While pharmacokinetics deals with drug absorption,
distribution, metabolism, and excretion, pharmacodynamics deals with drug efficacy, safety,
potency, and drug interactions. According to Haveles, the effects of a drug can be affected by a
client’s general condition, age, and drug history or by the presence of disorders. The
pharmacodynamic effect of a drug can be affected by a client’s general condition, age, and drug
history or by the presence of disorders. (Haveles, 2020). Each of these may have an effect on
binding at the receptor site or on the presence of necessary components that facilitate drug
binding. In some cases, these effects can be toxic or lethal. Therefore, in terms of prescribing,
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pharmacokinetic principles suggest that the dosage may need to be adjusted to prevent undesired
effects and/or adverse reactions.
2.
The second key thing I would like to touch on is the importance of medication used in dentistry. I
believe this topic is important to know is because depending on the patient’s condition, a dentist
may prescribe a number of different medications, depending on your condition. Common
medicaition used in Dentistry aree antibiotics and antiseptics which are employed to treat
the ailments such as plaque and gingivitis, and anti-fungal medicines which are used to
treat oral thrush. These medicines target the gums and the dental roots, and are
available as oral pills, mouth rinses and gargles. They are also utilized to treat breath
odor. Bacteriostatic as well as bactericidal antibiotics include penicillins, cephalosporins,
tetracyclines, aminoglycosides etc. classes of drugs. The choice of antibiotics is driven
by several factors including type of infection, age of the patient, compliance, medical
history, concomitant medications, and bacterial resistance. It is also important to know
other medications as well. For example, Hypertension is the most common Cardiovascular
disease in America. According to the CDC, nearly half of adults in the United
States (108 million, or 45%) have hypertension. It is important for the
hygienist to identify it as well as
Decision-Making Related to the Use of Drugs in Dental Hygiene Care.
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Lastly, a key topic that greatly stood out to me and I will be taking from this course is
Decision-Making Related to the Use of Drugs in Dental Hygiene Care. I believe this is important
because The medical history intake opens the door to effective patient-provider communication,
which facilitates the evaluation of possible drug interactions, medication adherence, and possible
implications for planned dental procedures. For example, a patient with a history of liver damage
should avoid the consumption of pain medication of acetaminophen due to its toxic hepatic
effects. Nevertheless, I believe this is important is because upon this decision-making skills and
deductive reasoning needed to determine the appropriate drug therapies and recommendations.
Conclusion
Overall, looking in hindsight, I feel that advanced pharmacology did enhance my awareness and
knowledge of pharmacology. I feel that it pulled things together that I did not necessarily realize that I
did not completely understand. It increased my knowledge and promoted critical thought. It was also
beneficial to understand the differences between states on practice authority for nurse practitioners.
This was something that I was slightly confused about upon entering the course, but I was enlightened to
the variances and the resources to ensure accurate information. Having a strong background and
understanding in pharmacology is important, no matter what level of authority a nurse practitioner hasespecially because the practice authority changes within states regularly. Because some states allow the
nurse practitioner to prescribe all drugs, including controlled drugs, it is important to understand the
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pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of each drug (Vacek & Vuckovic, 2019). Although there are
new drugs all the time, it is good to have a strong foundation and know what resources are the best and
available to keep up with new information regarding pharmacology. It is also important to stay current
with continuing education, as a nurse practitioner. Staying competent in prescribing is vital, for both
enhanced awareness in new drugs, clinical trials and prescribing laws
References
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