PORTAGE LEARNING NURS 251 MODULE 1 - 9 STUDY GUIDES

NURS 251 Module 1 An Introduction to Pharmacology Concepts Pharmacology is the study or science of drugs. What is a drug? A drug is any chemical that affects the physiologic processes of a living organism. Commonly, the term drug refers to any medication that is used for diagnosing, curing, or tr...

NURS 251 Module 2 Introduction 2.1: Introduction Nonprescription medications, perhaps more commonly known as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, are medications that are available without a prescription and are available in most cases without restriction. There are a few medications that do not r...

Module 3 3.1: Introduction to Cardiology Taking a Blood Pressure Blood pressure is the pressure exerted against the walls of blood vessels as blood circulates through the body. Blood pressure is measured using an instrument called a sphygmomanometer, perhaps more commonly known as the blood pre...

NURS 251 Module 4 Introduction to Endocrinology The endocrine system, also referred to as the hormone system, is a series of glands located throughout the body that functions to maintain homeostasis. By modulating the release of chemical messengers (hormones), the endocrine system is able to send...

NURS 251 Module 5 Introduction to Pulmonology The main function of the respiratory system is two-fold: (1) to deliver oxygen to the cells of the body and (2) remove carbon dioxide from the body. This is accomplished through the combination of the upper respiratory tract working in communication wi...

Module 6 6.1: Introduction to Infectious Diseases Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites as well as by viruses. Bacteria are defined as single-celled microorganisms. They can be found virtually everywhere and can either be ...

Module 7 7.1: Introduction to Gastroenterology The organs of the upper gastrointestinal tract (mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) work in conjunction to first digest food and then absorb the nutrients obtained from the digested food. Both the stomach and the upper part of the smal...

NURS 251 Module 9 Introduction to Specialty Medications In general, specialty medications are high cost medications used for treating complex disease states. They can be challenging to both manufacture and administer, and they often require significant patient education and close monitoring to en...