The principles of pharmacology (1).

Today, nurses are presented with a bewildering range of medicines which they will have to ensure are safely administered to the patient. The nurse cannot be familiar with the numerous preparations available but he/she should have an understanding of how drugs work to ensure safe practice. Although nurse prescribing in the UK is now established, albeit on a limited basis, as the nurses role continues to evolve within the operating department a sufficient depth of knowledge of the principals of pharmacology is essential to provide holistic care.