Provides a methodical approach for administering drugs and monitoring the patient's response to drug therapy. Content includes general principles of pharmacology, as well as legal, ethical, and safety aspects of medication adminis- tration. Focuses on the interaction between core drug know- ledge (pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, contraindications or precautions, adverse effects and drug interactions) and core patient variables (health status, lifespan and gender, diet, lifestyle and habits, environment, inherited traits, and US cultural groups). Emphasizes nursing responsibilities maximizing therapeutic effects, and minimizing adverse effects. Provides the foundation of basic pharmacology required for a nurse.