Ateneo - UPO

The course primarily covers the description of causes, the recognition of pathological conditions, and the understanding of clinical aspects and management approaches for key endocrine-metabolic, nutritional, and first-aid issues. Additionally, an overview of the therapies required to treat the conditions discussed in class will be provided

Lecture slides and materials provided by the professor

The module aims to enable knowledge and understanding of the pathological conditions that may present in a pharmacy, the relevant diagnostic guidelines, and basic therapeutic concepts—focusing primarily on the ability to apply the knowledge and understanding acquired during lectures.

Students are expected to possess essential knowledge of Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and Pharmacology.

Slide presentations, clinical practice guidelines, and relevant articles on topics related to the course content.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services- students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects. Gender mainstreaming: approaches to grant equal benefits in actions and activities for women and mens and for eliminating gender inequalities.

The exam consists of a written test (multiple-choice questions or open-ended questions) covering the topics discussed in class.

Endocrine-Metabolic Disorders
Module 1 – Endocrinology
Endocrine hypertension (Secondary hypertension of endocrine origin)
Adrenal disorders and adrenal crisis
Hypothalamic-pituitary disorders and pituitary apoplexy
Electrolyte imbalances
Thyroid diseases and therapies
Osteoporosis
Module 2 – Nutrition
Overview of body composition and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)
Overview of dietary supplements with evidence-based efficacy in endocrine-metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemias)
Contraindications to specific diets in patients with endocrine-metabolic conditions
Module 3 – Metabolic Diseases
Metabolic syndrome
Obesity: complications and treatments
Diabetes mellitus: complications, monitoring, and treatments

First Aid
Module 1 – Principles of First Aid and Cardiovascular Emergencies
Initial patient assessment
Activation of the emergency medical services (EMS) system
Theoretical principles of Basic Life Support (BLS)
Cardiac arrhythmias: clinical recognition and severity criteria
Module 2 – Chest Pain and Acute Neurological Disorders
Chest pain: main differential diagnoses
Acute coronary syndromes (ACS)
Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Module 3 – Respiratory Failure and Systemic Emergencies
Acute respiratory failure
Acute exacerbations of asthma and COPD
Acute pulmonary edema
Module 4 – Other Time-Critical Emergencies
Hypertensive urgencies and emergencies
Approach to the patient with altered level of consciousness
Anaphylaxis
Syncope

By the end of the course, students are expected to gain a sufficient understanding of the conditions covered in the lectures within the specific context of community pharmacy practice. It is essential that students master the correct protocols for managing patients carrying these conditions if possible in the pharmacy setting or appropriately referring patients to the on-call doctor or to the emergency department.