Urinary System

This course describes how the urinary system cleans the blood and maintains the body's internal environment. It reviews the structure and functions of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It establishes the various types of urinary disorders that may occur and describes the major drugs clinicians use to treat these disorders. Finally, it explains common clinical procedures and discusses selected urinary disorders in greater depth.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to identify and describe the organs of the urinary system, including the parts of the kidney and nephron; trace blood flow through the kidneys and describe the physiology of urine formation, including the regulation of urine composition; and briefly describe selected disorders of the urinary system, including methods of diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and related medical terminology. 

Who Should Take This Course

Sales representatives and managers who interact with clinicians who treat urinary disorders. Primary care physicians, such as internists, obstetricians/gynecologists, or pediatricians, may treat simple, uncomplicated problems of the urinary system. More complicated or severe cases are generally referred to specialists, such as urologists and nephrologists. 

Career Applications/Benefits

This course will benefit those working for companies that develop or market products targeted toward urinary disorders. The information provided in this course will help sales representatives and others understand the challenges clinicians face when they treat patients with urinary disorders. In addition, because of the importance of the urinary system, especially the kidneys in excreting drugs, clinicians must often consider the impact of other diseases and treatments on urinary and kidney function. Therefore, the course also has relevance for those whose products may influence urinary or kidney function or are used to treat conditions that often occur concurrently with urinary disorders.

Chapter Content 

Chapter One: Anatomy and Physiology of the Urinary System

  • Overview of the Urinary System
  • Kidneys
  • Urine Formation
  • Regulation of Fluid-Electrolyte and Acid-Base Balance
  • Other Organs of the Urinary System

Chapter Two: Pharmacology Related to the Urinary System

  • Overview of Urinary System Disorders
  • Pharmacology of Drugs Relevant to the Urinary System
  • Anti-infective Drugs: Antibacterials
  • Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Corticosteroids and NSAIDs
  • Cardiovascular Drugs: Antihypertensives and Antilipemics
  • Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Drugs: Cholinergic Agonists, Cholinergic Antagonists, and Adrenergic Antagonists
  • Miscellaneous Classes and Agents

Chapter Three: Selected Disorders of the Urinary System

  • Clinical Procedures
  • Glomerulonephritis
  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
  • Obstructive Disorders
  • Urinary Incontinence

Course Consultants 

Mary Lee, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP
Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Chicago College of Pharmacy
Vice President and Chief Academic Officer
Midwestern University
Downers Grove, Illinois
 
Kristine S. Schonder, PharmD
Assistant Professor
University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Course:
SCI-430
Credits:
3
Edition:
Seventh
Program(s):
CMR

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