Relating course content to the current health care environment is an integral part of your learning. Two (2) application papers are required in this course. These short papers will give you the opportunity to apply course content. They should be approximately 500 words in length each (2 pages).
The topics for these two papers are noted below. Refer to at least one outside source in addition to your text as you prepare each of these papers.
Application Paper Two: Pain Medications
The body of the papers should be approximately 500 words (2 pages); there should also be a title page and a reference page. Papers that are too brief or too verbose could be subject to large point deductions.
The papers should be uploaded into the appropriate Dropbox. The file should be named “LastNameAP1.doc” or “LastNameAP2.doc” respectively.
Use APA guidelines. APA requires double-spacing, but I will allow 1 spacing if desired. All sources must be cited in APA format.
The full reference should be found at the end of the paper. Links to APA reference guidelines are presented at the end of the course Syllabus and an interactive tutorial is located in Week 3.
Application Paper 2 (Due Week 7): Pain Medications

Your first paragraph needs to outline the different types of drugs to relieve pain. Then, you ONLY select ONE type of pain medication to describe the mechanism of drug action (pharmacology) and the therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, you need to discuss the adverse effects, abuse potential, and toxicities of such type of drug (if applicable). Finally, you will describe your opinion of using such type of pain medication.
The two topic papers are worth 140 points (70 points each) and represent 14% of your total grade. Each paper will be graded on the following:
Content50 points
Grammar/spelling10 points
References/citations10 points

Based on the following criteria:

Content (double points for this category)
1.The paper fulfills the purpose of the assignment as described in the Syllabus and in this document (up to 10 points).
2.The introduction leads logically to the main idea or thesis (up to 10 points).
3.Supporting evidence is developed and analyzed sufficiently (up to 10 points).
4.The conclusion provides insightful closure (up to 10 points).
5.The content flows logically and demonstrates an understanding of the topic (up to 10 points).

Grammar/Spelling
1.Sentences are grammatically correct (noun/verb agreement, punctuation, sentence structure, etc.) (up to 5 points).
2.Spelling is correct (e.g., homonyms used correctly, no misspellings) (up to 5 points).

References/Citations
1.Sources are cited in the body of the paper using APA format (up to 5 points).
2.Reference list is included with the paper that lists only sources cited in the document (up to 5 points).

Points will be awarded for each criterion on the following scale:
5 points = few or no weaknesses found; writer satisfies the criteria with distinction.
4 points = strengths outweigh the weaknesses; writer shows sound understanding of criteria.
3 points = strengths and weaknesses are about equal; writer shows awareness of criteria.
2 points = weaknesses outweighs strengths; writer shows limited understanding of criteria.
1 point = weaknesses far outweigh strengths; writer does not show understanding of criteria.

Five points (5) will be deducted for each the following:
No title page included.
Name is not on title page or in the document.
Insufficient number of sources cited (must have at least one in addition to the course textbook).

Please refer to DeVrys Academic Integrity Policy located in the Policies Tab under Course Home in the online classroom. Any suspected violation of the Academic Integrity Policy will be handled according to the policy.

And the book that we are using is UNDERSTANDING PHARMACOLOGY FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS
BY: Susan M. Turley