N521-Advanced Pharmacology Module Three: Special Populations – Across the lifespan

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Module 3 Overview

Introduction

This week we will explore pharmacotherapy for special populations such as pediatrics, geriatrics, the pregnant patient and nursing mothers, as well as examining the interactions of over-the-counter medications to prescribed therapies.  The advanced practice nurse must be familiar with pathophysiologic changes related to age and disease.  Considerations for prescriptive therapy must be based upon the uniqueness of each diverse patient.

Learning Objectives

After completing this module, you will be able to:

  • Utilize advanced nursing and pharmacological interventions in select case studies to resolve complex and biological, psychological, physiological and pathophysiologic conditions.
  • Synthesize pathophysiologic changes related to the lifespan and recommend approiate evidence-based prescribing behaviors
  • Teach patients, family members, and others from diverse populations regarding safe and effective use of drugs and natural products.

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Reading & Resources

Read Chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 & 14 In Arcangelo, V. P., & Peterson, A. M. (2017). Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice: A practical approach (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Learning Activities

  • Discussion: Participate in Discussion 3.
  • Test: Complete Progress Test 2. Click on the Progress Test 2 link for more details.

Discussion 3

M. L. is a 15-year-old Hispanic female who plays soccer for her school team. She has noticed that when running, she sometimes has trouble catching her breath. She also reports an increased runny nose and itchy eyes. She has a frequent dry cough and is awakened with coughing spells at least four times a week. Her mother and father have seasonal allergies and her mother has asthma. This morning she woke up and heard “funny sounds” when she took a breath. Her coughing increased when she took a deep breath. In her nose, the mucosa is pale and swollen bilaterally. Her lungs have bilateral expiratory wheezing; respirations are 22 and PEF is 400. Her heart shows a normal sinus rhythm, with no murmurs or gallops; pulse is 72; and there is no cyanosis.

Diagnosis: Mild Persistent Asthma

In this discussion forum:

  1. Discuss specific goals of pharmacotherapy for treating M. L.’s mild persistent asthma.
  2. Discuss the drug therapy a CNP would likely prescribe and why.
  3. Discuss the parameters for monitoring the success of the therapy.
  4. Discuss age appropriate health promotion recommendations you would consider for M. L.

Remember to respond to at least two of your peers. Please see the Course Syllabus for Discussion Participation Requirements and Grading Criteria.