NUR 641E Topic 6: Gastrointestinal And Genitourinary Systems: Selected Pathophysiology And Pharmacologic Therapy

Objectives:

  1. Describe normal pathophysiology and alterations of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems.
  2. Integrate knowledge of pathophysiology and pharmacology into teaching and educational materials in diverse settings.
  3. Describe a pharmacological intervention using an evidence-based treatment guideline.

Topic 6 DQ 1

Apr 7-9, 2022

Choose a medical condition from the gastrointestinal or genitourinary systems and explain the pathophysiology changes that may occur. What patient education would need to be included related to this disorder? Make sure that you select a different medical condition than your peers. Include the name of the medical condition in the subject line so that the medical condition can be followed. Include your references in APA style.

REPLY TO DISCUSSION

VB

Vanessa Brown

Posted Date

Apr 10, 2022, 10:16 PM(edited)

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Replies to Vanessa Brown

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is the inflammation or infection of diverticula that are most commonly found in the lower part of the large intestine (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). Diverticula are small pouches that can form within the areas of weakened lining of the digestive tract, most commonly in the colon (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). Diverticulitis occurs when there is a tear in a diverticula, and the inflammation or infection cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and a change in bowel habits (Mayo Clinic, n.d.). The treatments can include bowel rest, lifestyle changes (including diet), and antibiotics. In some extreme and/or recurring cases of diverticulitis, surgery is necessary. Some of the risk factors for developing diverticulitis are age, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, diet high in fat and low in fiber, and certain medications (NSAIDs, steroids, opioids).

References

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Diverticulitis. Mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371758

REPLY

  • LH


Topic 6 DQ 2

Apr 7-11, 2022

Select a medication used in evidence-based treatment guidelines for the condition chosen in the first discussion question. Share the mechanism of action of this medication and hints for monitoring, side effects, and drug interactions of which one should be aware. Make sure that you select a different medication than your peers. Include the name of the medication in the subject line so that the medications can be followed. Include your references in APA style.

REPLY TO DISCUSSION

VB

Vanessa Brown

Posted Date

Apr 11, 2022, 11:13 PM

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Replies to Vanessa Brown

Metronidazole

Metronidazole (Flagyl) is a part of the antibiotic treatment that can be used with treating diverticulitis. It can be given orally or intravenously for this purpose. The mechanism of action of metronidazole is that it “diffuses into the organism, inhibits protein synthesis by interacting with DNA and causing a loss of helical DNA structure and strand breakage. Therefore, it causes cell death in susceptible organisms” (Weir & Le, 2021). While a patient is taking this medication for an extended period of time, labs such as a CBC w/differential should be monitored for changes (especially elderly or those with renal/hepatic issues), observe for new onset of neurological symptoms, severe or bloody diarrhea (possible C. Diff infection), and monitor for other possible adverse effects (Weir & Le, 2021). Some side effects that may occur are nausea, vomiting, metallic taste in the mouth, dry mouth, diarrhea, or headache. Some drug interactions that need to be discussed are the use of alcohol or alcohol containing medications, lithium, glucocorticoids, and warfarin. The alcohol will cause a serious disulfiram-like reaction, lithium excretion by the kidneys would be compromised, oxidative metabolism of the metronidazole is caused by the glucocorticoids, and the metabolism of warfarin is inhibited with metronidazole (Weir & Le, 2021).

References

Weir, C., & Le, J. (2021). Metronidazole. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539728/