NURS 6521 Week 3 EmmaGarcia Asthma and Stepwise Management

ByDaniel Rossi Updated on

NURS 6521 Week 3 EmmaGarcia Asthma and Stepwise Management Sample Solution Included

Asthma and Stepwise Management Sample Presentation Notes

Slide 1 – Introduction

Welcome to this staff education session on Asthma Management.
This presentation aims to provide valuable insights into understanding and effectively managing asthma in patients.
Healthcare professionals can enhance patient outcomes and the standard of care by improving their knowledge and expertise in managing asthma.
This presentation will explore key concepts, treatment options, and stepwise approaches that empower healthcare providers to deliver optimal care for patients with asthma.

Slide 2 – Long-Term Control Treatment Options for Asthma

In asthma management, various medications play vital roles in achieving long-term control of the disease. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are the cornerstone of long-term control as they effectively reduce airway inflammation, a key component of asthma. These medications help prevent and manage asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation and improving overall lung function. Long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) are often used in combination with ICS. They work by relaxing the airway muscles, resulting in bronchodilation and improved airflow (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). LABAs provide sustained relief and help control symptoms for an extended period.

Leukotriene modifiers are another class of medications used in asthma management. They block the chemicals responsible for inflammation and constriction of the airways, helping to prevent asthma symptoms. Immunomodulators are medications that modify the immune response to prevent asthma symptoms. They target specific components of the immune system involved in the inflammatory process, thereby reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.

Mast cell stabilizers are used to prevent the release of asthma-triggering chemicals from mast cells (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). By stabilizing these cells, mast cell stabilizers help reduce airway inflammation and prevent the onset of asthma symptoms. For severe asthma cases, monoclonal antibodies are utilized. These medications target specific immune molecules involved in the inflammatory cascade of asthma. Monoclonal antibodies help control severe asthma symptoms and reduce the frequency of exacerbations, offering a targeted approach to treatment (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021).

Slide 3 – Quick Relief Treatment Options for Asthma

Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) are crucial in asthma management as they provide quick relief during acute symptoms by rapidly relaxing the airway muscles and promoting bronchodilation. They are commonly used as rescue medications to alleviate sudden asthma attacks. Anticholinergics, often used in combination with SABAs, help relax the airway muscles further and improve bronchodilation (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). By blocking the action of acetylcholine, these medications reduce airway constriction and improve airflow.

Systemic corticosteroids play a vital role in controlling severe asthma exacerbations. These medications, typically prescribed for short periods, effectively reduce airway inflammation, improve lung function, and help manage acute episodes of asthma. Beta-agonist tablets are reserved for specific cases where immediate relief is required. They provide rapid bronchodilation and are typically used when other forms of medication or inhalers are not accessible or do not offer sufficient relief. Rescue inhalers, containing short-acting bronchodilators, offer a portable and convenient option for immediate symptom relief (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). They are designed to be used on the go and provide quick relief by delivering medication directly to the airways.

A personalized asthma action plan is an essential tool that empowers patients to manage their symptoms and treatment effectively. It provides clear instructions on medication usage, trigger avoidance, and steps to take during worsening symptoms or exacerbations (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021). The asthma action plan helps patients recognize early warning signs, take appropriate actions, and maintain control over their condition.

Slide 4 – Stepwise Approach to Asthma Treatment and Management

NURS 6521 Week 3 EmmaGarcia Asthma and Stepwise Management

The stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management provides a structured framework for healthcare providers to tailor treatment based on the severity and frequency of symptoms experienced by patients.
Step 1 – Intermittent Asthma: At this stage, symptoms occur infrequently, with episodes happening two or fewer days per week. The recommended treatment is using a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) as needed for quick relief. SABAs work by relaxing the airway muscles, providing immediate bronchodilation during asthma attacks. Since symptoms are sporadic, no daily controller medication is necessary at this stage (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021).
Step 2 – Mild Persistent Asthma: In this stage, symptoms occur more frequently, happening more than two days per week, but not daily. The mainstay of treatment is a low-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) as a daily controller medication. ICS reduces airway inflammation, helping to prevent symptoms and maintain asthma control. SABA is still used as needed for quick relief during exacerbations or when symptoms arise (Rosenthal & Burchum, 2021).
Step 3 – Moderate Persistent Asthma: At this stage, patients experience daily symptoms. Treatment involves a combination inhaler containing a low-dose ICS and a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) for daily controller medication. The LABA provides additional bronchodilation and helps improve symptom control. SABA is still used as needed for quick relief during acute episodes.

Slide 5 – Asthma Treatment and Management Cont’

Step 4 – Severe Persistent Asthma: At this stage, patients experience symptoms throughout the day. The recommended treatment involves using a high-dose inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in combination with a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA) as a daily controller medication. The combination inhaler provides potent anti-inflammatory effects and sustained bronchodilation to manage symptoms. In some cases, additional controllers like leukotriene modifiers or theophylline may be considered to further improve asthma control. SABA is still used as needed for quick relief during acute episodes (Papi et al., 2020).

Step 5 – Severe Persistent Asthma (Uncontrolled): In this stage, patients have daily symptoms and frequent exacerbations despite the use of high-dose ICS and LABA. Treatment involves a combination of high-dose ICS, LABA, and oral corticosteroids. Oral corticosteroids help to further control inflammation and manage severe symptoms. In addition, healthcare providers may consider additional therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, which specifically target immune molecules involved in the inflammatory process of asthma. These medications are reserved for uncontrolled severe cases with standard therapies(Papi et al., 2020).

It is important to note that steps 4 and 5 of the asthma treatment plan are typically managed by asthma specialists or pulmonologists due to the complexity and severity of the condition. Regular monitoring, close follow-up, and ongoing adjustments to the treatment plan are necessary to achieve optimal asthma control and minimize the risk of complications.

Slide 6 – Stepwise Management in Asthma: Gaining and Maintaining Control

A tailored treatment approach based on individual needs, severity, and control level is essential in asthma management. Asthma is a heterogeneous condition, and patients may present with varying symptoms and levels of disease severity. By considering these factors, healthcare providers can customize treatment plans to address the specific needs of each patient (Bleecker et al., 2020). The gradual treatment intensification strategy plays a crucial role in asthma management.

Starting with the lowest effective dose of medications and then gradually increasing the treatment intensity helps minimize the risk of overtreatment and reduces the potential for side effects. This approach allows healthcare providers to find the optimal balance between symptom control and medication safety. Regular monitoring and assessment of symptoms, lung function, and exacerbation frequency are vital components of effective asthma management (Bleecker et al., 2020). By closely monitoring patients, healthcare providers can track their progress, identify any deterioration in control, and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This proactive approach ensures timely interventions and reduces the risk of exacerbations.

Proactive prevention of exacerbations is another vital aspect of stepwise management. Treatment adjustments are made at each step to prevent and minimize the occurrence of asthma exacerbations. As patients progress through treatment, healthcare providers may modify medication dosages, add or remove specific medications, and consider additional therapies to achieve better control and prevent exacerbations. Patient empowerment and education are essential for successful asthma management. Educating patients about asthma, its triggers, and the importance of adhering to treatment plans empowers them to take an active role in their own care.

Patients can learn to recognize early warning signs of worsening asthma and promptly seek medical assistance. Empowered patients are more likely to adhere to prescribed medications, follow action plans, and engage in self-management strategies (Bleecker et al., 2020). The ultimate goal of stepwise management in asthma is achieving long-term disease control, reducing symptoms, and improving the overall quality of life for patients. With effective treatment adjustments, regular monitoring, patient education, and proactive prevention of exacerbations, healthcare providers can optimize asthma control and minimize the impact of the disease on patients’ daily lives.

References

Bleecker, E. R., Menzies-Gow, A. N., Price, D. B., Bourdin, A., Sweet, S., Martin, A. L., & Tran, T. N. (2020). Systematic literature review of systemic corticosteroid use for asthma management. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 201(3), 276-293. https://doi.org/10.1164/rccm.201904-0903SO

Papi, A., Blasi, F., Canonica, G. W., Morandi, L., Richeldi, L., & Rossi, A. (2020). Treatment strategies for asthma: Reshaping the concept of asthma management. Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology, 16, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13223-020-00472-8

Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2021). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants (2nd ed.) St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

NURS 6521 Week 3 EmmaGarcia Asthma and Stepwise Management Instructions

INTRODUCTION

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are significant public health burdens. Currently, more than 25 million people in the United States have asthma (HealthyPeople.gov, 2019). As an advanced practice nurse, you will likely encounter patients who will present with respiratory disorders, including asthma or COPD. Understanding specific treatment protocols as well as the types of pharmacotherapeutics used to treat respiratory disorders is important to ensure the effective and safe delivery of advanced nursing practice.

This week, you will evaluate drug therapy plans for patients who present with asthma and analyze the stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management from a patient in your professional practice.

Reference: HealthyPeople.gov. (2019). Respiratory diseases. Retrieved from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/respiratory-diseasesLinks to an external site.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will:

  • Evaluate drug therapy plans for asthma
  • Assess the impact of asthma treatments on patients
  • Analyze the stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management

ASTHMA AND STEPWISE MANAGEMENT

Asthma is a respiratory disorder that affects children and adults. Advanced practice nurses often provide treatment to patients with these disorders. Sometimes patients require immediate treatment, making it essential that you recognize and distinguish minor asthma symptoms from serious, life-threatening ones. Since symptoms and attacks are often induced by a trigger, advanced practice nurses must also help patients identify their triggers and recommend appropriate management options. Like many other disorders, there are various approaches to treating and managing care for asthmatic patients depending on individual patient factors.

One method that supports the clinical decision making of drug therapy plans for asthmatic patients is the stepwise approach, which you explore in this Assignment.

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To Prepare:

  • Reflect on drugs used to treat asthmatic patients, including long-term control and quick relief treatment options for patients. Think about the impact these drugs might have on patients, including adults and children.
  • Consider how you might apply the stepwise approach to address the health needs of a patient in your practice.
  • Reflect on how stepwise management assists health care providers and patients in gaining and maintaining control of the disease.

BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 3

Create a 5- to 6-slide PowerPoint presentation that can be used in a staff development meeting on presenting different approaches for implementing the stepwise approach for asthma treatment. Be sure to address the following:

  • Describe long-term control and quick relief treatment options for the asthma patient from your practice as well as the impact these drugs might have on your patient.
  • Explain the stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management for your patient.
  • Explain how stepwise management assists health care providers and patients in gaining and maintaining control of the disease. Be specific.

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Before submitting your final assignment, you can check your draft for authenticity. To check your draft, access the Turnitin Drafts from the Start Here area.

  1. To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as WK3Assgn_LastName_Firstinitial
  2. Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page.
  3. Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Required Readings

  • Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2021). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants(2nd ed.) St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
    • Chapter 62, “Drugs for Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease” (pp. 557–579)
    • Chapter 63, “Drugs for Allergic Rhinitis, Cough, and Colds” (pp. 580–588)
  • Document:APA Presentation TemplateDownload APA Presentation Template

Required Media

Note: This media program is approximately 14 minutes.

Note: This media program is approximately 10 minutes.

Optional Resources

This web resource presents guidelines for diagnosing and managing asthma and outlines treatment recommendations for specific age groups.

NURS_6521_Week3_Assignment_Rubric

Criteria

Ratings

Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Describe the long-term control and quick relief treatment options for the asthma patient from your practice, as well as the impact these drugs might have on your patient.

30 to >26.7 pts

Excellent

The presentation clearly and accurately describes in detail the long-term control and quick relief treatment options for the asthma patient from their practice. … The presentation clearly and accurately describes in detail the impact these drugs might have on their patient.

26.7 to >23.7 pts

Good

The presentation accurately describes the long-term control and quick relief options for the asthma patient from their practice. … The presentation accurately describes the impact these drugs might have on their patient.

23.7 to >20.7 pts

Fair

The presentation inaccurately or vaguely describes the long-term control and quick relief options for the asthma patient from their practice. … The presentation inaccurately or vaguely describes the impact these drugs might have on their patient.

20.7 to >0 pts

Poor

The presentation inaccurately and vaguely describes the long-term and quick relief options for the asthma patient from their practice, or is missing. … The presentation inaccurately and vaguely describes the impact these drugs might have on their patient, or is missing.

30 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExplain the stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management for your patient.

30 to >26.7 pts

Excellent

The presentation clearly and accurately explains in detail the stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management for their patient.

26.7 to >23.7 pts

Good

The presentation accurately explains the stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management for their patient.

23.7 to >20.7 pts

Fair

The presentation inaccurately or vaguely explains the stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management for their patient.

20.7 to >0 pts

Poor

The presentation inaccurately and vaguely explains the stepwise approach to asthma treatment and management for their patient.

30 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExplain how stepwise management assists health care providers and patients in gaining and maintaining control of the disease. Be specific.

30 to >26.7 pts

Excellent

The presentation clearly and accurately explains in detail how stepwise management assists health care providers and patients in gaining and maintaining control of the disease. … The presentation provides accurate and detailed examples to support the explanation provided.

26.7 to >23.7 pts

Good

The presentation accurately explains how stepwise management assists health care providers and patients in gaining and maintaining control of the disease. … The presentation provides accurate examples to support the explanation provided.

23.7 to >20.7 pts

Fair

The presentation inaccurately or vaguely explains how stepwise management assists health care providers and patients in gaining and maintaining control of the disease. … The presentation provides inaccurate or vague examples to support the explanation provided.

20.7 to >0 pts

Poor

The presentation inaccurately and vaguely explains how stepwise management assists health care providers and patients in gaining and maintaining control of the disease, or is missing. … The presentation provides inaccurate and vague examples to support the explanation provided, or is missing.

30 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization: Paragraphs make clear points that support well developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused–neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance.

5 to >4.45 pts

Excellent

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity.

4.45 to >3.95 pts

Good

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time.

3.95 to >3.45 pts

Fair

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%–79% of the time.

3.45 to >0 pts

Poor

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity less than 60% of the time.

5 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation

5 to >4.45 pts

Excellent

Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors

4.45 to >3.95 pts

Good

Contains a few (1–2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors

3.95 to >3.45 pts

Fair

Contains several (3–4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors

3.45 to >0 pts

Poor

Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding

5 pts

Total Points: 100

PreviousNext

NURS 6521 Module 3: Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Systems

Week 4: Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Disorders

INTRODUCTION

As an advanced practice nurse, you will likely encounter patients who will present with symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Of special note, is the consideration that most symptoms concerning the GI tract are non-specific and therefore, diagnosing diagnoses of the GI tract require thoughtful and careful investigation. Similarly, hepatobiliary disorders may also mirror many of the signs and symptoms that patients present when suffering from GI disorders.

How might you tease out the specific signs and symptoms between these potential disorders and body systems? What drug therapy plans will best address these disorders for your patients?

This week, you examine GI and hepatobiliary disorders. You will review a patient case study and consider those factors in recommending and prescribing a drug therapy plan for your patient.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will:

  • Evaluate diagnoses for patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders
  • Justify drug therapy plans based on patient history and diagnosis

PHARMACOTHERAPY FOR GASTROINTESTINAL AND HEPATOBILIARY DISORDERS

Gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatobiliary disorders affect the structure and function of the GI tract. Many of these disorders often have similar symptoms, such as abdominal pain, cramping, constipation, nausea, bloating, and fatigue. Since multiple disorders can be tied to the same symptoms, it is important for advanced practice nurses to carefully evaluate patients and prescribe a treatment that targets the cause rather than the symptom.

Once the underlying cause is identified, an appropriate drug therapy plan can be recommended based on medical history and individual patient factors. In this Assignment, you examine a case study of a patient who presents with symptoms of a possible GI/hepatobiliary disorder, and you design an appropriate drug therapy plan.

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

To Prepare:

  • Review the case study assigned by your Instructor for this Assignment
  • Reflect on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and drugs currently prescribed.
  • Think about a possible diagnosis for the patient. Consider whether the patient has a disorder related to the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary system or whether the symptoms are the result of a disorder from another system or other factors, such as pregnancy, drugs, or a psychological disorder.
  • Consider an appropriate drug therapy plan based on the patient’s history, diagnosis, and drugs currently prescribed.

BY DAY 7 OF WEEK 4

Write a 1-page paper that addresses the following:

  • Explain your diagnosis for the patient, including your rationale for the diagnosis.
  • Describe an appropriate drug therapy plan based on the patient’s history, diagnosis, and drugs currently prescribed.
  • Justify why you would recommend this drug therapy plan for this patient. Be specific and provide examples.

Reminder: The College of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The Sample Paper provided at the Walden Writing Center offers an example of those required elements (available at http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/57.htmLinks to an external site.). All papers submitted must use this formatting.

LEARNING RESOURCES

Required Readings

This article details the diagnosis and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Review this article to gain an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology as well as the suggested pharmacotherapeutics that might be recommended to treat this disorder.

Week 4 Case Study

Nathan SW

Hi everyone-

I hope everyone had a good week!  This week we will be looking at GI disorders.  We have a paper that will be due.

Please use the following case for your assignment:

DC is a 46-year-old female who presents with a 24-hour history of RUQ pain.  She states the pain started about 1 hour after a large dinner she had with her family.  She has had nausea and on instance of vomiting before presentation.

PMH: Vitals:
HTN Temp:  98.8oF
Type II DM Wt:       202 lbs
Gout Ht:        5’8”
DVT – Caused by oral BCPs BP:       136/82
  HR:       82 bpm
Current Medications: Notable Labs:
Lisinopril 10 mg daily WBC:                13,000/mm3
HCTZ 25 mg daily Total bilirubin:    0.8 mg/dL
Allopurinol 100 mg daily Direct bilirubin:  0.6 mg/dL
Multivitamin daily Alk Phos:           100 U/L
  AST:                   45 U/L
  ALT:                   30 U/L

Allergies:

  • Latex
  • Codeine
  • Amoxicillin

PE:

  • Eyes: EOMI
  • HENT: Normal
  • GI:bNondistended, minimal tenderness
  • Skin:bWarm and dry
  • Neuro: Alert and Oriented
  • Psych:bAppropriate mood

NURS_6521_Week4_Assignment_Rubric

Criteria

Ratings

Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeExplain your diagnosis for the patient, including your rationale for the diagnosis.

25 to >22.25 pts

Excellent

The response accurately and clearly explains in detail the diagnosis for the patient, including an accurate and thorough rationale for the diagnosis that supports clinical judgment.

22.25 to >19.75 pts

Good

The response provides a basic explanation of 1-2 diagnoses for the patient, including an accurate rationale for the diagnosis that may support clinical judgment.

19.75 to >17.25 pts

Fair

The response inaccurately or vaguely explains the diagnosis for the patient, including an inaccurate or vague rationale for the diagnosis that may or may not support clinical judgment.

17.25 to >0 pts

Poor

The response inaccurately and vaguely explains the diagnosis for the patient, including an inaccurate and vague rationale for the diagnosis that does not support clinical judgment, or is missing.

25 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDescribe an appropriate drug therapy plan based on the patient’s history, diagnosis, and drugs currently prescribed.

30 to >26.7 pts

Excellent

The response accurately and completely describes in detail an appropriate drug therapy plan based on the patient’s history, diagnosis, and drugs currently prescribed.

26.7 to >23.7 pts

Good

The response describes a basic explanation of the appropriate drug therapy plan based on the patient’s history, diagnosis, and drugs currently prescribed.

23.7 to >20.7 pts

Fair

The response inaccurately or vaguely describes an appropriate drug therapy plan based on the patient’s history, diagnosis, and drugs currently prescribed.

20.7 to >0 pts

Poor

The response inaccurately and vaguely describes an appropriate drug therapy plan based on the patient’s history, diagnosis, and drugs currently prescribed.

30 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeJustify why you would recommend this drug therapy plan for this patient. Be specific and provide examples.

30 to >26.7 pts

Excellent

The response provides an accurate, clear, and detailed justification for the recommended drug therapy plan for this patient. … The response includes specific, accurate, and detailed examples that fully support the justification provided.

26.7 to >23.7 pts

Good

The response provides a basic justification for the recommended drug therapy plan for this patient. … The response includes only 1-2 examples that fully support the justification provided.

23.7 to >20.7 pts

Fair

The response provides an inaccurate or vague justification for the recommended drug therapy plan for this patient. … The response may include examples, which may inaccurately or vaguely support the justification provided.

20.7 to >0 pts

Poor

The response provides an inaccurate and vague justification for the recommended drug therapy plan for this patient, or is missing. … The response does not include examples that support the justification provided, or is missing.

30 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization: Paragraphs make clear points that support well developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused–neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance.

5 to >4.45 pts

Excellent

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity.

4.45 to >3.95 pts

Good

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time.

3.95 to >3.45 pts

Fair

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%–79% of the time.

3.45 to >0 pts

Poor

Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity less than 60% of the time.

5 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation

5 to >4.45 pts

Excellent

Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors

4.45 to >3.95 pts

Good

Contains a few (1–2) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors

3.95 to >3.45 pts

Fair

Contains several (3–4) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors

3.45 to >0 pts

Poor

Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding

5 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, running head, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list.

5 to >4.45 pts

Excellent

Uses correct APA format with no errors

4.45 to >3.95 pts

Good

Contains a few (1–2) APA format errors

3.95 to >3.45 pts

Fair

Contains several (3–4) APA format errors

3.45 to >0 pts

Poor

Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors

5 pts

Total Points: 100

PreviousNext

NURS 6521 Week 4: Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Disorders

As an advanced practice nurse, you will likely encounter patients who will present with symptoms affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Of special note, is the consideration that most symptoms concerning the GI tract are non-specific and therefore, diagnosing diagnoses of the GI tract require thoughtful and careful investigation. 

Similarly, hepatobiliary disorders may also mirror many of the signs and symptoms that patients present when suffering from GI disorders.

How might you tease out the specific signs and symptoms between these potential disorders and body systems? What drug therapy plans will best address these disorders for your patients?

This week, you examine GI and hepatobiliary disorders. You will review a patient case study and consider those factors in recommending and prescribing a drug therapy plan for your patient.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

  • Evaluate diagnoses for patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary disorders
  • Justify drug therapy plans based on patient history and diagnosis

Learning Resources

Required Readings (click to expand/reduce)

Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2021). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice nurses and physician assistants (2nd ed.) St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

·   Chapter 64, “Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease” (pp. 589–597)

·   Chapter 65, “Laxatives” (pp. 598–604)

·   Chapter 66, “Other Gastrointestinal Drugs” (pp. 605–616)

·   Chapter 80, “Antiviral Agents I: Drugs for Non-HIV Viral Infections” (pp. 723–743)

Chalasani, N., Younossi, Z., Lavine, J. E., Charlton, M., Cusi, K., Rinella, M., . . . Sanya, A. J. (2018). The diagnosis and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Practice guidance from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology, 67(1), 328–357. Retrieved from https://aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/hep.29367

This article details the diagnosis and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Review this article to gain an understanding of the underlying pathophysiology as well as the suggested pharmacotherapeutics that might be recommended to treat this disorder.

Assignment: Pharmacotherapy for Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Disorders

Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

Gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatobiliary disorders affect the structure and function of the GI tract. Many of these disorders often have similar symptoms, such as abdominal pain, cramping, constipation, nausea, bloating, and fatigue. Since multiple disorders can be tied to the same symptoms, it is important for advanced practice nurses to carefully evaluate patients and prescribe a treatment that targets the cause rather than the symptom.  

Once the underlying cause is identified, an appropriate drug therapy plan can be recommended based on medical history and individual patient factors. In this Assignment, you examine a case study of a patient who presents with symptoms of a possible GI/hepatobiliary disorder, and you design an appropriate drug therapy plan.

To Prepare

  • Review the case study assigned by your Instructor for this Assignment
  • Reflect on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and drugs currently prescribed.
  • Think about a possible diagnosis for the patient. Consider whether the patient has a disorder related to the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary system or whether the symptoms are the result of a disorder from another system or other factors, such as pregnancy, drugs, or a psychological disorder.
  • Consider an appropriate drug therapy plan based on the patient’s history, diagnosis, and drugs currently prescribed.

By Day 7 of Week 4

Write a 1-page paper that addresses the following:

  • Explain your diagnosis for the patient, including your rationale for the diagnosis.
  • Describe an appropriate drug therapy plan based on the patient’s history, diagnosis, and drugs currently prescribed.
  • Justify why you would recommend this drug therapy plan for this patient. Be specific and provide examples.

Reminder: The College of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The Sample Paper provided at the Walden Writing Center offers an example of those required elements (available at http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/57.htm). All papers submitted must use this formatting.

Also Read: NURS 6521 Week 2 EmmaGarcia Pharmacotherapy For Cardiovascular Disorders