Application Of Course Knowledge Answer: All Questions 010144
Applicationofcourseknowledgeanswer All Questionscriteria With Exp
Application of course knowledge: Answer all questions/criteria with explanations and detail. Select one drug to treat the diagnosis(es) or symptoms. List medication class and mechanism of action for the chosen medication. Write the prescription in prescription format. Provide an evidence-based rationale for the selected medication using at least one scholarly reference. Textbooks may be used for additional references but are not the primary reference. List any side effects or adverse effects associated with the medication. Include any required diagnostic testing. State the time frame for this testing (testing is before medication initiation or q 3 months, etc.). Includes normal results range for any listed laboratory tests. Provide a minimum of three appropriate medication-related teaching points for the client and/or family.
Paper For Above instruction
The process of selecting an appropriate pharmacologic treatment for a patient hinges on a comprehensive understanding of the diagnosis, the pharmacodynamics of medications, and evidence-based clinical guidelines. In this paper, I will demonstrate this process by choosing a medication to treat a specific condition, outlining its class, mechanism of action, side effects, necessary diagnostic tests, and patient education points.
For this exercise, I will consider a patient diagnosed with hypertension. A common and effective medication for initial management is Lisinopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. This choice is supported by clinical evidence indicating its efficacy in blood pressure control and renal protection, especially in patients with comorbid conditions like diabetes.
Lisinopril belongs to the medication class of ACE inhibitors. Its primary mechanism of action involves blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which prevents the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II. The reduction of angiotensin II leads to vasodilation, decreased blood volume, and thereby lowers blood pressure. This mechanism also reduces aldosterone secretion, which decreases sodium and water retention, further assisting in blood pressure reduction (Chrysant, 2018).
The prescription format for Lisinopril would be as follows:
Lisinopril 10 mg tablets
Take one tablet orally once daily.
Refill: 3 months.
Quantity: 30 tablets.
An evidence-based rationale for choosing Lisinopril stems from numerous randomized controlled trials demonstrating its efficacy and safety profile in hypertensive patients. According to the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines, ACE inhibitors are preferred as first-line agents in patients with hypertension and diabetes due to their renal protective effects (Whelton et al., 2018).
However, like all medications, Lisinopril has potential side effects. Common adverse effects include a persistent dry cough, hyperkalemia, orthostatic hypotension, and in rare cases, angioedema, which requires immediate discontinuation of the drug. Serious adverse effects, although rare, include renal impairment, indicated by an increase in serum creatinine and potassium levels.
Diagnostic testing plays a vital role in managing patients on Lisinopril. Before initiating therapy, baseline serum electrolytes, serum creatinine, and blood pressure measurements are necessary. These tests should be repeated approximately every 3 months after starting therapy to monitor for adverse effects such as hyperkalemia or renal dysfunction. The normal range for serum potassium is typically 3.5-5.0 mmol/L, and serum creatinine varies with age but generally is up to 1.2 mg/dL in adults.
Patient education points are essential to enhance medication adherence and minimize adverse effects. Three key teaching points include:
1. Monitoring and recognizing side effects: Patients should be instructed to report signs of swelling (angioedema), persistent cough, dizziness, or elevated potassium levels.
2. Importance of adherence and follow-up testing: Patients should understand the necessity of regular blood pressure monitoring and laboratory tests to ensure medication safety and effectiveness.
3. Lifestyle modifications: Patients should be advised to adopt a low-sodium diet, maintain a healthy weight, engage in regular exercise, and limit alcohol intake to aid blood pressure control.
In conclusion, selecting Lisinopril for hypertension management involves understanding its pharmacology, evidence base, potential side effects, necessary monitoring, and patient education. Proper application of this knowledge ensures safe, effective, and individualized patient care.
References
- Chrysant, S. G. (2018). Renin–angiotensin system inhibitors: Pharmacology, efficacy, and tolerability. Cardiology in Review, 26(4), 181–189.
- Whelton, P. K., Carey, R. M., Aronow, W. S., et al. (2018). 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA Guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 71(19), e127–e248.
- McDonagh, T. A., et al. (2021). ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure. European Heart Journal, 42(36), 3599–3726.
- James, P. A., et al. (2014). 2014 Evidence-based guideline for the management of high blood pressure in adults. JAMA, 311(5), 507–520.
- Lehne, R. A. (2018). Pharmacology for nursing care (10th ed.). Elsevier.
- Viera, A. J., & Wentz, C. (2013). Blood Pressure Measurement: A Concise Review. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 26(6), 684–692.
- Whelton, P. K., et al. (2018). 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults. Hypertension, 71(6), e13–e115.
- Brunton, L. L., et al. (2018). Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (13th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- Nahi, S. K., et al. (2019). Pharmacotherapy principles and practice. Elsevier.
- National Kidney Foundation. (2022). Clinical Practice Guidelines for Chronic Kidney Disease. Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI).