Choose A Medication Type From The List

Directionschoose A Medication Type From The Following List Note Why

Choose a medication type from the following list, note why the medication is used, and consider adverse effects. Invent a scenario where giving this medication could result in an ethical or legally charged situation. Try not to choose a category that has been well addressed by your peers. Bethanechol / cholinergics: Consider risks of inducing urgency or bradycardia in clients with dementia issues. Benztropine / anticholinergics: Consider harms that can occur with comorbidities like glaucoma or BPH. Albuterol / adrenergics: Consider harms that can occur if asthmatic children are in charge of their own inhalers. Atenolol / beta blockers: Consider harms that could occur if heart rate was low or the patient was asthmatic. Lorazepam / benzodiazepines: Consider vulnerability issues related to sedation and induction of memory loss. Oxycodone / opiates: Consider addiction, drug-seeking, and patient vulnerability in impaired nurses. Amitriptyline / tricyclics: Consider vulnerability issues with risk of suicidal overdose given anticholinergic effects. Phenelzine / MAOIs: Consider consequences of nonadherence to dietary restrictions on these medications.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

In the realm of pharmacology, the selection of medication types must be approached with a profound understanding of their therapeutic purposes, potential adverse effects, and ethical considerations. Each medication class carries specific risks that can influence patient safety and legal accountability. This paper will examine five distinct medication types—bethanechol, benztropine, albuterol, atenolol, and lorazepam—hypothesizing scenarios where administration could lead to ethically or legally charged situations. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the complexity of these medications within the context of vulnerable populations and comorbid conditions.

Bethanechol / Cholinergics

Bethanechol is primarily used to stimulate bladder contraction in cases of urinary retention. While beneficial, it can induce adverse effects such as bradycardia and increased urgency, which might be problematic in certain populations. For example, consider an elderly patient with dementia and pre-existing cardiovascular issues who develops urinary retention. If a nurse administers bethanechol without proper assessment, and the patient subsequently experiences severe bradycardia leading to cardiac arrest, legal implications may arise due to negligence or failure to adhere to clinical guidelines. Ethical concerns include the risk of causing harm through inappropriate medication use, especially in cognitively impaired patients unable to report adverse symptoms effectively.

Benztropine / Anticholinergics

Benztropine is used to treat Parkinsonism and extrapyramidal symptoms. However, it possesses anticholinergic properties that can aggravate conditions like glaucoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In a scenario where a patient with BPH receives benztropine, the anticholinergic effects could worsen urinary retention, leading to discomfort or urinary retention emergencies. If a healthcare provider fails to evaluate contraindications before administration, this could lead to a legal charge of negligence. Ethically, providers must ensure comprehensive assessments to prevent harm, especially in patients with comorbidities that amplify medication risks.

Albuterol / Adrenergics

Albuterol is widely used as a bronchodilator in asthma management. Children with asthma are often instructed to manage their inhalers. However, if an asthmatic child in charge of their medication inadvertently overuses albuterol, risks such as tachycardia, tremors, or hypokalemia may ensue. An ethical dilemma may present if a parent or caregiver fails to supervise or educate the child adequately, leading to overdose and adverse events. Legally, healthcare providers have a duty to ensure proper education and safety measures are in place, particularly for minors managing self-care devices.

Atenolol / Beta Blockers

Atenolol is used to manage hypertension and angina but can cause significant harm if administered improperly. For patients with asthma, beta-blockers like atenolol may precipitate bronchospasm. Additionally, in patients with bradycardia, excessive dosing can result in dangerously low heart rates, leading to syncope or cardiac arrest. For instance, if a nurse administers atenolol to an undiagnosed asthmatic patient with a low initial heart rate, and the patient develops respiratory distress, potential legal actions of negligence could arise. Ethically, healthcare providers must thoroughly evaluate comorbidities and monitor vital signs before administration.

Lorazepam / Benzodiazepines

Lorazepam offers anxiolytic and sedative effects; however, it carries the risk of sedation and memory impairment. Vulnerable populations, such as elderly patients or those with cognitive impairments, face increased risks of confusion, falls, and long-term cognitive decline. An ethical concern arises if a provider prescribes lorazepam without considering these risks, especially if the patient subsequently experiences a fall or injury. Legally, failing to conduct adequate assessments and monitoring could be deemed neglect, particularly if adverse events result from overtreatment.

Conclusion

Understanding medication risks and their ethical and legal implications is vital for safe practice. Healthcare providers must evaluate individual patient factors, including comorbidities and vulnerabilities, to mitigate adverse outcomes. Proper assessment, patient education, and adherence to standards of care are essential to prevent harm and avoid legal repercussions. Each medication class discussed illustrates the importance of personalized care and vigilant monitoring to uphold ethical standards and ensure patient safety.

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