Due 5:30 P.M. EST — 300 Words, 1 Reference
Due 530 5 Pm Est300 Words Not Including 1 Reference All Posts Shoul
Due 5/30 5 pm EST 300 WORDS NOT INCLUDING 1 REFERENCE All posts should be supported by a minimum of one scholarly resource, ideally within the last 5 years. Journals and websites must be cited appropriately. Citations and references must adhere to APA format. Choose a topic of related to your current clinical experience. Consider the following elements as you answer the following questions: 1. Consider a common diagnosis for patients in your clinical experience. If you are not currently in clinical, identify medications related to a diagnosis you are familiar with. 2. What medication is your patient taking? Identify the mechanism of action and therapeutic action of any anti-inflammatories including glucocorticoids, and any antimicrobial agents. 3. What are the potential systemic adverse reactions to the medications? What are the therapeutic actions that you will be monitoring for? 4. Are there potential toxicities related to any medication your patient is taking? What might the healthcare provider need to consider with your patient related to these medication’s?
Paper For Above instruction
The management of chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications, including glucocorticoids, and antimicrobial agents when infections are present or suspected. This paper explores the pharmacological aspects of medications used in managing such conditions, emphasizing their mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, potential adverse reactions, toxicity risks, and considerations for monitoring during therapy.
One of the common diagnoses in clinical settings involving inflammation is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent joint inflammation, pain, and potential joint destruction (Smolen et al., 2016). Patients with RA are commonly prescribed glucocorticoids, such as prednisone, which possess potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Prednisone exerts its effects by binding to glucocorticoid receptors, modulating gene expression to decrease inflammatory mediators like cytokines and prostaglandins, thus reducing inflammation and immune responses (Rhen & Cidlowski, 2005). Therapeutically, prednisone acts rapidly to alleviate inflammation and pain, improving joint mobility and function.
However, systemic administration of corticosteroids carries risks of adverse effects. Systemic reactions include hyperglycemia, hypertension, osteoporosis, immunosuppression leading to increased infection risk, mood changes, and adrenal suppression. As a nurse or healthcare provider, it is crucial to monitor blood glucose levels, blood pressure, bone density, and signs of infection regularly to promptly identify adverse effects (Ullah et al., 2020). Additionally, long-term use of corticosteroids necessitates evaluating for signs of osteoporosis and considering prophylactic measures such as calcium and vitamin D supplementation.
When antimicrobial agents like doxycycline or methotrexate are prescribed, the healthcare provider must consider potential toxicities. For example, methotrexate can cause hepatotoxicity, bone marrow suppression, and pulmonary toxicity. Regular liver function tests, complete blood counts, and monitoring for pulmonary symptoms are necessary to prevent and detect toxicity early (Chan et al., 2018). It is essential for clinicians to educate patients about recognizing early signs of adverse effects and adhering to scheduled laboratory evaluations to ensure safe and effective therapy.
In conclusion, understanding the mechanisms, therapeutic actions, and potential adverse effects of medications used in inflammatory and infectious conditions is vital for optimal patient care. Careful monitoring allows timely intervention to minimize toxicity risks and improve clinical outcomes.
References
Chan, E. L., Cronstein, B. N., & Bae, S. (2018). Methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis: A brief review. Rheumatology International, 38(9), 1491–1498. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00296-018-4062-9
Rhen, T., & Cidlowski, J. A. (2005). Antiinflammatory action of glucocorticoids—New mechanisms for old drugs. New England Journal of Medicine, 353(16), 1711–1723. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra050396
Smolen, J. S., Aletaha, D., McInnes, I. B. (2016). Rheumatoid arthritis. The Lancet, 388(10055), 2023–2038. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30173-8
Ullah, A., Dawood, T., & et al. (2020). Side effects and safety of corticosteroids in autoimmune diseases. Cureus, 12(2), e6957. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.6957