Last Updated on April 6, 2023 by Admin
Write a 550-word APA reflection essay of your experience with the ShadowHealth© virtual assignment(s). At least two scholarly sources in addition to your textbook
Module 5 Assignment
Write a 550-word APA reflection essay of your experience with the ShadowHealth© virtual assignment(s). At least two scholarly sources in addition to your textbook should be utilized. Answers to the following questions may be included in your reflective essay:
-
- Would you prescribe any medications at this point? Why or why not? If so, what?
- What would be the choice for second-line therapy?
- What are the parameters for monitoring success of the therapy?
- Discuss specific patient education based on the prescribed therapy.
- List one or two adverse reactions for the selected agent that would cause you to change therapy.
- What would be the choice for second-line therapy?
- What lifestyle changes would you recommend for this patient, in addition to medication?
- Describe one or two drug–drug or drug–food interactions for the selected agent.
Expert Answer and Explanation
Medications Necessary at this Point
The existing symptoms and past medical history of Ms. Henderson shows that she is suffering from Urinary Tract Infections. Specifically, having frequent urinations, burning sensations when urinating, smelling urine, and one that is dark cloudy in appearance is characteristic of the UTI, possibly caused by lack of hygiene or failure to have urination immediately after having sexual intercourse (Chu & Lowder, 2018). I would recommend that the patient is given Antibiotics such as Fosfomycin or Trimethoprim. These would help to kill all the bacteria that accumulated in her urinary tract.
The 2nd Line Therapy
The best second line therapy for urinary tract infections is drugs that have beta lactam agents. For this patient, I would prescribe amoxillin-clavulanate for 3-7 days, as the medication works well in stopping the growth of bacteria where other agents have failed (Bader et al., 2020).
The Parameters for Monitoring the Therapy Success
The main parameter in monitoring the therapy’s success is the disappearance of the burning sensation when urinating and also the resumption of the normal frequency of urinating (Arcangelo et al., 2017). If necessary, however, the patient would have to submit urine samples to do a qualitative assessment of the absence or presence of bacteria in the urine.
Specific Patient Education
The patient does not have much information regarding sexual hygiene and safe practices. As part of the specific patient education, I would tell them about the importance of urinating immediately after having intercourse. I would also advise them against the contraceptive she is using, Norgestimate-Ethinyl Estradiol, as it has multiple side effects including but not limited to fluid retention, weight changes, vaginal bleeding, and on the long term basis is a risk factor for cervical cancer (Eremenko et al., 2020).
Adverse Reactions that would Cause the Therapy Change
The therapy of ceftriaxone and trimethoprim would be changed if the client experiences the adverse effects of blood clots, excessive headaches, and diarrhea. Other adverse reactions could be loss in appetite that affects the eating patterns and too many itches and rashes (Smith et al., 2018). The side effects should always be expected as they are common with all patients, but if they exceed the limit that interferes with her daily life, she should consult a doctor on the same (Smith et al., 2018).
Lifestyle Changes I Would Recommend
The primary lifestyle change I would recommend for the patient is that she chooses natural birth control over hormone-related birth control. The natural methods of using withdrawal and observations of the menstrual cycle patterns would help to limit the interference of her reproductive health (De Cueto et al., 2017).
Other lifestyle changes I would recommend include increased exercise and workout activity and taking healthy meals, drinking plenty of water especially now that her body loses a lot of fluid during the frequent urination (De Cueto et al., 2017). She should also avoid dangerous habits such as excessive alcohol consumption and having multiple male and female partners, which increases her risk for various sexually transmitted infections.
Drug-drug/Drug-food Interactions
Ceftriaxone is likely to react with food and drugs that contain calcium carbonate and calcium acetate, which include common drugs such as cholera vaccine, dalteparin, and argatoban (Smith et al., 2018). Trimethoprim, on the other hand, interacts with sulfamethoxazole to lead to numerous effects such as liver disease, renal dysfunction, colitis, and porphyria (De Cueto et al., 2017). Also since both drugs are taken orally and metabolism happens in the liver, the consumption of alcohol can significantly affect the bioavailability of the drug.
References
Arcangelo, V. P., Peterson, A. M., Wilbur, V., & Reinhold, J. A. (2017). Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice: A Practical Approach (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. IBSN: 9781496319968.
Bader, M. S., Loeb, M., Leto, D., & Brooks, A. A. (2020). Treatment of urinary tract infections in the era of antimicrobial resistance and new antimicrobial agents. Postgraduate medicine, 132(3), 234-250. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2019.1680052
Chu, C. M., & Lowder, J. L. (2018). Diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections across age groups. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 219(1), 40-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2017.12.231
De Cueto, M., Aliaga, L., Alós, J. I., Canut, A., Los-Arcos, I., Martínez, J. A., & Pigrau, C. (2017). Executive summary of the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infection: Guidelines of the Spanish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (SEIMC). Enfermedades infecciosas y microbiologia clinica, 35(5), 314-320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eimc.2016.11.005
Eremenko, R., Barmatz, S., Lumelsky, N., Colodner, R., Strauss, M., & Alkan, Y. (2020). Urinary Tract Infection in Outpatient Children and Adolescents: Risk Analysis of Antimicrobial Resistance. The Israel Medical Association journal: IMAJ, 22(4), 236-240. https://europepmc.org/article/med/32286027
Smith, A. L., Brown, J., Wyman, J. F., Berry, A., Newman, D. K., & Stapleton, A. E. (2018). Treatment and prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infections in women: a rapid review with practice recommendations. The Journal of urology, 200(6), 1174-1191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.04.088
Use Coupon Code: NEW30 to Get 30% OFF Your First Order
Related Answered Questions
[SOLVED] Sabrina is a 26 year old female who has just been
SOLVED! An 83-year-old resident of a skilled nursing
SOLVED!! Describe the clinical manifestations present in
What are some strategies you can use to help clients
SOLVED!! Develop 3–4 new SMART goals for this quarter and
[ANSWERED] What is the significance of the product lifecycle
ANSWERED! In this project you will select an organization or
4 Factors That Influence Prescribing of Medicines
Prescribing medications is a critical task for healthcare providers that requires careful consideration of various factors. The decision to prescribe a particular medication involves weighing the benefits and potential risks, considering the patient’s medical history, and taking into account their individual circumstances. This article discusses four essential factors that influence prescribing of medicines.
Introduction
Medications are an essential tool in the management of a wide range of medical conditions. However, prescribing the wrong medication or the wrong dosage can have severe consequences, including adverse reactions and even death. Therefore, healthcare providers must consider various factors when prescribing medications to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Factor 1: Medical Condition
The medical condition being treated is a crucial factor that influences prescribing of medicines. Different medical conditions require different medications, and the healthcare provider must be familiar with the available medications and their indications. For example, antibiotics are commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections, while antivirals are used to treat viral infections. Additionally, some medications may be contraindicated in specific medical conditions, such as patients with heart problems taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Factor 2: Patient Characteristics
Patient characteristics are another critical factor that healthcare providers must consider when prescribing medications. Age, gender, weight, and medical history can all impact the selection of medications and dosage. For example, older adults may require lower doses of medications due to age-related changes in metabolism, while pediatric patients require dosages based on weight. Furthermore, patients with pre-existing medical conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, may require adjustments in dosage or medication selection.
Factor 3: Cost
Cost is an essential factor that influences the prescribing of medicines. Healthcare providers must consider the cost of the medication and the patient’s ability to pay when selecting a medication. Additionally, some medications may have lower-cost alternatives that are equally effective, and healthcare providers should consider these options whenever possible.
Factor 4: Adverse Effects
The potential for adverse effects is another important factor that healthcare providers must consider when prescribing medications. All medications have potential side effects, and some patients may be more susceptible to these effects than others. Additionally, some medications may interact with other medications or medical conditions, and healthcare providers must consider these interactions when prescribing medications.
Conclusion
Prescribing medications is a complex task that requires careful consideration of various factors. Healthcare providers must consider the medical condition being treated, patient characteristics, cost, and potential adverse effects when selecting medications. By taking these factors into account, healthcare providers can ensure optimal patient outcomes and improve the quality of care.
Antimicrobial Therapy Examples: Understanding the Use of Antibiotics, Antivirals, and Antifungals
Antimicrobial therapy refers to the use of drugs or other substances to treat or prevent infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The therapy can be in the form of antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals, and it is important to use them appropriately to achieve the desired results. In this article, we will explore some examples of antimicrobial therapy and how they are used to treat infections.
Understanding Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medications used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the body. There are many types of antibiotics, each with a unique mechanism of action and spectrum of activity. Some common examples of antibiotics include:
Penicillins
Penicillins are one of the earliest antibiotics to be discovered and are used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including streptococcal infections, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. Examples of penicillins include amoxicillin, ampicillin, and penicillin G.
Cephalosporins
Cephalosporins are similar to penicillins in their mechanism of action and spectrum of activity. They are commonly used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections, as well as skin and soft tissue infections. Examples of cephalosporins include cefazolin, ceftriaxone, and cephalexin.
Macrolides
Macrolides are antibiotics that are commonly used to treat respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, as well as skin and soft tissue infections. They work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. Examples of macrolides include azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin.
Understanding Antivirals
Antivirals are medications used to treat viral infections. They work by either inhibiting the replication of the virus or boosting the body’s immune response to the virus. Some common examples of antivirals include:
Acyclovir
Acyclovir is an antiviral medication used to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections. It works by inhibiting the replication of the virus.
Oseltamivir
Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza A and B infections. It works by inhibiting the activity of the neuraminidase enzyme, which is essential for the replication of the influenza virus.
Sofosbuvir
Sofosbuvir is an antiviral medication used to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. It works by inhibiting the replication of the virus.
Understanding Antifungals
Antifungals are medications used to treat fungal infections. They work by either inhibiting the growth of the fungus or killing the fungus directly. Some common examples of antifungals include:
Fluconazole
Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat a wide range of fungal infections, including candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and coccidioidomycosis. It works by inhibiting fungal cell membrane synthesis.
Amphotericin B
Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication used to treat serious systemic fungal infections. It works by binding to the fungal cell membrane and causing leakage of intracellular contents.
Principles of Prescribing Drugs: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals
As healthcare professionals, prescribing medications is an essential part of our practice. However, with the ever-increasing number of drugs available, it can be challenging to keep up with the latest research and recommendations. Prescribing the wrong medication or dose can have severe consequences for patients, which is why it is crucial to follow some essential principles of prescribing drugs. In this article, we will cover the basic principles of prescribing drugs that healthcare professionals should follow to ensure safe and effective treatment for their patients.
Introduction
Prescribing drugs is a complex process that involves multiple factors. As healthcare professionals, we are responsible for ensuring that our patients receive the most appropriate medication for their condition. To achieve this, we must consider various factors, such as the patient’s medical history, age, and comorbidities, among others. In addition, it is crucial to select the most appropriate drug, dose, and route of administration while considering potential drug interactions and adverse effects. Below are some essential principles of prescribing drugs that healthcare professionals should follow.
Individualization of Treatment
One of the most crucial principles of prescribing drugs is the individualization of treatment. Every patient is unique, and their response to medication may vary depending on multiple factors such as their age, weight, gender, and medical history. Therefore, it is essential to tailor the treatment to the patient’s specific needs. This involves taking into account factors such as comorbidities, previous medication history, and allergies.
Consideration of the Patient’s Age
The patient’s age is an important factor to consider when prescribing medication. Different age groups may require different dosages or medications. For example, children may require lower doses of medication than adults due to their lower body weight and different metabolism. In contrast, older adults may require lower doses of medication due to the changes in their liver and kidney function.
Assessment of the Patient’s Medical History
Another critical principle of prescribing drugs is the assessment of the patient’s medical history. The healthcare professional should obtain a detailed medical history from the patient, including current and past medical conditions, allergies, and medication history. This information is essential in selecting the most appropriate medication, dose, and route of administration.
Understanding the Mechanism of Action of the Drug
It is essential to understand the mechanism of action of the drug when prescribing it to a patient. Understanding how the drug works can help the healthcare professional anticipate potential adverse effects and drug interactions. Additionally, it is essential to understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the medication to select the appropriate dose and route of administration.
Selection of the Appropriate Drug
The selection of the appropriate drug is crucial in ensuring safe and effective treatment for the patient. Healthcare professionals should consider various factors such as the patient’s medical history, age, comorbidities, and potential adverse effects before selecting a medication. In addition, healthcare professionals should consider evidence-based guidelines when selecting medications.
Appropriate Dosing
Appropriate dosing is essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of medication. Healthcare professionals should consider various factors such as the patient’s age, weight, and medical history when selecting the appropriate dose.
Antimicrobial Therapy Examples: A Comprehensive Guide
Antimicrobial therapy is the treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These diseases can be life-threatening if not treated promptly with appropriate antimicrobial agents. In this article, we will discuss the most common antimicrobial therapy examples that are used to treat infectious diseases.
Introduction
Antimicrobial therapy is an essential aspect of modern medicine. It involves the use of drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms that cause infectious diseases. Antimicrobial agents are divided into different classes based on their mechanism of action and target microorganism. These agents include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. In this article, we will discuss examples of these agents and the diseases they treat.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are drugs used to treat bacterial infections. They work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria. There are many classes of antibiotics, and each has a unique mechanism of action. Some common antibiotics include:
Penicillins
Penicillins are a class of antibiotics that work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. They are commonly used to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat, pneumonia, and meningitis. Examples of penicillins include amoxicillin, ampicillin, and penicillin G.
Cephalosporins
Cephalosporins are another class of antibiotics that work by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. They are used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. Examples of cephalosporins include cephalexin, ceftriaxone, and cefepime.
Macrolides
Macrolides are a class of antibiotics that work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. They are used to treat respiratory tract infections, skin infections, and sexually transmitted infections. Examples of macrolides include azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin.
Tetracyclines
Tetracyclines are a class of antibiotics that work by inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis. They are used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections, including acne, respiratory tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections. Examples of tetracyclines include doxycycline and minocycline.
Antivirals
Antivirals are drugs used to treat viral infections. They work by targeting specific viral proteins or enzymes involved in viral replication. Some common antivirals include:
Acyclovir
Acyclovir is an antiviral drug used to treat herpes simplex virus infections, including genital herpes and cold sores. It works by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis.
Oseltamivir
Oseltamivir is an antiviral drug used to treat influenza virus infections. It works by inhibiting the release of new virus particles from infected cells.
Sofosbuvir
Sofosbuvir is an antiviral drug used to treat hepatitis C virus infections. It works by inhibiting viral RNA synthesis.
Antifungals
Antifungals are drugs used to treat fungal infections. They work by targeting specific fungal enzymes or cell membrane components. Some common antifungals include:
Fluconazole
Fluconazole is an antifungal drug used to treat yeast and fungal infections. It works by inhibiting fungal cell membrane synthesis.
Amphotericin B
Amphotericin B is an antifungal drug used to treat serious fungal infections, including those that affect the lungs and central nervous system. It works by binding to fungal cell membranes and causing them to leak.
FAQs
[faq-schema id=”18029″]