NURS2407/NURS-2407/NURS 2407
NUR2407 Pharmacology
Module 1 Assignment
Commonly Used Drugs and Nursing Implications
This is a partnered assignment started and discussed in class. Using Davis's Drug Guide, add any additional resources to finalize one card for each of the two researched drugs. Put your names on the two cards and include the following:
Name of the Drug
Classification of Drug
Mechanism of Action
Recommended Dose
Routes of Administration
Potential Side Effects
Possible Adverse Effects
Special Nursing Care Considerations and Implications for this Drug
Following your in-class activity, scan the cards to submit to the drop box below.
Please check the Course Calendar for specific due dates.
NURS2407/NURS-2407/NURS 2407
NUR2407 Pharmacology
Module 3 Assignment
It is nearly impossible to learn EVERY THING about EVERY SINGLE drug we encounter. While it is important for us to look up select information about unfamiliar medications we administer, we can know the general indications and nursing interventions related to a drug if we learn key information about the drug classifications. For this assignment you will be collecting information about different groups of drugs, or drug classifications, found in your Pharmacology textbook.
Please refer to Unit Four: Autonomic Nervous System Drugs and Unit Five: Central and Peripheral Nervous System Drugs in Pharmacology: A Patient Centered Nursing Process Approach textbook and use your Davis's Drug Guide to provide the following information:
Summary of the Unit/Classification
Minimum of three types of drugs or supplements
Typical routes of administration
Common side effects and adverse effects
Special considerations
Common Nursing interventions
Please DO NOT just copy/paste your information from your textbook or drug guide--put the information into your own words. You DO NOT need to use APA formatting for your submission, but please do include your references (in APA format) at the end of your document.
NURS2407/NURS-2407/NURS 2407
NUR2407 Pharmacology
Module 4 Assignment
Safety Risks
Provide your answers to the following questions in a 2-page paper. Use APA Editorial Format for all citations and references used.
What should the "culture and environment of safety" look like when preparing and administering medications?
Discuss a common breach of medication administration.
Identify three (3) factors that lead to errors in documentation related to medication administration.
What can I do to prevent medication errors?
NURS2407/NURS-2407/NURS 2407
NUR2407 Pharmacology
Module 5 Assignment
Critical Thinking Case Studies
This assignment will encourage you to use your knowledge about some different types of medications we have reviewed and help develop your critical thinking skills regarding the administration of these medications to your patients.
Please read through each case study and answer the questions that follow (yes, please complete the questions for all three scenarios ????). You do not need to use APA formatting on the document you submit, but please use complete sentences when answering the questions and provide APA formatted references.
Critical Thinking Case Study #1
R.J., a 79-year-old man, underwent abdominal surgery for resection of his colon. After the surgery, his physician prescribed morphine 10 mg every 3 to 4 hours as needed. R.J. did not ask for pain medication because he worried he might become addicted. A day after the surgery, R.J.’s nurse noted that he was restless and grimaced whenever he moved in bed. He refused to breathe deeply or cough when instructed to do so. The nurse compared R.J.’s vital signs with his baseline findings and noted an increased pulse rate and a drop in systolic blood pressure.
1. Should the nurse give morphine? Explain your answer.
2. What would your reaction be to R.J. in regard to his restlessness, grimacing, and refusal to breathe deeply and cough?
3. What is the significance of the change in vital signs?
4. What classic side effects of opioid analgesics should the nurse assess?
5. What are some possible nonpharmacologic measures that might be helpful in alleviating R.J.’s pain?
The second postoperative day, R.J. began asking for morphine every 3 hours. On the fifth day, the physician discontinued R.J.’s morphine and prescribed acetaminophen with codeine.
6. Why was the opioid analgesic order changed?
7. R.J. does not want to ambulate. What is an appropriate nursing response?
Critical Thinking Case Study #2
C.J., a 41-year-old homeless man, has had a constant cough and night sweats for several months. He consumes about a fifth of liquor over 2 days. Acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear on the sputum is positive. The health care provider orders a 6- to 9-month antitubercular drug regimen, with the time of therapy to be determined according to sputum and radiograph test results. For 2 months, C.J. takes isoniazid (INH), rifampin, and pyrazinamide daily. For the next 4 to 7 months, C.J. takes INH and rifampin biweekly.
1. What are some of C.J.’s risk factors for contracting tuberculosis (TB)? Give other risk factors for contracting TB.
2. C.J. received first-line antitubercular drugs for treatment of TB. How can the health professional determine whether the drugs are effective in eradicating the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis? Explain your answer.
3. What is the nurse’s role in patient teaching concerning the drug regimen?
4. Name at least two serious adverse reactions that can occur when antitubercular drugs are given over an extended period.
5. What laboratory tests should be monitored while C.J. takes isoniazid and rifampin? Why?
6. The health care provider orders pyridoxine to be given daily. Give the rationale for the use of pyridoxine.
Critical Thinking Case Study #3
R.R., a 22-year-old college student, is in the wellness clinic with her 3-month-old daughter and her 13-year-old sister. They live with R.R.’s grandmother, who is 68 years old. R.R. requests immunizations for her daughter and asks if there are any immunizations she and her sister need.
1. R.R. says her daughter needs her “regular shots.” The infant received her first hepatitis B vaccine while in the newborn nursery but has not had any shots since coming home. What is the hepatitis B vaccine catch-up schedule for the infant; what is the routine schedule for hepatitis B vaccine in infants?
2. R.R. is worried that she will need to start her immunizations over because “she’s so far behind.” How should the nurse respond to her concern? When would her infant be due for another series of immunizations?
3. Which vaccines is R.R.’s daughter due for today?
4. The nurse asks R.R. about her vaccine history. R.R. says she had her “baby shots” a long time ago but did not keep her personal vaccine record; however, she remembers receiving a flu shot 2 years ago. What immunizations will she need at this point? How can she best keep track of her immunizations?
5. After administering R.R.’s meningitis vaccine, R.R.’s 13-year-old sister mentions that she heard that high school students should get a vaccination for human papillomavirus (HPV). She wants to know if she should get one or if it is too late. Who is eligible to receive the HPV vaccine, and what assessment questions would the nurse ask? What type and dosage of vaccine would the nurse administer?
6. After the visit, how does the nurse ensure that the vaccines were safely administered?
NURS2407/NURS-2407/NURS 2407
NUR2407 Pharmacology
Module 6 Assignment
Critical Thinking Case Studies
This assignment will encourage you to use your knowledge about some different types of medications we have reviewed and help develop your critical thinking skills regarding the administration of these medications to your patients.
Please read through each case study and answer the questions that follow (yes, please complete the questions for all three scenarios ????). You do not need to use APA formatting on the document you submit, but please use complete sentences when answering the questions and provide APA formatted references.
Case Study #1:
M.H., a 70-year-old woman with postoperative acute glaucoma, is prescribed one drop of latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solution each evening and one drop of timolol 0.25% ophthalmic solution each morning and evening.
1. What is the purpose of giving two different medications to manage M.H.’s glaucoma?
2. What special concerns related to medication timing are important for M.H. to consider when administering the evening dose of these medications?
3. Although systemic absorption of ophthalmic beta-adrenergic antagonists is usually small, it may potentially create problems for patients with certain conditions. Which conditions create a risk, and how will the nurse monitor for complications?
4. After a few months on these medications, M.H. notices changes in the appearance of her eyes. Describe the changes that M.H. is likely experiencing, and explain which ophthalmic drug is responsible.
Case Study #2:
M.G., a 15-year-old patient, complains about blackheads and large, raised acne with surrounding erythema on her face. She seeks help from a health care provider.
1. To assist in identifying her skin problem, what should the health history and assessment include?
2. Which nonpharmacologic measures might the nurse discuss with M.G. in caring for her skin condition?
M.G.’s skin disorder does not improve. Her health care provider says she has acne vulgaris and has prescribed benzoyl peroxide and oral tetracycline.
3. M.G. asks the nurse how to use benzoyl peroxide. What should the explanation of the method and frequency for use of benzoyl peroxide include?
4. What should be included in the patient teaching related to the use of oral tetracycline?
5. What other drugs for acne might M.G. use? Explain their uses and side effects.
6. M.G. asks if she will have to remain on benzoyl peroxide and oral tetracycline for the rest of her life. What is the nurse’s best response or course of action? Explain your answer.
Case Study #3:
T.C., a 32-year-old patient, was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus after the birth of her first child; her blood glucose level was 180 mg/dL. Her serum glucose level has been maintained within the normal range with metformin 500 mg/day.
1. Why was T.C., at 32 years of age, taking an oral antidiabetic drug instead of insulin?
2. Metformin is indicated for what type of diabetes mellitus? When should metformin not be taken?
3. Why should T.C. monitor her blood glucose using a home glucometer?
Two years later, T.C. became pregnant again. Metformin was discontinued, and NPH insulin 25 units was prescribed. Since the birth of her second child, she has remained on NPH 25 units/day.
4. Give a possible reason why the health care provider changed the antidiabetic drug to insulin when T.C. became pregnant.
5. What are examples of human insulin and what are its advantages?
6. How should insulin be administered?
7. What is NPH and what are the pros and cons for T.C. to receive NPH 70/regular 30 insulin?
8. What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemic reaction?
9. What should be included in patient teaching?
Case Study #4:
M.P., a 68-year-old woman, had a severe allergic reaction to shellfish and was taken to the emergency department. She presented with angioedema and anaphylactic shock. A single dose of dexamethasone 100 mg IV (direct IV over 30 seconds) was ordered. M.P. weighs 65 kg.
1. Why is M.P. receiving dexamethasone intravenously? Is the dosage of dexamethasone within the safe therapeutic range? Explain your answer.
2. Describe the various ways dexamethasone can be given intravenously. Which IV fluid is compatible with dexamethasone? Describe other routes by which dexamethasone can be administered.
3. What additional health information and assessment may aid the health care provider in treating M.P.’s condition?
Twenty-one tablets of prednisone, 5 mg each, were prescribed to be taken over 5 days, with tapering daily doses. The dosage is as follows: Day 1, take 10 mg four times a day; day 2, take 10 mg three times a day; day 3, take 10 mg twice a day; day 4, take 10 mg once a day; and day 5, take 5 mg once a day.
4. Why was prednisone ordered for M.P. and not oral dexamethasone? Explain your answer.
5. What is the purpose for tapering prednisone doses?
6. Is the drug dose within the safe therapeutic range? Explain your answer.
7. Should M.P. have side effects such as peripheral edema caused by water and sodium retention as a result of tapered prednisone doses? Explain your answer.
8. What is the difference between prednisone and prednisolone?
9. What are the adverse reactions from prolonged use of prednisone?
10. What are the nursing interventions and patient teaching for M.P. and for patients who take prednisone?
NURS2407/NURS-2407/NURS 2407
NUR2407 Pharmacology
Module 7 Assignment
Interdisciplinary Communication
You have been invited to assemble a task force to design a medication assistance program. You need to submit a proposal, regarding who you would invite, to the CEO. Consider the perspectives of prescribers, discharge planners, financial navigators, patients, suppliers, book keepers and subsidizers. If you were to seek the input of 5-7 stakeholders, who would you invite to the planning table, and why? Consider the need for a group facilitator. Who would that person be, and why?
Submit a 2-3 page APA style response to this query. Open with a paragraph of purpose, dedicate a paragraph to each stakeholder that you would invite, and close with a summary of what you hope to accomplish with the group, within a designated time frame.
NURS2407/NURS-2407/NURS 2407
NUR2407 Pharmacology
Module 8 Assignment
Please answer the following questions—Chapter 35 and Chapter 37 questions are related to the case study provided. You do not need to use APA formatting on the document you submit, but please use complete sentences when answering the questions and provide APA formatted references. If you do not include references, you will not receive full credit for this assignment.
Chapter 35
G.H., a 35-year-old patient, has allergic rhinitis. Her prescriptions include loratadine 5 mg/day and fluticasone, two nasal inhalations per day. Previously, she had taken OTC drugs and asked if she should continue to take the OTC drug with her prescriptions. She has never used a nasal inhaler before. Please answer the following 5 questions:
1. What additional information is needed from G.H. concerning her health problem?
2. What is your response to G.H. concerning the use of OTC drugs with her prescription drugs?
3. How would you instruct G.H. to use a nasal inhaler? Explain your answer.
4. What are the similarities and differences between loratadine and diphenhydramine? Could one of these antihistamines be more effective than the other? Explain your answer.
5. What could you suggest to decrease allergens such as dust mites in the home?
Chapter 36
What type of drug is aminophylline? Why should the nurse ask a patient if they smoke?
Can cromolyn sodium be substituted for prednisone during an asthmatic attack? Explain your answer.
Chapter 37
S.T., a 64-year-old patient, has HF controlled with digoxin, furosemide, and a low-sodium diet. She is taking potassium chloride (KCl) 20 mEq per day orally. Three days ago, ST had flulike symptoms that included anorexia, nausea, lethargy, and diarrhea. Her fluid and food intake was diminished, and she refused to take the KCl, stating that the drug makes her sick. She has been taking the digoxin and furosemide daily.
The nurse’s assessment during the home visit includes poor skin turgor, poor muscle tone, irregular pulse rate, and decreased bowel sounds. The nurse obtained a blood sample for serum electrolytes, and results indicated potassium (K) 2.9 mEq/L, sodium (Na) 137 mEq/L, and chloride (Cl) 96 mEq/L.
Match S.T.’s physical findings with the corresponding electrolyte imbalance.
What are the reasons for the electrolyte imbalance?
What is the effect of furosemide on digoxin when there is a potassium deficit? Explain your answer.
Submit your completed assignment by following the directions linked below. Please check the Course Calendar for specific due dates.
Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document. (Mac users, please remember to append the ".docx" extension to the filename.) The name of the file should be your first initial and last name, followed by an underscore and the name of the assignment, and an underscore and the date. An example is shown below:
NURS2407/NURS-2407/NURS 2407
NUR2407 Pharmacology
Module 9 Assignment
Cultural Factors and Their Influence on Medications
In this written assignment, select one cultural factor such as health beliefs, language, perception of time, environment control, etc. (see textbook reading) and apply it to a selected ethnic group. The paper will include the following:
One impact on medication preparation. Explain.
Two impacts on medication administration. Explain.
Two potential adverse reactions. Explain with rationale.
One possible issue in adherence to medication regimen. Explain how this can be overcome.
The paper should be no more than 3 pages. Use APA Editorial Format for all citations and references used.
NURS2407/NURS-2407/NURS 2407
NUR2407 Pharmacology
Module 10 Assignment
Clinical Case: Coaching and Teaching
This assignment started and was discussed in class in small groups. Based on the clinical case provided in class, develop a teaching/coaching plan that includes the following information. The submission is an individual assignment. You may use any books or other resources or references to complete this assignment. Use APA Editorial Format for all citations and references.
List the goal for this teaching/coaching plan
Describe three teaching resources
Identify the teaching strategies that can be used
List the specific instructions that may be needed regarding her medication and what adverse reactions to be aware of/and what to do
Identify two factors that may negatively influence adherence to the medication and how they can be overcome
Describe how to include the family
Provide information on how and when she should seek support and help
Following your in-class activity, submit this assignment to the drop box below.
Please check the Course Calendar for specific due dates.
Client Case:
Mrs. E. is 69 years old and was admitted for extremely high blood pressure which caused her to be dizzy and fall at home. She sprained her wrist and had multiple bruises and complained of some chest pain. She is a widow and lives with her two dogs. Her children live in the next state and try to visit her often. She does have one sister and brother-in-law who live in the same city. Mrs. E. has been relatively healthy during her life but since her husband passed away from a massive heart attack last year she has not been as active as she had been. She also has found it difficult to make meals only for herself. As a result, she has lost 15 pounds in the last year and she was already quite thin. Mrs. E. is a devout Christian and was born in India and emigrated to the United States when she was married due to her husband's profession. She misses her husband and her children and does not like to visit her doctor hence the untreated hypertension. During her hospital stay amlodipine 2.5 mg/day was prescribed.
Save your assignment as a Microsoft Word document and submit it to the dropbox (Mac users, please remember to append the ".docx" extension to the filename.) The name of the file should be your first initial and last name, followed by an underscore and the name of the assignment, and an underscore and the date. An example is shown below:
