Week 4 Discussion

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Pharmacotherapy for Respiratory Disorders

To the untrained ear, most coughs sound the same. However, as you might recall from past clinical experiences, a simple cough can lead to a patient diagnosis of a common cold, pneumonia, or even a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although it can sometimes be challenging to diagnose a patient based on common respiratory symptoms such as congestion, coughing, and wheezing, it is important to be able to distinguish minor differences as even mild symptoms might require intervention with drug treatments. When recommending potential treatment options, advanced practice nurses must consider how individual patient factors might impact the effects of prescribed drugs.

To prepare:
•Review Chapter 26 and Chapter 27 of the Arcangelo and Peterson text.
•Select and research one of the following respiratory disorders: the common cold, pneumonia, or a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Consider types of drugs that would be prescribed to patients to treat symptoms associated with this disorder.
•Select one of the following factors: genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, or behavior. Reflect on how this factor might impact effects of prescribed drugs, as well as any measures you might take to help reduce negative side effects.
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Post on or before Day 3 a description of the

respiratory disorder you selected including types of

drugs that would be prescribed to patients to treat

associated symptoms. Then, explain how the

factor you selected might impact effects of

prescribed drugs, as well as any measures you

might take to help reduce negative side effects.
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Resources: You must only use resources that are 5 years or less******* They must be scholary resources.

Required Resources

Readings
•Arcangelo, V. P., & Peterson, A. M. (Eds.). (2013). Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice: A practical approach (3rd ed.). Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
?Chapter 18, “Otitis Media and Otitis Externa” (pp. 217–227)

This chapter compares the causes and pathophysiology of two common ear infections—otitis media and otitis externa. It also identifies types of drugs used to treat these ear infections.
?Chapter 24, “Upper Respiratory Infections” (pp. 332–345)

This chapter explores the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria of two upper respiratory infections—the common cold and sinusitis—as well as drug therapy for both infections. It also covers monitoring patient response and patient education of drug therapy for these infections.
?Chapter 25, “Asthma” (pp. 346–364)

This chapter examines the causes, pathophysiology, pharmacogenomics, and diagnostic criteria of asthma. It also outlines suggested drug therapy plans for asthmatic patients.
?Chapter 26, “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease” (pp. 366–374)

This chapter explains the causes and pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also examines the process of selecting, administering, and managing drug therapy for COPD patients.
?Chapter 27, “Bronchitis and Pneumonia” (pp. 375–390)

This chapter begins by examining the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria of acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, and community-acquired pneumonia. It then explores the process of selecting, administering, and managing drug therapy for patients with bronchitis and pneumonia.

•Drugs.com. (2012). Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/

This website presents a comprehensive review of prescription and over-the-counter drugs including information on common uses and potential side effects. It also provides updates relating to new drugs on the market, support from health professionals, and a drug-drug interactions checker.
•National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. (2007). Expert panel report 3 (EPR3): Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm

This website presents guidelines for diagnosing and managing asthma and outlines treatment recommendations for specific age groups.