Method used to Determine what Drug Therapy to Prescribe

Module 1 Discussion

Roles & Responsibilities of the Advanced Nurse Practitioner When Prescribing Medication

1. Describe the roles and responsibilities of the APRN when prescribing medication.
2. Describe the method used to determine what drug therapy to prescribe?
3. Discuss responsibilities for patient education and teaching based on the prescribed therapy.
4. Discuss Schedule drugs and prescribing restrictions for each scheduled drug.

Submission Instructions:

• Your initial post should be at least 500 words total within all 4 questions, formatted and cited in the current APA style with support from at least 3 academic sources.
  • Each question must be answered individuallyas in bullet points. Not in an essay format.

• • • • Example: Question 1, followed by the answer to question 1; Question 2, followed by the answer to question 2; and so forth.

Due Wednesday May 15 at 11:59pm

Question 1: Describe the roles and responsibilities of the APRN when prescribing medication.

• Patient Assessment: APRNs must perform thorough patient assessments to understand the patient’s health status, history, and any other factors that might influence medication choices.
• Diagnosis and Clinical Decision-Making: They are responsible for diagnosing and making informed clinical decisions, including choosing the appropriate medication based on current clinical guidelines.
• Prescription Management: Ensuring the correct medication is prescribed, including the right dosage and duration. They also consider drug-drug interactions and contraindications.
• Follow-up Care: APRNs must monitor the effectiveness of prescribed medications and make adjustments as necessary, which may include discontinuing medications if needed.

Question 2: Describe the method used to determine what drug therapy to prescribe?

• Evidence-Based Guidelines: APRNs rely on evidence-based guidelines and clinical research to choose the most effective therapy for a specific condition.
• Patient-Specific Factors: Consideration of patient-specific factors such as age, weight, renal and liver function, and other comorbidities that may affect drug metabolism and efficacy.
• Consultation and Collaboration: In complex cases, APRNs often consult with or collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure that the chosen therapy is the best course of action.

Question 3: Discuss responsibilities for patient education and teaching based on the prescribed therapy.

• Educating on Usage: APRNs educate patients on how to properly take their medications, including timing, dosing, and the importance of adherence to the regimen.
• Side Effects and Management: Informing patients about possible side effects and how to manage them, including when to seek medical help.
• Lifestyle Recommendations: Providing guidance on lifestyle changes that can enhance the effectiveness of medications or reduce the need for medications.

Question 4: Discuss Schedule drugs and prescribing restrictions for each scheduled drug.

• Schedule II Drugs (e.g., opioids, amphetamines): APRNs must adhere to strict regulations, including the use of tamper-resistant prescription pads and limits on refill amounts. These drugs have high abuse potential.
• Schedule III-V Drugs (e.g., less potent narcotics, some stimulants): These drugs have lower potential for abuse and may have fewer prescribing restrictions, but still require careful monitoring and patient education on abuse risks.
• Prescription Monitoring Programs (PMPs): APRNs must use state-run prescription monitoring programs where available to track prescriptions for controlled substances to prevent abuse and ensure patient safety.