NURS 6301: Week 4: Neurological System Essay Assignment Paper

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NURS 6301: Week 4: Neurological System Essay Assignment Paper

NURS 6301: Advanced Pathopharmacology | Week 4

In the previous weeks, you began to explore the pathophysiology of disorders and basic pharmacotherapeutic concepts. Throughout the remainder of this course, you consider disorders and drug treatments specific to the various body systems. You begin with the neurological system because—through nerve stimulation—it affects every other system and function in the body. Since the scope of the neurological system is so broad, it relates to various disorders, many of which can also be tied to other systems. Consider an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient presenting with loss of movement in the limbs, severe pain, and difficulty breathing. While the root of these alterations is a neurological disorder, respiratory alterations will also occur. There is often an absence of a clear distinction between body systems and related disorders.

In the clinical setting, patients will present with a variety of neurological disorders ranging from more rare disorders, such as ALS, to more common disorders, such as dementia and depression. As an advanced practice nurse, it is important that you are able to assist physicians in the proper diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. This week, you examine the pathophysiology of neurological disorders and the types of drugs used in treatment. You also examine the impact of patient factors on the pathophysiology of these disorders and on effects of prescribed drugs.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Analyze the pathophysiology of neurological disorders
• Analyze types of drugs prescribed to treat neurological disorders
• Evaluate the impact of patient factors on the pathophysiology of neurological disorders
• Evaluate the impact of  patient factors on the effects of prescribed drugs for neurological disorders
• Analyze methods of patient education

Required Readings

Huether, S. E., & McCance, K. L. (2017). Understanding pathophysiology (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

• Chapter 13, “Structure and Function of the Neurologic System”This chapter begins with an overview of the structure and function of the nervous system. It also explains the importance of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems.
• Chapter 14, “Pain, Temperature, Sleep, and Sensory Function”This chapter covers the role of pain, sleep, stress, and the senses on body functions. It also explores alterations involving pain, sleep, stress, and the senses.
• Chapter 15, “Alterations in Cognitive Systems, Cerebral Hemodynamics, and Motor Function”This chapter explores disorders of cognitive systems, neuromotor function, tone, movement, and motor performance. It also examines factors that impact these disorders, as well as clinical manifestations.
• Chapter 16, “Disorders of the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems and Neuromuscular Junction”This chapter examines the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and evaluation and treatment of central and peripheral nervous system disorders. Tumors of the central nervous system are also covered.
• Chapter 17, “Alterations of Neurologic Function in Children”This chapter focuses on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, evaluation, and treatment of neurologic disorders and brain tumors in children. Normal growth and development is also examined.

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Arcangelo, V. P., Peterson, A. M., Wilbur, V. & Reinhold, J. A.  (Eds.). (2017). Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice: A practical approach (4th ed.). Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

• Chapter 7, “Principles of Pharmacology in Pain Management”This chapter begins by examining acute and chronic pain. It also explores the pathophysiology of pain, general principles for managing pain, and drugs used in pain management.
• Chapter 38, “Headaches”This chapter covers the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria for tension and migraine headaches. It then outlines the process of selecting, administering, and managing drug therapy for headaches, including migraines and cluster headaches.
• Chapter 39, “Seizure Disorders”This chapter explores the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria of seizures. It also describes the process of selecting, administering, and managing drug therapy for patients with seizures.
• Chapter 40, “Major Depressive Disorder”This chapter begins by identifying the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria of major depressive disorder (MDD). It then examines types of depressions and drugs prescribed to treat patients suffering from MDD.
• Chapter 41, “Anxiety Disorders”This chapter examines the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria for anxiety. It also outlines the process of selecting, administering, and managing drug therapy for patients with anxiety.
• Chapter 42, “Insomnia and Sleep Disorders”This chapter covers the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria of three sleep disorders: insomnia, restless leg syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder, and narcolepsy. It also examines the process of selecting, administering, and managing drug therapy for patients with these sleep disorders.
• Chapter 44, “Alzheimer Disease”This chapter examines the causes and pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It also describes various drugs used to treat symptoms of AD, including proper dosages and possible adverse reactions.

American Academy of Family Physicians. (2012). Dementia [Article collection]. Retrieved from http://www.aafp.org/afp/topicModules/viewTopicModule.htm?topicModuleId=5

 

This website provides information relating to diagnosis, treatment, and patient education of dementia. It also presents information on complications and special cases of dementia.

Drugs.com. (2012). Retrieved from 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.

Required Media

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012i). The neurological system. Baltimore, MD: Author.

This media presentation outlines the pathophysiology of the neurological system and associated alterations.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012k). Pharmacology for the nervous system. Baltimore, MD: Author.

This media presentation outlines drug treatment options for disorders of the nervous system.

Optional Resources

Alzheimer’s Association. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2012, from http://www.cdc.gov

Haymarket Media, Inc. (2012). Monthly prescribing reference [Online database]. Retrieved from http://www.empr.com/

Institute for Safe Medication Practices. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.ismp.org/

National Multiple Sclerosis Society. (n.d.). Retrieved August 10, 2012, from http://www.nationalmssociety.org/index.aspx

National Parkinson Foundation. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.parkinson.org/

Discussion: Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders, such as headaches, seizure disorders, sleep disorders, depression, and dementia, can present several complications for patients of all ages. These disorders affect patients physically and emotionally, impacting judgment, school and/or job performance, and relationships with family and friends. Since these disorders may have drastic effects on patients’ lives, it is important for advanced practice nurses to effectively manage patient care. With patient factors and medical history in mind, it is the nurse’s responsibility to assist physicians in the diagnosis, treatment, and education of patients with neurological disorders.

To prepare:

• Review this week’s media presentations on the nervous system.
• Select one of the following neurological disorders: headaches, seizure disorders, sleep disorders, depression, or dementia. Consider the pathophysiology, as well as the types of drugs that would be prescribed to patients to treat your selected disorder.
• Select one of the following factors: genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, or behavior. Consider how the factor you selected might impact the pathophysiology of the disorder. Then, reflect on how this factor might impact the effects of prescribed drugs, as well as measures you might take to help reduce any negative side effects.
• Locate an agency that provides patient education on your selected disorder and review the available materials and curriculum. Consider how you might be able to use those materials to educate a patient on the disorder, treatment options, management, and self-care.

By Day 3

Post a description of the neurological disorder you selected, including its pathophysiology and types of drugs that would be prescribed to treat patients. Then, explain how the factor you selected might impact the pathophysiology of the disorder, as well as the effects of prescribed drugs. Include a description of measures you might take to help reduce any negative side effects. Finally, explain how you would use materials from a supporting agency to educate patients on the disorder, treatment options, management, and self-care.

By Day 6

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days who selected a different disorder than you. Provide alternative recommendations for drug treatments.

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