Roles and Responsibilities of APRNs in Prescribing Medication

• Comprehensive Assessment: APRNs are responsible for conducting a thorough patient assessment, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and relevant diagnostic tests.  
• Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Based on the assessment, APRNs diagnose health conditions and develop individualized treatment plans that may include medication.  
• Medication Selection and Prescribing: APRNs select appropriate medications based on evidence-based guidelines, patient factors (age, weight, allergies, comorbidities), and potential drug interactions.  
• Monitoring and Adjusting Medication: APRNs monitor patients’ response to medication therapy, adjust dosages as needed, and address any adverse effects.  
• Patient Education and Counseling: APRNs provide clear and concise information to patients about their medications, including:
  • Medication name, dosage, and administration instructions
  • Expected side effects and potential adverse reactions
  • Importance of adherence to the medication regimen
  • Strategies for managing side effects
  • When to contact the provider for concerns

Method for Determining Drug Therapy

APRNs utilize a systematic approach to determine the most appropriate drug therapy:

1. Assessment: Gather comprehensive patient information, including medical history, current medications, allergies, and social history.  
2. Diagnosis: Formulate a diagnosis based on the assessment findings.
3. Treatment Goals: Define specific and measurable treatment goals.
4. Medication Selection: Consider evidence-based guidelines, patient factors, and potential drug interactions to select the most appropriate medication(s).
5. Develop a Treatment Plan: Create a comprehensive treatment plan that includes medication, dosage, administration schedule, and monitoring plan.  

Patient Education and Teaching

Patient education is a critical component of medication therapy. APRNs are responsible for:  

• Providing clear and concise information: Use plain language that the patient can easily understand.
• Tailoring education to individual needs: Consider the patient’s health literacy and learning style.
• Using appropriate teaching methods: Utilize verbal explanations, written instructions, and visual aids.  
• Addressing patient concerns and questions: Answer questions thoroughly and address any concerns or fears the patient may have.
• Providing ongoing support: Encourage patients to contact the provider with any questions or concerns.

Schedule Drugs and Prescribing Restrictions

Schedule drugs are classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) based on their potential for abuse and medical use.  

• Schedule I: High potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States (e.g., heroin, LSD).
  • Prescribing Restrictions: Prohibited for medical use.

   
• Schedule II: High potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence (e.g., oxycodone, morphine).
  • Prescribing Restrictions: Requires a written prescription, no refills allowed.