Case Study: Patient HL comes into the clinic with the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

at
Categories
Tags

 

 

 

The patient has a history of drug abuse and possible Hepatitis C.
HL is currently taking the following prescription drugs:
• Synthroid 100 mcg daily
• Nifedipine 30 mg daily
• Prednisone 10 mg daily
To Prepare:
• Review the case study assigned by your Instructor for this Assignment
• Reflect on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and drugs currently prescribed.
• Think about a possible diagnosis for the patient. Consider whether the patient has a disorder related to the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary system or whether the symptoms are the result of a disorder from another system or other factors, such as pregnancy, drugs, or a psychological disorder.
• Consider an appropriate drug therapy plan based on the patient’s history, diagnosis, and drugs currently prescribed.

Write a 1-page paper that addresses the following:
• Explain your diagnosis for the patient, including your rationale for the diagnosis.
• Describe an appropriate drug therapy plan based on the patient’s history, diagnosis, and drugs currently prescribed.
• Justify why you would recommend this drug therapy plan for this patient. Be specific and provide examples.

 

Sample Solution

Diagnosis

Based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and drugs currently prescribed, my diagnosis for the patient is acute gastroenteritis.

Acute gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that can be caused by a variety of factors, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The most common symptoms of acute gastroenteritis are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Other symptoms may include fever, headache, and muscle aches.

The patient’s history of drug abuse is a risk factor for acute gastroenteritis. Drug abuse can damage the lining of the stomach and intestines, making them more susceptible to infection. The patient’s current medications, Synthroid, Nifedipine, and Prednisone, can also increase the risk of acute gastroenteritis. Synthroid and Nifedipine can both cause diarrhea as a side effect, and Prednisone can suppress the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to infection.

Drug Therapy Plan

The drug therapy plan for acute gastroenteritis typically involves supportive care measures, such as rest, fluids, and electrolytes. In some cases, antiemetic medications may be prescribed to control nausea and vomiting. Antidiarrheal medications may also be prescribed, but they should be used with caution, as they can prolong the course of the infection.

In this patient’s case, the drug therapy plan would also need to take into account the patient’s current medications. Synthroid, Nifedipine, and Prednisone are all essential medications for the patient’s health conditions. Therefore, it is important to continue these medications while also treating the acute gastroenteritis.

The following is a sample drug therapy plan for this patient:

  • Fluids and electrolytes: The patient should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, and clear juices. Electrolytes can be replaced with oral rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte or Gatorade.
  • Antiemetic medications: If the patient is experiencing nausea and vomiting, an antiemetic medication may be prescribed. Ondansetron (Zofran) and promethazine (Phenergan) are two examples of antiemetic medications that are safe to use in patients with acute gastroenteritis.
  • Antidiarrheal medications: Antidiarrheal medications may be prescribed to control diarrhea. However, it is important to note that antidiarrheal medications can prolong the course of the infection. Therefore, they should be used with caution. Loperamide (Imodium) is an example of an antidiarrheal medication that is safe to use in patients with acute gastroenteritis.

The patient should also be instructed to follow a bland diet while they are recovering from acute gastroenteritis. Bland foods are easy to digest and can help to reduce nausea and vomiting. Some examples of bland foods include toast, crackers, rice, and bananas.

Rationale for the Drug Therapy Plan

The drug therapy plan for this patient is based on the following rationale:

  • Fluids and electrolytes: Fluids and electrolytes are essential for preventing dehydration, which can be a serious complication of acute gastroenteritis.
  • Antiemetic medications: Antiemetic medications can help to control nausea and vomiting, which can improve the patient’s comfort and ability to tolerate fluids and food.
  • Antidiarrheal medications: Antidiarrheal medications can help to control diarrhea, which can reduce the risk of dehydration and improve the patient’s comfort. However, it is important to use antidiarrheal medications with caution, as they can prolong the course of the infection.
  • Bland diet: A bland diet is easy to digest and can help to reduce nausea and vomiting.

Conclusion

Acute gastroenteritis is a common condition that is typically self-limiting. However, it is important to seek medical attention if the patient is experiencing severe symptoms, such as dehydration, bloody diarrhea, or fever. The drug therapy plan for acute gastroenteritis typically involves supportive care measures, such as fluids, electrolytes, and antiemetic medications. In some cases, antidiarrheal medications may also be prescribed.

 

This question has been answered.

Get Answer