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 advanced practice nurse’s responsibility to manage the diagnosis, treatment, and education of patients with neurological disorders.

To prepare:

·        Review this week’s media presentation on pharmacology for the nervous system.

·        Select one of the following neurological disorders: headaches, seizure disorders, sleep disorders, depression, or dementia. Consider the 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 the effects of prescribed drugs, as well as any measures you might take to help reduce negative side effects.

Post  a 1 page paper APA format a description of the neurological 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 the effects of prescribed drugs, as well as any measures you might take to help reduce negative side effects.

Course readings

·        Arcangelo, V. P., & Peterson, A. M. (Eds.). (2013). Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice: A practical approach (3rd ed.). Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.  

o   Chapter 7, “Principles of Pharmacology in Pain Management” (pp. 79–95)

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.

o   Chapter 38, “Headaches” (pp. 570–594) 

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.

o   Chapter 39, “Seizure Disorders” (pp. 595–616) 

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.

o   Chapter 40, “Major Depressive Disorder” (pp. 617–633) 

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.

o   Chapter 41, “Anxiety” (pp. 634–652) 

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.

o   Chapter 42, “Insomnia and Sleep Disorders” (pp.653–670) 

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.

o   Chapter 44, “Alzheimer’s Disease” (pp. 684–694) 

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. Retrieved fromhttp://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 http://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.

Media

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

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

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 7 minutes.