Discussion 1
Assessment Descriiption
Choose a CNS, pain, inflammation, bone, or joint disorder, and briefly explain the pathophysiology of that disorder, and select a drug used to treat the disorder you identified. Share the mechanism of action of this medication and hints for monitoring, side effects, and drug interactions of which one should be aware. Discuss ethnic, cultural, and genetic considerations that must be considered for treatment. Make sure that you select a different medication than your peers. Include the name of the medication in the subject line so that the medications can be followed. Include your references in APA style.
Discussion 2
Select another CNS, pain, inflammation, bone, or joint disorder from a different category than the one that you discussed in DQ1, and briefly explain the pathophysiology of that disorder. Select a drug used to treat the disorder you identified. Share the mechanism of action of this medication and hints for monitoring, side effects, and drug interactions of which one should be aware. Discuss evidence and treatment guidelines to determine appropriate therapeutic options for a patient with your selected disorder. Make sure that you select a different medication than your peers. Include the name of the medication in the subject line so that the medications can be followed. Include your references in APA style.
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For Discussion 1, I will choose to discuss the CNS disorder of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the myelin, or protective coating, of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulties with coordination and balance, and problems with vision.
One medication used to treat MS is fingolimod (Gilenya). Fingolimod is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator that works by inhibiting the migration of immune cells into the central nervous system, thus reducing the immune-mediated damage to the myelin.
It is important to monitor patients taking fingolimod for potential side effects such as bradycardia, liver damage, and increased risk of infection. It is also important to be aware of potential drug interactions with medications such as warfarin and live vaccines.
When considering treatment for a patient with MS, it is important to consider ethnic, cultural, and genetic factors. For example, some studies have shown that African Americans may have a higher risk of severe disability from MS compared to other racial groups, so it may be necessary to individualize treatment plans accordingly.
References:
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. (n.d.). Multiple sclerosis: What is MS? Retrieved from https://www.msfocus.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-is-ms/
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Fingolimod (Oral Route). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/fingolimod-oral-route/description/drg-20074784
For Discussion 2, I will choose to discuss the pain disorder of chronic low back pain (CLBP). CLBP is a common condition characterized by persistent pain in the lower back that lasts for more than 3 months. The exact cause of CLBP is often difficult to determine, but it can be due to a variety of factors such as muscle strain, degenerative changes in the spine, and underlying medical conditions.
One medication used to treat CLBP is tramadol (Ultram). Tramadol is a synthetic opioid analgesic that works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, leading to an increase in the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. This leads to an increase in pain tolerance and reduction in pain perception.
It is important to monitor patients taking tramadol for potential side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and constipation. It is also important to be aware of potential drug interactions with medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
When considering treatment options for a patient with CLBP, it is important to consider evidence-based guidelines and the individual needs of the patient. For example, the American College of Physicians recommends that nonpharmacologic treatment options, such as exercise and spinal manipulation, be tried before considering pharmacologic options.
References:
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Tramadol (Oral Route). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tramadol-oral-route/description/drg-20067057
American College of Physicians. (2019). Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine, 170(7), 514-530. doi: 10.7326/M18-2367
