Answer these questions.
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of the APRN when prescribing medication.
- Describe the method used to determine what drug therapy to prescribe?
- Discuss responsibilities for patient education and teaching based on the prescribed therapy.
- Discuss Schedule drugs and prescribing restrictions for each scheduled drug.
Submission Instructions:
- Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted and cited in the current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.
- Each question must be answered individually as in bullet points.
- Example: Question 1, followed by the answer to question 1; Question 2, followed by the answer to question 2; and so forth.
Roles and Responsibilities of the APRN when Prescribing Medication:
- Conducting comprehensive patient assessments to determine the need for medication therapy.
- Formulating a diagnosis based on assessment findings and in collaboration with other healthcare providers.
- Developing a treatment plan that may include medication therapy, considering factors such as the patient’s health status, medical history, allergies, and potential drug interactions.
- Prescribing medications within their scope of practice and according to state regulations.
- Monitoring patient response to prescribed medications and adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
- Educating patients about their medications, including dosage, administration, potential side effects, and the importance of adherence.
- Collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care and optimal patient outcomes.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date medication records for each patient.
Method Used to Determine What Drug Therapy to Prescribe:
- Conducting a thorough patient assessment, including medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests.
- Considering evidence-based guidelines and clinical practice recommendations.
- Evaluating the patient’s individual needs and preferences.
- Assessing potential risks and benefits of different medication options.
- Collaborating with the patient to develop a treatment plan that aligns with their goals and values.
- Consulting with other healthcare providers as needed for input and guidance.
Responsibilities for Patient Education and Teaching Based on the Prescribed Therapy:
- Providing information about the purpose of the prescribed medication and how it works to manage the patient’s condition.
- Discussing the appropriate dosage and administration schedule, including any special instructions or precautions.
- Reviewing potential side effects and adverse reactions, as well as strategies for managing them.
- Emphasizing the importance of medication adherence for achieving optimal treatment outcomes.
- Addressing any questions or concerns the patient may have about their medication therapy.
- Providing resources and support to help patients incorporate their medication regimen into their daily routine.
- Monitoring patient understanding and compliance with prescribed therapy through follow-up visits and communication.
Schedule Drugs and Prescribing Restrictions for Each Scheduled Drug:
- Schedule I: These drugs have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. They cannot be prescribed by APRNs.
- Schedule II: These drugs have a high potential for abuse but may have accepted medical uses with severe restrictions. APRNs can prescribe them, but with limitations such as restrictions on refills and dosage quantities.
- Schedule III: These drugs have a moderate to low potential for abuse and may have accepted medical uses. APRNs can prescribe them with fewer restrictions compared to Schedule II drugs.
- Schedule IV: These drugs have a low potential for abuse relative to Schedule III drugs and have accepted medical uses. APRNs can prescribe them with fewer restrictions compared to Schedule II and III drugs.
- Schedule V: These drugs have a lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV drugs and have accepted medical uses. APRNs can prescribe them with fewer restrictions compared to Schedule II, III, and IV drugs.