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.

Walden University| NURS 6521 – Advanced Pharmacology | Walden University

The following is a brief introduction to the topic:

It can be difficult for advanced practice nursing staff to diagnose GI and hepatobiliary conditions because the symptoms are often similar. In this case study, a patient presents with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, with a history of drug abuse and possible Hepatitis C. This paper provides a diagnosis, an appropriate drug therapy plan based on the patient’s history, diagnosis, and drugs currently prescribed, and a revised drug therapy list.

Diagnosis

Based on the patient’s symptoms and history, the patient’s nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may be related to GI and hepatobiliary disorders or other factors such as drug abuse or Hepatitis C. To diagnose the patient’s condition, a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical history and physical examination is required, including laboratory tests and imaging studies. The patient’s history of drug abuse and possible Hepatitis C makes it necessary to rule out any potential drug-related or viral-related GI and hepatobiliary disorders.

Plan of appropriate drug therapy

If the patient is diagnosed with a GI disorder such as gastroenteritis, an antiemetic may be prescribed to alleviate nausea and vomiting. In the case of gastroenteritis or other GI disorders, antiemetic drugs such as promethazine, ondansetron, and metoclopramide may be prescribed. A loperamide antidiarrheal can be used to treat diarrhea.

If the patient is diagnosed with a hepatobiliary disorder such as hepatitis, an antiviral medication such as sofosbuvir, daclatasvir, or ledipasvir/sofosbuvir may be prescribed to manage Hepatitis C. The antiviral medications should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

If you experience drug-related side effects, it may be best to discontinue the drug that caused them. The patient’s current medications, including Synthroid, Nifedipine, and Prednisone, should be evaluated for any potential drug interactions that may worsen the patient’s symptoms.

List of Drugs for Treatment Revised

After evaluating the patient’s medical history and diagnosis, the following revised drug therapy list is recommended:

1. Do not take Prednisone because of possible side effects on the gastrointestinal tract and interactions with other drugs.
2. When a patient has been diagnosed with gastroenteritis,

Prescribe 4-8 mg of ondansetron orally, every 8 hours.

If you have diarrhea, prescribe loperamide orally at a dose of 2-4mg every 4 to 6 hours.

3. When a patient has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C,

a. Prescribe ledipasvir/sofosbuvir 90/400 mg orally once daily with food for 12-24 weeks.

Justification

The recommended drug therapy plan is based on the patient’s medical history, diagnosis, and current medications. Prednisone should be discontinued due to possible drug interactions or gastrointestinal side-effects. For gastroenteritis, ondansetron or loperamide can help reduce nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir is an effective treatment for Hepatitis C and should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

The conclusion of the article is:

Diagnosing and treating GI and hepatobiliary disorders require a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s medical history and symptoms. Based on the patient’s history and symptoms, an appropriate drug therapy plan can be recommended. In order to manage GI and hepatobiliary problems, you must discontinue the causative drug, prescribe antidiarrheals or antivirals, as well as prescribing antiemetics. When prescribing medications to treat symptoms, healthcare professionals need to be informed about potential side effects and drug interactions.

Referrals

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Vir