Activity 3.3.3 Rx - Understanding Prescriptions PDF

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PLTW HBS 3.3.3 Understanding Prescriptions. Coursework....

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Activity 3.3.3 Rx - Understanding Prescriptions Procedure 1: Review the Pharmacology Basics presentation. PLTW LABORATORY NOTEBOOK a. Record notes about the different ways in which drugs are administered. -

There are many ways that drugs can be administered depending on the dosage and the route of drug administration. Some different routes of drug administration include oral or through the mouth, intramuscular which is injected directly into large muscle groups like the shoulder, thigh or hip, intravenous injections given directly into a vein, nasal or to the nose, ophthalmic, which is in the eyes, and otic, in the ears. b. Describe why is it important that a pharmacist knows each medication that a person is taking before they provide a new drug.

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To administer a drug safely, doctors must know the usual dose, the route of administration, side effects, and major drug interactions. The pharmacist must know each medication the person is taking before they provide a new drug to ensure that no harm will occur with the interaction of the new drug with previous medications.

Rescue.

Control.

Procedure 5: For each prescription, complete the following: a. Determine whether the name of the medication is the generic name or a brand name. If it is a brand name, write the generic name of the medication on the prescription -

Accolate is the brand name for Zafirlukast and Albuterol sulfate is a generic name. b. Describe in simple terms how and when Melissa is to take this medication. Provide a key that explains each prescription abbreviation.

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Melissa is supposed to take a 10-milligram tablet of Accolate twice a day after meals. She is to take 1-2 inhalations of Albuterol sulfate every 4-6 hours as needed or 2 inhalations before exercise. c. Research how each of the drugs works to help treat and control asthma. Determine which medication is the “rescue” medication and which is the long-term control medication.

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Write “RESCUE” and “CONTROL” at the top of the appropriate prescription to help Melissa remember which is which.

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Write a one- to two-sentence description of how each medication works in the Medications section of the Medical History Resource Sheet.

Albuterol relaxes and opens air passages to the lungs to make breathing easier in case of an emergency. Accolate works by blocking chemicals produced by the body called leukotrienes. Leukotrienes cause the lining of the breathing passages of the lung to swell. When used regularly, it helps to reduce inflammation in the lining of the airways to make breathing easier. d. Research the most common side effects of each medication. Add a paragraph in the Medications section of the Medical History Resource Sheet that lists these side effects and alerts Melissa to when she should seek medical attention regarding any reaction to the drugs.

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Most common side effects of Accolate include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, headache, or cold-like symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing or sore throat. Most common side effects of Albuterol include shakiness, headache, sore throat or nasal irritation, or muscle aches. In a more severe yet less common case, it can also produce a rapid heart rate also known as tachycardia.

ETHICAL SCENARIO Prescription medications have greatly improved the prevention, treatment, and control of countless medical conditions. But sometimes, as medicines treat one condition, they cause harmful side effects or impact other body systems. Some medications used to treat sleep disorders can cause hallucinations or memory loss while a person is taking them. Other medications can have more serious, long-term side effects. Corticosteroids, often used to treat inflammatory issues, such as arthritis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), and

Crohn’s disease, can lead to osteoporosis. Chemotherapy drugs, drugs to treat atypical heart rhythms, and some antibiotics can cause a condition referred to as “drug-induced pulmonary fibrosis,” which can permanently scar lung tissue making it difficult to breathe. Should medications that can cause long-term side effects be allowed to come to market (approved by the FDA)? How would you weigh the risks and benefits of medical treatment either for yourself or for someone you care about? -

I believe that medications that cause long-term side effects should be allowed to come to market. Regardless of the side effects, taking medication can cure your disease or help to better control it. It all depends on the person’s body because before prescribing a medication, the doctor must check the patient’s medical history to check if the patient is allergic to any medication and if they are currently taking any that can interfere.

Reflection Question: In an emergency situation, why is a drug most commonly delivered by injection versus an oral route? -

In an emergency situation, the drug is commonly delivered by injection versus an oral route because the medication gets into the blood faster than an oral dose and in the case of an emergency where the patient might be unconscious, they might not be able to swallow a pill.

Reflection Question: Why do you think Melissa is instructed to use the albuterol inhaler prior to exercise and before she ever has any symptoms? -

I think Melissa is instructed to use the albuterol inhaler prior to exercise and before she ever has any symptoms to prevent breathing difficulties because it was determined in Med History 2 that she had breathing difficulties at dance (during exercise).

Conclusion Questions: 1. Describe how albuterol provides relief to asthma patients. Refer to relevant respiratory anatomy as well as the changes that occur in the airways of an asthmatic. -

Albuterol relaxes and opens air passages to the lungs to make breathing easier. It provides relief from an asthma attack by relaxing the smooth muscles in your airways.

2. Describe how Accolate® helps control asthma. Refer to relevant respiratory anatomy as well as the changes that occur in the airways of an asthmatic. -

Accolate works by blocking chemicals produced by the body called leukotrienes. Leukotrienes cause the lining of the breathing passages of the lung to swell. When used regularly, it helps to reduce inflammation in the lining of the airways to make breathing easier.

3. Why is it important for Melissa to have a follow-up with her physician after she begins using these medications? -

It is important because her physician can see if the medication is working, what the side effects have been and to see if Melissa needs a new medication plan....