NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion: Decision Making When Treating Psychological Disorders
NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion. Psychological disorders, such as depression, bipolar, and anxiety disorders can present several complications for patients of all ages. These disorders affect patients physically and emotionally, potentially impacting judgment, school and/or job performance, and relationships with family and friends. Since these disorders have many 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 ensure the safe and effective diagnosis, treatment, and education of patients with psychological disorders.
For this NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion, you will select an interactive media piece to practice decision making when treating patients with psychological disorders. You will recommend the most effective pharmacotherapeutic to treat the psychological disorder presented and examine potential impacts of pharmacotherapeutics on a patient’s pathophysiology.
To Prepare
Review this week’s interactive media pieces and select one to focus on for this Discussion.
Reflect on the decision steps in the interactive media pieces, and consider the potential impacts from the administration of the associated pharmacotherapeutics on the patient’s pathophysiology. NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion
By Day 3 of Week 8
Post a brief explanation of the psychological disorder presented and the decision steps you applied in completing the interactive media piece for the psychological disorder you selected. Then, explain how the administration of the associated pharmacotherapeutics you recommended may impact the patient’s pathophysiology. How might these potential impacts inform how you would suggest treatment plans for this patient? Be specific and provide examples. NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion
NURS 6521 Week 8 Discussion Answer
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Assessment and Pharmacological Management
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a psychological condition characterized by persistent, excessive worry and anxiety related to everyday events, often lacking apparent reasons or proportionality to the situation. Individuals with GAD typically experience profound distress concerning various aspects of life, including employment, health, finances, education, and family. Despite the high level of worry, patients with GAD may not exhibit physical symptoms. For instance, upon examination, the patient displays a normal cardiac rhythm without any murmur, and there are no signs of peripheral edema. The capillary refilling rate falls within the range of 0 to 1.5.
It is worth highlighting that many GAD patients experience remission, although childhood adverse experiences are recognized as significant predictors of recurrence, as suggested by Kelly and Mezuk (2017). Therefore, addressing the condition and preventing recurrence is crucial.
In managing GAD, pharmacological treatment emerges as the most effective approach for alleviating symptoms. Benzodiazepines have demonstrated substantial efficacy in reducing the symptoms associated with GAD. Additionally, the availability of new alprazolam formulations has contributed to improved treatment options. These recommendations are made due to their potential for fewer adverse effects and a positive impact on the patient’s quality of life. However, it’s essential to acknowledge the importance of comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment plans to ensure the most suitable approach for each patient.
[Reference: Kelly, S. J., & Mezuk, B. (2017). Childhood adversity and risk of GAD recurrence: A prospective study in primary care. Depression and Anxiety, 34(6), 538-546.]
