Purpose

The purpose of this interactive discussion is to allow for a discovery of the clinical decision-making process that guides the appropriate clinical use of pharmacologic agents used in the treatment of acute disorders across the adult lifespan. The development of evidence-based prescribing practice supports the professional formation of the AGACNP practice role.

Activity Learning Outcomes

Through this discussion, the student will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Summarize the clinical utilization of pharmaceutical agents for specific diseases with rationale. (COs 1, 2, 3, 5, 6)
2. Evaluate alternative perspectives on clinical management of selected diseases with pharmaceutical agents and articulate a substantial rationale that supports further discussion and healthy debate. (COs 1, 2, 3, 5, 6)

Due Date

The initial response to the chosen discussion question is due by Wednesday 11:59 pm MT. Subsequent posts, including substantive responses to peer(s) and faculty questions, must occur by Sunday 11:59 pm MT. A total of 3 substantive posts are required on 3 different days.

A 10% late penalty will be imposed for initial discussions posted after the deadline on Wednesday at 11:59 pm MT, regardless of the number of days late. NOTHING will be accepted after 11:59 pm MT on Sunday (0 points are earned).

A 10% penalty will be imposed for not entering the minimum number of interactive dialogue posts (3) OR not posting on the minimum required number of days (3). NOTHING will be accepted after 11:59 pm MT on Sunday (0 points are earned).

Total Points Possible

This assignment is worth 100 points.

Preparing the Assignment

Follow these guidelines when completing each component of the assignment. Contact your course faculty if you have questions.

1. Answer the question that corresponds with the 1st letter of your last name only, do not respond to any other questions in your initial post (see table below).
2. Post your initial response to the discussion question by the due date.
3. Post substantial replies to peer and faculty by the due date.
4. Good writing calls for the limited use of direct quotes. Direct quotes in discussions are to be limited to one short quotation (not to exceed 15 words). The quote must add substantively to the discussion.

If your name begins with the letters…

Answer this question…

A-G

You are working in the Emergency Department and a 20-year-old female with history of intravenous drug abuse presents with concern of septic shock. What are the considerations in choosing the appropriate antibiotic for this patient? Explain your thought process, questions you would need to ask, and what antibiotic you would order, and when.

H-M

How does the empiric pharmacological therapy differ in a patient with healthcare-associated meningitis (such as a neurosurgical patient with an external ventricular drain) as compared to a healthy adult with community-acquired bacterial meningitis? Explain your rationale.

N-S

You are admitting a 78-year-old male smoker with hx of asthma into the intensive care unit for a diagnosis of hospital acquired pneumonia. He was admitted three weeks ago with pneumonia and discharged to home on azithromycin after a 2-day hospitalization. What antimicrobial treatment will you order on his ICU admission now? Explain your rationale.

T-Z

What would be the alternative empiric pharmacological therapy for a 50-year-old male with a history of anaphylaxis to cephalosporins? Explain your rationale.

**To see view the grading criteria/rubric, please click on the 3 dots in the box at the end of the solid gray bar above the discussion board title and then Show Rubric. 

Last name initial is P.

References can’t be no more than 5 years old, unless it’s a recent CPG.