Pharmacological Principles and Nursing Considerations
Foundational Pharmacology and Medication Administration
Pharmacokinetics is a fundamental concept of pharmacology that describes how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body. Pharmacokinetics helps predict drug interactions and therapeutic effects for nurses. Among the fundamental principles of administering medications are the “five rights”: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, and right time (Hanson & Haddad, 2023). These principles help ensure patient safety by minimizing medication errors: Pharmacological Principles and Nursing Considerations.
Biological and Pharmacological Principles
Drug absorption is a critical biological principle that determines the efficacy of medication. Gastric pH, food intake, and enzymatic activity affect the rate of drug access to the systemic circulation (Katzung et al., 2021). Nurses must assess these factors to facilitate optimal drug absorption and therapeutic efficacy.
Body System and Medication Classification
The cardiovascular system plays a crucial role in maintaining hemodynamic stability. A common drug class used for cardiovascular disorders is beta-blockers (for example, metoprolol). Beta-blockers bring about their effect by blocking beta-adrenergic receptors, which decrease blood pressure and heart rate and hence cardiac workload, thereby preventing such complications as myocardial infarctions.
Pain or Inflammation Medication
Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is usually administered to treat pain and inflammation (Ghlichloo & Gerriets, 2023). Ibuprofen inhibits the production of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, thereby preventing prostaglandin synthesis and alleviating pain and inflammation. Gastrointestinal (GI) upset and bleeding monitoring are among the nursing implications since NSAIDs disrupt gastric ulcers, especially in long-term therapy.
Special Populations
NSAID use must be done cautiously in older patients due to the possibility of renal failure and GI side effects. Dose adjustments or alternative methods of pain management may be necessary to prevent adverse effects.
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
In combining alternative and complementary treatments with pharmacotherapy, nurses have to screen for potential interactions. For instance, patients taking NSAIDs need to be cautioned against the overuse of herbal supplements like ginkgo biloba, which increases the risk of bleeding (NHS, 2021). Evidence-based education ensures the safe and effective use of medications alongside alternative treatments.
References
Ghlichloo, I., & Gerriets, V. (2023, May 1). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547742/
Hanson, A., & Haddad, L. M. (2023, September 4). Nursing rights of medication administration. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560654/
Katzung, B. G., Kruidering-Hall, M., Tuan, R. L., Vanderah, T. W., & Trevor, A. J. (2021). Katzung & Trevor’s pharmacology examination and board review (13th ed.). McGraw Hill Professional.
NHS. (2021, December 14). Taking or using ibuprofen with other medicines and herbal supplements. Nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/taking-ibuprofen-with-other-medicines-and-herbal-supplements/
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Question 
PHARM WEEK 10 Instructions for One-Page Written Reflection Assignment: Pharmacological Principles and Nursing Considerations
Instructions for One-Page Written Reflection Assignment: Pharmacological Principles and Nursing Considerations
Objective:
- This assignment will help you synthesize foundational pharmacology concepts and apply them to nursing care in a concise format.
Instructions:
Write a one-page paper addressing the following topics. Be concise and focus on key points to demonstrate your understanding. Use APA formatting with a title page and a reference list (not included in the one-page limit). Include at least 2 professional references from textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, or reputable professional websites.
Pharmacological Principles and Nursing Considerations
Required Content
- Foundational Pharmacology and Medication Administration
- Briefly describe one foundational principle of pharmacology (e.g., pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics).
- Briefly describe one principle of medication administration (e.g., the “five rights”).
- Biological and Pharmacological Principles
- Discuss one biological or pharmacological principle (e.g., drug absorption, distribution, or elimination).
- Body System and Medication Classification
- Identify one body system (e.g., cardiovascular, respiratory, or nervous system).
- Name a medication classification related to this system and describe its basic actions on the body.
- Pain or Inflammation Medication
- Identify one medication used to treat pain or inflammation.
- Include one nursing consideration or concern when administering this medication.
- Special Populations
- State one consideration for special populations (e.g., pediatrics, geriatrics, or pregnancy) related to the medication mentioned above.
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies
- Briefly describe one nursing consideration for combining complementary and alternative therapies with pharmacotherapies.
Format Guidelines:
- Length: The paper must be one page
- Font: Use 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins.
- Headings: Organize your content using APA Level 1 headings to ensure clarity