Unit VIII Essay
Instructions
Special Populations
There are various considerations that must be taken into account when initiating drug therapies in a geriatric, pediatric, or pregnant patient. In a well-developed essay, discuss pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics that apply when initiating one particular drug (your selection) in a geriatric, pediatric, or pregnant patient. Be sure to address information learned regarding the musculoskeletal and optic systems in your selected patient population.Include the following elements in your essay:
- an introduction statement presenting your population choice and drug,
- discussion of the population and pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics applicable to the selected drug,
- considerations regarding the effects of these factors on the musculoskeletal and optic systems, and
- a conclusion that includes a “take-home” statement of what you learned.
Your completed essay must be at least two pages in length. Include at least two outside resources, one of which may be your textbook, and one of which must come from the CSU Online Library. Adhere to APA Style when creating citations and references for this assignment. APA formatting, however, is not necessary.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
When it comes to initiating drug therapies in geriatric, pediatric, or pregnant populations, there are several considerations that need to be taken into account. Each population has its unique pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics that can have an impact on the safety and efficacy of the drug therapy. In this essay, we will discuss the pharmacodynamics/pharmacokinetics that apply when initiating the drug albuterol in a pediatric population.
Discussion:
Albuterol is a beta-2 adrenergic agonist that is commonly used to treat bronchospasm in patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory conditions. In a pediatric population, albuterol requires special consideration due to several factors that can affect its efficacy and safety.
Pharmacodynamics is the study of how drugs affect the body, while pharmacokinetics is the study of how the body affects drugs. In pediatric populations, both pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics can differ from those in adult populations. Children have a higher metabolic rate, which can lead to faster drug clearance and a shorter half-life. Additionally, children can experience more significant side effects due to their smaller body size and reduced physiological reserves.
When it comes to the musculoskeletal system, albuterol can affect muscle function due to its ability to stimulate beta-2 adrenergic receptors. In a pediatric population, excessive dosing can result in muscle tremors, which can impact fine motor control and coordination. This effect can be especially problematic for children who require precise motor control during activities such as writing, drawing or playing sports.
Regarding the optic system, albuterol can cause blurred vision, which can affect a child’s performance in school or other activities that require visual acuity. Excessive dosing can result in persistent blurred vision or other ocular symptoms such as seeing spots.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, when initiating albuterol in pediatric patients, special attention needs to be paid to dose adjustments and potential side effects. Children have unique pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles, which can impact the efficacy and safety of albuterol. Additionally, albuterol can affect the musculoskeletal and optic systems, which can impair a child’s abilities to participate actively in school activities. Therefore, healthcare practitioners must keep these considerations in mind when prescribing albuterol for children.
