Mini-Cases Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example

Mini-Cases Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example

Patient 1

Pristiq is associated with several side effects: dry mouth, headache, nausea, increased sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fever, restlessness, insomnia, fatigue, and tremor (Moderie et al., 2022). However, these symptoms improve within a week or two after starting the medication. Nonetheless, the medication is appropriate to treat the patient’s condition. Pristiq is approved by the Federal Drugs Authority (FDA) to treat the major depressive disorder. Patients prescribed 50 mg to 400mg per day reported their depression score lowered by 3.3 points following eight weeks of treatment. Although it is mainly used for depression, it may be prescribed off-label for anxiety. However, 3% of patients prescribed the medication experience anxiety as a side effect, which indicates the need to change the medication (Moderie et al., 2022). In this regard, I would recommend azapirones to help treat anxiety. Some of the side effects include headaches, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, and restlessness, which are more tolerable than benzodiazepines and SSRIs. (Mini-Cases Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example)

Patient 2

Some of the side effects of Adderall include headaches and a change in appetite and sleep. While the patient is nine years old, he may experience emotional liability, fever, insomnia, abdominal pain, nausea, and nervousness (Moderie et al., 2022). While Adderall XR is effective in treating ADHD, it should be taken in the morning, and one should maintain taking the medication at the same time for best results. In this case, the patient has the right dosage but takes the medication at noon, which reduces its effectiveness. Therefore, I would recommend dexmethylphenidate, which treats ADHD for patients above five years. However, it is associated with tiredness, decreased pleasure, and mood swings which reduce with time.(Mini-Cases Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example)

Patient 3

Abilify Maintena often leads to lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision, weight gain, tremors, and drowsiness. Based on the presented case, the patient has not adhered to the medication despite being prescribed for the third time. Therefore, it is not effective and needs to be changed. One of the best alternatives to the medication is Lamictal, which stabilizes mood among patients with bipolar disorder (Gobbi et al., 2018). Some of the common side effects of this medication are nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, runny nose, and insomnia which are manageable. This medication rarely causes a potential fatal rash which may require its discontinuation. (Mini-Cases Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example)

Patient 4

Paroxetine causes dizziness, nausea, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, dry mouth, yawning, blurred vision, sweating, and drowsiness (Moderie et al., 2022). Also, quetiapine is associated with weakness, constipation, indigestion, dry mouth, weakness, and pain in the ears, back, neck and joints. In the given case, the medication effectively treats mental disorders and insomnia as the patient is aged. Nonetheless, the Paroxetine dosage is okay as it should not surpass 40mg, while quetiapine 400mg can help the patient have a proper sleep. However, the medication may cause long-term health effects such as increased blood sugar, weight gain, and tardive dyskinesia. Therefore, an alternative to this medication is trazodone 100mg, which induces sleep (Gobbi et al., 2018). It is cheaper than other alternatives. However, the medication may lead to dizziness, nervousness, tiredness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects are manageable, which increases the effectiveness of the medication.(Mini-Cases Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example)

Patient 5

Clonazepam is associated with drowsiness, frequent urination, muscle, and joint pain, memory and thinking difficulties, unsteadiness, increased saliva, and coordination problems(Mini-Cases Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example)

(Moderie et al., 2022). Clonazepam should be given at a dosage of 2.5-6.0mg, but the initial dosage is often 0.5 mg to 1mg per day. Therefore, the medication is effective in addressing the major depressive disorder. Additionally, clonazepam effectively reduces menopause symptoms, making it safe for the patient. However, I would recommend venlafaxine, which effectively treats menopause symptoms (Moderie et al., 2022). It is associated with manageable side effects, including headache, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, weakness, stomach aches, and tiredness.(Mini-Cases Comprehensive Nursing Paper Example)