Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Systems assignment
Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Systems
Scenario 1
Correction of Medication Errors, Medications Classification and The Mechanism of Action (MOA)
In linaglipton 5 mg PO daily #30 5 RF, the drug is wrongly spelled. The correct medication spelling is linagliptin, 5mg PO daily #30 and 5 refills. It belongs to the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors class of medication. It inhibits DPP-enzyme, prolongs incretin action, increases insulin secretion and decreases glucagon secretion (Kabil et al., 2025).
The error in tresiba, inject 10 units SC TID with meals #1 box of 5 pens 1 RF is frequency. It should be administered once daily (OD) and not TID. The correct prescription is tresiba inject 10 units SC OD with meals #1 box of 5 pens 1 RF. It is a long-acting basal insulin analog. It acts by forming a multi-hexamer after injection through insulin degludec, resulting in a slow and continuous absorption in the bloodstream, causing long-lasting and stable glucose-lowering effects (Paavola et al., 2024).
The error is in administration and frequency in tiotropium (Spiriva) 2.5 mcg PO BID #60 1 RF. It is administered through inhalation once daily (OD). The correct prescription is tiotropium (Spiriva) 2.5 mcg inhalation, two inhalations OD #60, 1 refill. It is classified as a bronchodilator, a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA). It acts through inhibition of the cholinergic effects of acetylcholine by binding to the muscarinic receptors M3 in the bronchial smooth musculature to produce bronchodilation and smooth muscle relaxation (Kaplan & Chang, (2021).
In Qulipta 60 mg PRN for migraine #30 1 RF, the medication is not to be used Pro re nata (PRN) but for prevention of migraine. The correct prescription is Qulipta 60 mg PO OD #30, 1 refill. It is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist. It acts by inhibiting CGRP receptors, thus reducing the migraine frequency (Switzer et al., 2022).
The error is on the dosage of levothyroxine 88 mg PO daily #30 5 RF. The correct dosage is levothyroxine 88mcg PO OD #30, 5 refills. It should be 88 micrograms (mcg), not milligrams (mg). It is classified as a hormone, a thyroid hormone replacement. It acts by replacing thyroxine (T4) in case of inadequacy of the thyroid gland, thus normalizing metabolism (Effraimidis et al., 2021).
Scenario 2
Treatment Plan to Implement for PK
To control her persistent asthma and achieve a better outcome, I would step up her treatment by combining an inhaler with medium-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) plus a Long-acting Beta 2 agonist (LABA) from low-dose ICS (Murphy & Solis, 2021). I would continue albuterol, a short-acting beta-agonist, while addressing inhaler adherence and technique.
Medication Changes
I would discontinue low-dose ICS monotherapy, Flovent HFA 44 mcg two puffs BID. I would start a medium dose of ICS plus LABA, Advair HFA 115-21 mcg 2 puffs BID (Laitano et al., 2024). I would continue albuterol HFA 90 mcg two puffs Q 4-6-hour PRN shortness of breath. I would also continue fexofenadine 180 mg PO daily. I would review diphenhydramine 50 mg for possible sedation to consider limiting or discontinuing.
Complete Medication Error
Fluticasone (Advair) HFA 115-21 mcg 2 puffs BID #120, 1 refill (Tashkin et al., 2021).
Albuterol HFA 90 mcg two puffs Q 4-6-hour PRN shortness of breath.
Fexofenadine 180 mg PO daily, #30, 5 refills.
Monitoring the Effectiveness of the Plan
I would ensure four weekly follow-ups to reassess the frequency of symptoms, use of albuterol as well as overall control (Panettieri Jr et al., 2024).
Ensure she has a diary of symptoms on nighttime awakenings, daytime symptoms, and albuterol use.
Ensure lung function is assessed by checking spirometry during follow-up.
Side effects monitoring like palpitations from LABA and dysphonia or oral thrush from ICS.
Also, daily controller inhaler adherence evaluation.
Patient Education to Provide
I would demonstrate the correct inhaler technique.
I would also emphasize the essentiality of daily controller inhaler use even when feeling better.
I would emphasize that albuterol is not for regular use but for rescue purposes in case of an asthma attack.
I would educate her on triggers and how to avoid triggers like environmental pollutants, smoke and allergens.
Advise her to seek urgent medical care in case of exacerbation of symptoms like severe breathlessness.
Scenario 3
Information I Would Provide to ES During His Visit
I would explain the importance of drug adherence to lower the risk of kidney disease, heart attack, stroke as well as other complications.
I would enquire about the side effects experienced with the use of bisoprolol and give an alternative tolerated antihypertensive.
I would explain lifestyle modifications like low sodium diet, weight loss, limiting alcohol intake, cessation of smoking and regular physical activity.
Explain to him that calcium channel blockers or thiazide are the best first-line hypertension treatment for African American patients.
The Goal Blood Pressure
The goal blood pressure is 130/80mmHg (Wang et al., 2023).
Hypertension Treatment as Per Current Guidelines
Calcium channel blockers and thiazide diuretics medications are the first-line medications for African American patients (Maraboto & Ferdinand, 2020). Also, two antihypertensive agents should be started if blood pressure is above 20/10mmHg above the goal blood pressure (Whelton et al., 2022).
Improving Treatment Plan for ES
I would discontinue beta-blocker bisoprolol because it is not the first line for African American patients.
I would start with low dose Amlodipine 5 milligram (mg) tablets, 1 tablet PO once daily (OD) #30, 2 refills and Chlorthalidone 12.5 milligram (mg) tablets, 1 tablet PO once daily (OD) #30, 2 refills.
Then, I would ensure two to four weeks of follow-up to recheck the blood pressure to determine the need for titration or discontinuation.
I would monitor electrolytes as well as renal function while using chlorthalidone.
Scenario 4
His Goal AIC
His AIC goal is less than 8%. It balances his safety and glycemic benefits by reducing hypoglycemia risk while supporting his safer treatment approach suitable for Alzheimer’s disease and Chronic Kidney disease (ADA, 2024). His treatment is individualized because he has severe comorbidities like CKD and he has cognitive limitations due to Alzheimer’s.
Best Medication to Prescribe for TF
I would prescribe semaglutide and sitagliptin as an alternative in case the injection is impractical. Semaglutide (Ozempic) 0.25 mg SC once weekly medication is a GLP-1 agonist that promotes weight loss, suppresses glucagon secretion and enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion. For TF, it has the benefits of reducing weight if he is overweight, reduces cardiovascular events and has low hypoglycemia risk safer in Alzheimer’s disease and stage 4 CKD. It is safe in an eGFR of 28, as in the TF case (Vambe et al., 2024). Its prescription is Semaglutide (Ozempic) 0.25 mg SC once weekly.
Sitagliptin (Januvia) is a dipeptidyl peptidase – (DPP-) inhibitor that acts by reducing postprandial glucagon levels, increasing endogenous GLP-1 levels and enhancing the release of glucose-dependent insulin. In the TF case, it can be used if an injection is not possible. It has the benefits of fewer side effects, is taken orally, lowers the risk of hypoglycemia, and is safe for stage CKD. Its prescription is sitagliptin (Januvia) 50 mg PO daily #30, 1 refill.
References
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Effraimidis, G., Watt, T., & Feldt-Rasmussen, U. (2021). Levothyroxine therapy in elderly patients with hypothyroidism.
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, 641560. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.641560
Kabil, M. F., Lababidi, J. M., & Azzazy, H. M. E. S. (2025). Linagliptin: A comprehensive profile.
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Laitano, R., Calzetta, L., Matino, M., Pistocchini, E., & Rogliani, P. (2024). Asthma management with triple ICS/LABA/LAMA combination to reduce the risk of exacerbation: an umbrella review compliant with the PRIOR statement.
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Panettieri Jr, R. A., Chipps, B. E., Skolnik, N., George, M., Murphy, K., & Lugogo, N. (2024). The use of albuterol/budesonide as reliever therapy to reduce asthma exacerbations.
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Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Systems assignment
Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Systems
Symptoms of various gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatobiliary disorders often overlap, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. For example, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea are non-specific and could also be the result of underlying medical history or current prescription drug use. As an advanced practice nurse, you could be potentially responsible for providing care to a patient who may present with non-specific symptoms related to the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary systems.
When selecting drugs and determining dosages for patients, it is essential to consider individual patient factors that might impact the patient’s pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes. These patient factors include genetics, gender, ethnicity, age, behavior (ie diet, nutrition, smoking, alcohol, illicit drug abuse), and/or pathophysiological changes due to disease.
Case studies are a useful way for you to apply your knowledge of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic aspects of pharmacology to specific patient cases and health histories.
Evaluate drug treatment plans for patients with various disorders and justify drug therapy plans based on patient history and diagnosis.
DIRECTIONS (please keep references between 2020-2025)
For each of the scenarios below, answer the questions using your learning resources, Medscape, and clinical practice guidelines (ie JNC 8, AHA, ACC etc). Lecturio is an optional resource but highly recommended. Be sure to thoroughly answer ALL questions. When recommending medications, write out a complete medication order. What would you send to a pharmacy? Include drug, dose, route, frequency, special instructions, # dispensed (days supply) and refill information. Also state if you would continue, discontinue or taper the patient’s current medications. Review and discuss ALL labs and possible interactions. Use at least 3 sources for each scenario and cite sources using APA format; include in-text citations. You do not need an introduction or conclusion paragraph. Please also review assignment rubric.
SCENARIO 1
What are the errors in the following prescriptions (5 total)? Rewrite each prescription correctly. What is each medication classification? What is the mechanism of action (MOA)?
linaglipton 5 mg PO daily #30 5 RF
Tresiba inject 10 units SC TID with meals #1 box of 5 pens 1 RF
tiotropium (Spiriva) 2.5 mcg PO BID #60 1 RF
Qulipta 60 mg PRN for migraine #30 1 RF
levothyroxine 88 mg PO daily #30 5 RF
SCENARIO 2
PK is a 16-year-old female diagnosed with mild persistent asthma since age 12. During her visit today, she reports having to use her albuterol MDI 3 days per week over the past 2 months. Over the past week she has been using albuterol at least once per day. She reports being awakened by a cough 5 nights during the last month. She also has a fluticasone MDI, which she uses “most days of the week.” Her current medications include: Flovent HFA 44 mcg two puffs BID, Proventil HFA two puffs Q 4-6 hr PRN shortness of breath, fexofenadine 180 mg po daily, diphenhydramine 50 mg qhs prn. What treatment plan would you implement for PK? What medication changes would you make? Include a complete medication order. How would you monitor the effectiveness of this plan, and what patient education would you provide?
SCENARIO 3
ES is a 45-year-old African American male that was prescribed bisoprolol for his high blood pressure. Blood pressure today is 142/89 HR 60 RR 15. He states that he only occasionally takes the medication because he does not like the side effects. What information would you provide to the patient at his visit? What is his goal blood pressure? How is hypertension treated per current guidelines (JNC 8, ACC, AHA)? How would you improve his treatment? Include a complete medication order Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Systems assignment.
SCENARIO 4
TF is a 60-year-old male presenting to the clinic for medication refills. Current medications include acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil 5 mg po qhs, anti-amyloid monoclonal antibody lecanemab (Leqembi) 10 mg/kg IV every 2 weeks for early Alzheimer’s disease, and atorvastatin 40 mg po daily. His lab work today includes: fasting BG is 195 mg/dL; HgA1C = 8.5%. Basic Metabolic Profile (BMP) is normal except for Cr 1.9 and eGRF 28. What is his goal A1C? Please SELECT and DISCUSS which of the following would be best to prescribe for TF:
canagliflozin (Invokana) 100 mg PO daily
exenatide (Byetta) 5 mcg SC twice daily
glimepiride 1 mg PO daily
glyburide 2.5 mg PO daily
metformin 500 mg PO daily
semaglutide (Ozempic) 0.25 mg SC once weekly
sitagliptin (Januvia) 50 mg PO daily
Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Systems assignment