Assignment
Purpose
Problem-based learning is a methodology designed to help students develop the reasoning process used in clinical practice through problem solving actual patient problems in the same manner as they occur in practice. The purpose of this activity is to develop students' clinical reasoning skills using a case-based learning exercise. Through participation in an online discussion forum, students identify learning issues in a self-directed manner which facilitates learning for the entire group.
Activity Learning Outcomes
Through this discussion, the student will demonstrate the ability to:
• Synthesize clinical knowledge, didactic learning and research findings to provide appropriate pharmacological care to primary care patients.
Case Study
Margaret is a 59-year-old Caucasian female who presents to the clinic for follow-up of her hypertension. She reports that she has a worsening of a tremor in her hand over the last few months. She was seen by a neurologist previously and was diagnosed with an essential tremor but opted to not take medication because it wasn't particularly bothersome. She reports now that she has difficulty pouring a drink, drinking from a cup, using utensils to eat, and writing or drawing. Margaret also reports that since you started her on Clonidine last month for her blood pressure, she has been having some difficulties with headaches, dizziness, dry mouth and difficulty urinating. You plan to discontinue the clonidine.
Past Medical History: Hypertension, essential tremor and seasonal allergies.
Surgical History: Tonsillectomy.
Family History: Mother HTN & essential tremor, Father Diabetes, Sister Diabetes all deceased.
Social History: Denies tobacco use, wine one to two glasses a week, denies recreational drugs, exercises twice a week.
Allergies: NKA
Current medications: Multivitamin with Iron 1 tab PO daily, Claritin 10mg daily PO prn for allergies, Clonidine 0.1mg PO BID
All vaccines up to date.
Vitals: Height 57 inches, Weight 145 pounds, BP 156/85, P 70, R 16.
Physical exam is normal.
i. What are your treatment goals for Margaret today?
ii. What is your pharmacological plan and rationale? (cite with appropriate clinical practice guidelines or scholarly peer-reviewed articles and always include medication name, strength, dosage form, route, frequency and duration when making recommendations)
iii. Pick one medication from your response above and list five patient-centered teaching points for the medication.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
i) The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
ii) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
iii) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.