Gastrointestinal And Hepatobiliary Disorders
Gastrointestinal (GI) and hepatobiliary disorders affect the structure and function of the GI tract. Many of these
disorders often have similar symptoms, such as abdominal pain, cramping, constipation, nausea, bloating, and
fatigue. Since multiple disorders can be tied to the same symptoms, it is important for advanced practice nurses Symptoms of many of these diseases are often the same, like stomach pain, cramps, constipation, nausea, bloating, and tiredness. Since the same symptoms can point to more than one disease, it is important for advanced practice nurses to be able to tell the difference.
to carefully look at each patient and give them a treatment that focuses on the cause, not just the symptoms.
to carefully evaluate patients and prescribe a treatment that targets the cause rather than the symptom.
Once the underlying cause is identified, an appropriate drug therapy plan can be recommended based on medical
history and individual patient factors. Examine a case study of a patient who presents with symptoms of a
possible GI/hepatobiliary disorder, and you design an appropriate drug therapy plan.
Patient HL comes into the clinic with the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The patient has a
history of drug abuse and possible Hepatitis C. HL is currently taking the following prescription drugs:
Synthroid 100 mcg daily
Nifedipine 30 mg daily
Prednisone 10 mg daily
To Prepare
Review the case study
Reflect on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and drugs currently prescribed.
Think about a possible diagnosis for the patient. Consider whether the patient has a disorder related to
the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary system or whether the symptoms are the result of a disorder
from another system or other factors, such as pregnancy, drugs, or a psychological disorder.
Consider an appropriate drug therapy plan based on the patient’s history, diagnosis, and drugs currently
prescribed.
In a 2-page address the following
Explain your diagnosis for the patient, including your rationale for the diagnosis.
Describe an appropriate drug therapy plan based on the patient’s history, diagnosis, and drugs currently
prescribed.
Justify why you would recommend this drug therapy plan for this patient. Be specific and provide
examples.
Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2021). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice nurses and
physician assistants (2nd ed.) St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
· Chapter 64, “Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease” (pp. 589–597)
· Chapter 65, “Laxatives” (pp. 598–604)
