NURU 641 Week 5 Psychopharmacology Patient Teaching Tool

NURU 641 Week 5 Psychopharmacology Patient Teaching Tool

NURU 641 Week 5 Psychopharmacology Patient Teaching Tool

(150 Points)

 

Course Learning Objectives: 1 – 7

Purpose:

This assignment is designed to assist the student in exploring fully one psychotropic medication

and designing an interesting method using new and innovative technology to teach their

patient about that medication and then sharing these tools with each other. This is a two-part

assignment. The total points for the assignment is 150 points.

 

Directions:

Part One – In Week 1, each student chooses a psychotropic medication for this assignment (a

list was attached and it is first come, first pick so everyone does a different medication). Now,

write a 1–2-page paper about the medication – what it is used for, mechanism of action,

classification, side effects, etc. On label use and Off label use should be discussed. What do the

studies say about it? Do not take this information from an app (apps cannot be used as a

reference). APA 7th edition references are required.

Part Two – Design a short Prezi, PowToon, Canva, Infographic, or any other creative and new

innovative approach (not a PowerPoint) for patients to explain the medication, why it is being

used, and its side effects in a non-threatening manner, entertaining manner that they can

understand. Take into consideration age range, culture, educational level, and any other factor

that might be important in teaching about the medication. Share this with your peers by posting

it in a special discussion board section (it is not a discussion board, just a place to post). It must

also be submitted to Blackboard as an assignment for grading with the above paper.

NURU 641 Week 5 Psychopharmacology Patient Teaching Tool

 

**Part One: Paper on Psychotropic Medication**

 

For this assignment, I have chosen to explore the psychotropic medication known as Sertraline, commonly marketed under the brand name Zoloft. Sertraline is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is primarily prescribed to treat various mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2019).

 

The mechanism of action of sertraline involves its ability to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior, thereby increasing serotonin levels in the brain. By enhancing serotonin transmission, sertraline helps alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders (NIMH, 2019).

 

In addition to its approved indications, sertraline may also be used off-label to manage other conditions, such as social anxiety disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and certain eating disorders. Off-label use refers to the prescription of a medication for a purpose not approved by regulatory agencies but supported by clinical evidence and professional judgment (Koesters, Guaiana, & Barbui, 2013).

 

Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of sertraline in treating various mental health disorders. For instance, a meta-analysis by Cipriani et al. (2018) found that sertraline was more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms of depression across different age groups. However, like other psychotropic medications, sertraline is associated with a range of side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and in rare cases, suicidal ideation (NIMH, 2019).

 

**Part Two: Patient Teaching Tool**

 

For the patient teaching tool, I have created an infographic titled “Understanding Sertraline (Zoloft): A Guide to Mental Wellness.” The infographic provides essential information about sertraline in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. It includes sections on:

 

**What is Sertraline?** – Brief explanation of sertraline and its classification as an SSRI.
**Why is Sertraline Prescribed?** – Overview of the conditions treated with sertraline, including depression, anxiety, OCD, and PTSD.
**How Does Sertraline Work?** – Simplified explanation of the mechanism of action of sertraline in the brain.
**Common Side Effects** – List of common side effects associated with sertraline, accompanied by icons for visual representation.
**Off-Label Uses** – Information on off-label uses of sertraline, emphasizing the importance of consulting a healthcare provider.
**Tips for Taking Sertraline** – Practical tips for patients on how to take sertraline safely and effectively.
**When to Seek Help** – Guidance on recognizing when to seek medical assistance or emergency care while taking sertraline.

 

The infographic is designed to cater to diverse patient populations, considering factors such as age, educational level, and cultural background. It incorporates engaging visuals, concise language, and culturally sensitive imagery to enhance comprehension and retention of information.

 

Overall, this patient teaching tool aims to empower patients with knowledge about sertraline, enabling them to make informed decisions about their mental health treatment in collaboration with their healthcare providers.

 

References:

 

Cipriani, A., Furukawa, T. A., Salanti, G., Chaimani, A., Atkinson, L. Z., Ogawa, Y., … & Geddes, J. R. (2018). Comparative efficacy and acceptability of 21 antidepressant drugs for the acute treatment of adults with major depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. The Lancet, 391(10128), 1357-1366.

 

Koesters, M., Guaiana, G., & Barbui, C. (2013). The concept of off-label prescribing and its implications for clinical care: A systematic review. Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 6(4), 205-217.

 

National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). Mental health medications. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml