Posted: October 10th, 2022

Pharmacology, Choose a medication type

Choose a medication type from the following list, note why the medication is used, and consider adverse effects. Invent a scenario where giving this medication could result in an ethical or legally charged situation. Try not to choose a category that has been well addressed by your peers.

Bethanaechol / cholinergics: Consider risks of inducing urgency or bradycardia in a clients with dementia issues
Benztropine /anticholinergics: Consider harms that can occur with comorbidities like glaucoma or BPH
Albuterol /adrenergics: Consider harms that can occur is asthmatic children are in charge of their own inhalers
Atenolol/ beta blockers: Consider harms that could occur if heart rate was low or patient was asthmatic
Lorazepam /benzodiazepines: Consider vulnerability issues related to sedation and induction of memory loss
Oxycodone / opiates: Consider addiction, drug seeking and patient vulnerability in impaired nurses
Amitriptylline /tricyclics: Consider vulnerability issues with risk of suicidal overdose given anticholinergic effects
Phenelzine /MAOIs: Consider consequences of nonadherence to dietary restrictions on these medications
Haloperidol / neuroleptics: Consider risks of chemical sedation, especially long term risks
Lithium: Consider risks of mismanagement by clients whose behaviors are unpredictable
Phenytoin / antiepileptics: Consider risks of Class D in young women vs risks of going without anti-epileptics
Secobarbital / barbituates: Consider risks related to availability of barbituates to teens via the internet
Kava or Valerian: Consider risks of availability of compounding poorly controlled over the counter sedatives
Sumatriptan / triptans: Consider risks of cerebral ischemia when giving vasoconstrictors for migraine control
Cyclobenzaprine for back spasms: Consider risks of impaired function when nurses take muscle relaxants
Prednisone / steroids: Consider long term effects, when other immune suppressors are too expensive to access.
Aspirin / NSAIDs: Consider vulnerability of elders due to over the counter, affordable nature of this analgesic

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Ethical and Legal Considerations in Medication Administration: The Case of Phenelzine

In the realm of healthcare, medication administration plays a pivotal role in treating various medical conditions. However, along with its benefits, the process of prescribing and administering medications can present ethical and legal challenges, particularly when specific medications are involved. One such medication that warrants careful consideration is Phenelzine, a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) used primarily in the management of depression. This article delves into the therapeutic use of Phenelzine, the potential vulnerability issues surrounding non-adherence to dietary restrictions, and the ethical and legal implications arising from its administration.

Phenelzine and its Therapeutic Use

Phenelzine is classified as a MAOI, a class of antidepressant drugs known for their effectiveness in treating depression that does not respond to other forms of treatment. As an irreversible inhibitor of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, Phenelzine increases the concentration of these neurotransmitters in the brain, thereby alleviating depression symptoms (Baldessarini, 2018).

Vulnerability Issues and Dietary Restrictions

The therapeutic efficacy of Phenelzine is contingent on strict adherence to dietary restrictions. Consumption of certain foods and beverages containing tyramine, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and certain alcoholic beverages, can precipitate a hypertensive crisis, which can be life-threatening (Mahoney & Benfield, 2016). Patients on Phenelzine must be educated about these restrictions and the potential dangers of non-adherence. Failing to comply with these dietary guidelines could lead to severe health consequences for the patient and put healthcare professionals in an ethically and legally precarious situation.

Ethical and Legal Implications

In the case of Phenelzine administration, ethical considerations arise due to the delicate balance between maximizing the drug’s therapeutic benefits and minimizing its potential risks. Healthcare providers must diligently assess the patient’s ability to comprehend and follow dietary restrictions, taking into account factors such as cognitive impairments and psychiatric comorbidities. In instances where the patient is unable or unwilling to comply, healthcare providers face the ethical dilemma of determining whether to continue administering the medication while closely monitoring the patient’s dietary intake.

From a legal perspective, healthcare professionals must ensure proper documentation of informed consent, especially considering the elevated risks associated with Phenelzine administration. In the event of an adverse event stemming from non-adherence to dietary restrictions, thorough documentation and communication with the patient and their family are crucial to protect the provider from potential legal consequences (Morgan & Harris, 2017).

Scenario: Ethical and Legal Challenge

Imagine a scenario where a patient with severe depression is prescribed Phenelzine after other antidepressant medications have proven ineffective. The patient has a history of mild cognitive impairment, making it challenging for them to fully comprehend and retain dietary restrictions. The patient’s family members are actively involved in their care and express concern about the feasibility of adhering to the dietary guidelines. The healthcare provider is faced with an ethical dilemma: Should they proceed with Phenelzine administration, risking potential harm due to non-adherence, or explore alternative treatment options?

In this situation, the healthcare provider must engage in extensive discussions with the patient and their family, emphasizing the importance of dietary compliance. Additionally, the provider should explore alternative treatment modalities and consider involving a multidisciplinary team in the decision-making process. Full transparency and thorough documentation are crucial to safeguarding both the patient’s well-being and the provider’s legal standing.

Conclusion

Medication administration, particularly in cases involving Phenelzine and its dietary restrictions, presents ethical and legal complexities that healthcare providers must navigate carefully. Balancing the potential therapeutic benefits of Phenelzine with the risks posed by non-adherence requires comprehensive assessments and effective communication with patients and their families. By upholding the principles of beneficence, autonomy, and justice, healthcare professionals can ethically and legally address the challenges associated with administering Phenelzine while ensuring patient safety and well-being.

References:

Baldessarini, R. J. (2018). Drugs and the treatment of psychiatric disorders: Depression and anxiety disorders. In The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (13th ed.), Brunton, L. L., Hilal-Dandan, R., & Knollmann, B. C. (Eds.), McGraw-Hill Education.

Mahoney, J. J., & Benfield, P. (2016). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors. In Adverse Drug Interactions: A Handbook for Prescribers (2nd ed.), Aitken, R. C., & Mitchell, D. C. (Eds.), Springer International Publishing.

Morgan, S., & Harris, J. (2017). Legal and Ethical Issues in Medicines Management. In Medicines Management for Nursing Practice (2nd ed.), Darch, J., & Baqir, W. (Eds.), SAGE Publications.

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Tags: Choose a medication type, Ethical and Legal Considerations in Medication Administration: The Case of Phenelzine, Pharmacology