Walden University
NURS6521-Advanced Pharmacology
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, W4AssgnArenasS
Patient HL’s medical history suggests that the patient has a chronic condition based on
HL's medications. Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is a synthetic preparation of thyroxine and the drug
of choice for most patients who require thyroid hormone replacement due to hypothyroidism
(Rosenthal & Burchum, 2020). HL dosage of Synthroid is adequate. Testing for T3 and T4 level is
needed if the dose needs to be adjusted. Nifedipine (Adalat, Procardia, Procardia XL) is a
calcium channel blocker, antianginals that inhibits calcium ion influx into vascular smooth
muscle and myocardium, resulting in vasodilation (www.epocrates.com). It is used to manage or
treat hypertension and chest pain, or angina. The dosage for extended release is 30-60 mg once a
day orally. Prednisone (Deltasone) is a glucocorticoid that elicits mild mineralocorticoid activity
and moderate anti-inflammatory effects by controlling the rate of protein synthesis, suppressing
the migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and fibroblasts, reversing capillary
permeability (medscape.com). Long-term use of steroids can weaken your immune system
making a person susceptible to infection, may lead to bone loss, and affect growth in children
(Sinha, 2021).
A comprehensive history and physical is needed to evaluate the patient's presenting signs
and symptoms: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Possible use of Prednisone for patient HL is for
Hepatitis C, an inflammation of the liver caused by damage or injury to the tissues. Hepatitis C
(HCV) can be acute or chronic. Acute is a short-term infection, and symptoms can last up to 6
months, and the virus goes away when your body can fight the infection. But for some, acute
infection can lead to chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis C is a long-lasting infection. If not
treated, it can last for a lifetime and cause serious health problems such as liver damage,
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