Preparing the Discussion

Follow these guidelines when completing each component of the discussion. Contact your course faculty if you have questions.

General Directions

Review the provided case study to complete this week’s discussion.

Include the following sections:

1. Application of Course Knowledge:Answer all questions/criteria with explanations and detail.
   1. Select one drug to treat the diagnosis(es) or symptoms.
   2. List medication class and mechanism of action for the chosen medication.
   3. Write the prescription in prescription format.
   4. Provide an evidence-based rationale for the selected medication using at least one scholarly reference. Textbooks may be used for additional references but are not the primary reference.
   5. List any side effects or adverse effects associated with the medication.
   6. Include any required diagnostic testing. State the time frame for this testing (testing is before medication initiation or q 3 months, etc.). Includes normal results range for any listed laboratory tests.
   7. Provide a minimum of three appropriate medication-related teaching points for the client and/or family.

SOLUTION

WS (F20.9) is the diagnosis of Unspecified schizophrenia. An appropriate medication to treat this condition is Aripiprazole (Abilify), an atypical antipsychotic. Aripiprazole is an atypical or second-generation antipsychotic that treats schizophrenic conditions. It primarily works as a partial dopamine agonist and will bind to the dopamine D2 receptor, although with less intrinsic activity than neurotransmitter binding. In this way, it helps to manage the dopamine imbalances that lead to schizophrenia. Modulating dopamine can reverse both the positive symptoms—hallucinations and delusions—and the negative symptoms associated with schizophrenia…….Please click the icon below to access entire solution at $5