Endocrine and Musculoskeletal System The endocrine and musculoskeletal systems play important roles in the regulation and coordination of activities throughout the body.
When alterations of these systems occur, many patients require long-term drug therapies. In addition to drugs prescribed by their health care providers, patients with these disorders also often take herbal and dietary supplements. According to the American Diabetes Association, 22 percent of diabetic patients use herbal therapy and 31 percent use dietary supplements (American Diabetes Association, 2009). This may impact the effects of prescribed drugs, as well as pose a concern of adverse drug reactions in patients. When treating patients with endocrine and musculoskeletal disorders, it is important to educate patients on associated risks. As an advanced practice nurse prescribing drugs, you must carefully consider all drug, herbal, and dietary therapies prior to finalizing treatment plans.
Endocrine and Musculoskeletal System and Drug Prescription
This week you examine types of drugs prescribed to patients with endocrine and musculoskeletal disorders, as well as the impact of patient factors on the effects of drugs. You also explore ways to improve patient treatment plans including suggested drug therapies. Finally, you examine types of diabetes and the impact of diabetes drugs on patients.
Learning Objectives
students will:
Analyze types of drugs prescribed to treat endocrine and musculoskeletal disorders
Evaluate the impact of patient factors on the effects of prescribed drugs for endocrine and musculoskeletal disorders
Evaluate drug therapy plans to treat endocrine and musculoskeletal disorders
Analyze patient education strategies for treatment and management of endocrine and musculoskeletal disorders
Differentiate types of diabetes
Evaluate the impact of diabetes drugs on patients
Understand and apply key terms, concepts, and principles related to prescribing drugs to treat endocrine and musculoskeletal disorders
Photo Credit: Mark Hatfield/iStock / Getty Images Plus/Getty Images
Learning Resources
This page contains the Learning Resources for this week. Be sure to scroll down the page to see all of this week’s assigned Learning Resources. To access select media resources, please use the media player below.
Endocrine and Musculoskeletal System Required Readings
Arcangelo, V. P., Peterson, A. M., Wilbur, V., & Reinhold, J. A. (Eds.). (2017). Pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice: A practical approach (4th ed.). Ambler, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins..
Chapter 36, “Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis” (pp. 591-609)
This chapter examines the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It then outlines the process of selecting, administering, and managing drug therapy for both disorders.
Chapter 46, “Diabetes Mellitus” (pp. 785-806)
This chapter begins by identifying the causes, pathophysiology, and diagnostic criteria of diabetes mellitus. It then examines the process of selecting, administering, and managing drug therapy for patients with diabetes mellitus.
Chapter 47, “Thyroid Disorders” (pp. 809-822)
This chapter explores the causes, pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and administration of drug therapy for patients with thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, subclinical thyroid disease, and thyroiditis. It also discusses the mechanisms of prescribed drugs, as well as proper dosages and potential adverse reactions.
Ben-Zacharia, A. (2011). Therapeutics for multiple sclerosis symptoms. The Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine, 78 (2), 176–191.
Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
This article covers the diagnosis, treatment, and management of multiple sclerosis and explores methods for treating other health issues that arise from multiple sclerosis.
Kargiotis, O., Paschali, A., Messinis, L., & Papathanasopoulos, P. (2010). Quality of life in multiple sclerosis: Effects of current treatment options. International Review of Psychiatry, 22(1), 67–82.
Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
This article examines the process of evaluating and diagnosing patients who present with symptoms of multiple sclerosis and explores treatment and rehabilitation methods.
Peterson, K., Silverstein, J., Kaufman, F., & Warren-Boulton, E. (2007). Management of type 2 diabetes in youth: An update. American Family Physician, 76(5), 658–664.
Note: Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
This article outlines the process of diagnosing, treating, and managing youths with or at risk of type 2 diabetes. It also suggests methods for body weight management and reducing cardiovascular disease risks.
Drugs.com. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/
This website presents a comprehensive review of prescription and over-the-counter drugs including information on common uses and potential side effects. It also provides updates relating to new drugs on the market, support from health professionals, and a drug-drug interactions checker.
Required Media
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012). The endocrine system and diabetes. Baltimore, MD: Author.
This media presentation explores the endocrine system and diabetes including diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012). Advanced pharmacology – Mid-course review. Baltimore, MD: Author.
This media is an interactive mid-course review covering course content.
Optional Resources
Refer to the Optional Resources listed in Week 1.
