TO PREPARE FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT: · Select a vulnerable patient from the list provided. · Consider age, birth-assigned sex, FDA approvals, and risk and

TO PREPARE FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT:

· Select a vulnerable patient from the list provided.

· Consider age, birth-assigned sex, FDA approvals, and risk and side-effect consideration.

· Select the most appropriate medication for your selected patient based upon the information provided.

· Review the textbook for commonly prescribed antidepressants, 
Fast Facts for Psychopharmacology for Nurse Practitioners.

· Conduct research through the 
FDA websiteLinks to an external site..

· Review prescriber information for professionals of the medications.

Note: These can be located free online with web search.

· Review national guidelines for prescribing for these vulnerable individuals:

·
Depression Treatments for AdultsLinks to an external site.

·
Depression Treatments for Older AdultsLinks to an external site.

·
Depression Treatments for Children and AdolescentsLinks to an external site.

THE ASSIGNMENT

Step 1: Choose one of the following vulnerable patients to create a Medication Guide for the patient:

·
Patient 1: 26-year-old female with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and social anxiety disorder who is increasing in isolation and poor self-care. She is in her third trimester of pregnancy.

·
Patient 2: 16-year-old male with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, severe. He has seen a therapist weekly for the past 6 months and has had minimal change in symptoms. He has expressed thoughts of wanting to die.

·
Patient 3: 72-year-old male with diagnosis of major depressive disorder and panic disorder. He has cardiac history and takes antihypertensive medications.

·
Patient 4: 8-year-old Asian female with a diagnosis of severe depressive disorder presents to the office with a report of worsening symptoms. She has never taken psychotropic medication before.

Step 2: Create a Medication Guide for a patient. In your guide, you should provide the following specific instructions for the patient:

· Describe the chosen classification of medications, from the classification category, for your chosen vulnerable patient. Explain your rationale for your choice.

· Explain what dose you would start the chosen medication with and the frequency.

· Discuss how the medication works to treat their symptoms.

· Explain how long they should take the medication.

· Discuss the typical or common side effects of the medication.

· Explain the urgent or emergent considerations for the patient taking the medication.

The Medication Guide should also include:

· Directions you would provide the patient on how to take the prescribed medication

· Instructions on what the patient should do if a medication dose is missed

· List of any other medications, over-the-counter medications, and/or supplements/herbals the patient should avoid while taking the prescribed medication

· List of foods the patient should avoid when taking this medication

· Date when the patient should return for follow-up visit with you

· Discussion about the legal and ethical considerations for the medication being prescribed

· Answers in consideration of Social Determinants of Health on how you would:

· Assist the patient who cannot not afford to pay financially for the medication you are recommending/prescribing; and/or

· Has difficulty with transportation that impacts their ability to present for regular appointments with you

· Discuss how financial hardship and lack of transportation could relate to Social Determinants of Health, as well as why they are important considerations for you as a prescriber.