Immune Disorders in Pediatrics and Geriatrics
In this week’s Discussion, you began exploring the pathophysiology and treatment for immune disorders, such as HIV, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and systemic lupus E. You continue this exploration as you consider these disorders in specific patient groups: pediatrics and geriatrics. As an advanced practice nurse, you must understand the differences in the pathophysiology of these patients, as well as how the drugs used to treat immune disorders might impact the body systems of pediatric and geriatric patients. These two patient groups process and respond to drugs differently than the average adult in their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs. For this reason, special consideration must be taken when treating immune disorders in pediatric and geriatric patients.
To prepare:
• Review this week’s media presentation on antimicrobials.
• Select one of the following immune disorders: HIV, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, or systemic lupus E (SLE).
Note: Select a different disorder than the two that you selected for this week’s Discussion.
• Think about the pathophysiology of your selected disorder. Compare pathophysiological changes in pediatric and geriatric patients.
• Consider the types of drugs that are used to treat symptoms associated with your selected disorder. Reflect on how the drugs might impact various body systems in pediatric and geriatric patients, as well as measures you might take to help reduce any negative effects.
• Reflect on how you might educate a pediatric patient on the disorder you selected and how you might educate a geriatric patient on the same disorder. Consider how you would promote medication adherence, as well.
To complete:
Write a 3- to 4-page paper that addresses the following:
• Explain the pathophysiology of the disorder you selected. Then, compare pathophysiological changes in pediatric and geriatric patients.
• Describe the types of drugs that are used to treat symptoms associated with the disorder you selected. Explain how these drugs might impact various body systems in pediatric and geriatric patients, as well as measures you might take to help reduce any negative effects.
• Explain how you might educate a pediatric patient on the disorder you selected and how you might educate a geriatric patient on the same disorder. Include your rationale for each approach, as well as how you would promote medication adherence.
