Decision Tree for Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders Sabrina is a 26-year-old female who has just been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She has scheduled an appointment for a follow up with her physician but has several questions about her diagnosis and is calling the Nurse Helpline for her hospital network. As she talks with the advanced practice nurse, she learns that her diagnosis also impacts her neurologic and musculoskeletal systems. Although multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder, both the neurologic and musculoskeletal systems will be affected by adverse symptoms that Sabrina needs to be aware of and for which specific drug therapy plans and other treatment options need to be decided on.

In the presented case study, the patient will be assessed by the provider to diagnose the patient with probable illnesses. For instance, the patient is likely to have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia condition requires presence of two cognitive functions that are likely to completely affect individuals’ daily activities such as memory loss and virtual perception (Lindeza et al., 2020). In fact, there is no distinctive medical test and therefore medics will perform various assessment such as neurophysiological examination and cognitive test (Feinstein et al., 2020). More so, neurological evaluation can be applicable in testing balance, skill and problem solving. In addition, the provider will conduct brain test for signs such as tumor and CT scan can be used to show signs of Alzheimer’s disease Decision Tree for Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders

Decision one: start taking Donepezil (Aricept) 5 mg during bed time

My initial step is to start taking Donepezil (Aricept) 5 mg during bed time. This proposal was critically arrived since it is used as a treatment remedial for dementia linked with Alzheimer disease. The main aim choosing decision was primarily to improve awareness, memory, and ability to function. In this case, the Donepezil medication act as an enzyme blocker that aid in restoring balance in neurotransmitters found in the brain (Kabir et al., 2019). Importantly, the patient is recommended to take Donepezil drug before going to bed since it may cause slow heartbeat that may lead to fainting (Benek, Korabecny & Soukup, 2020). In fact, when taken during this time the patient will be able to sleep well without experiencing such side effects.

Decision two: increase Donepezil (Aricept) 5 mg to 10 mg during bed time

My second decision to the patient is to increase Donepezil (Aricept) 5 mg to 10 mg during bed time. At this time the patient revealed positive result as anticipated while taking the medication. My primary aim proposing this decision is to maintain and manage patient condition to come to normal range. However, an increase in dosage will improve the condition without creating much side effects as well as allowing the patient to regain mental stability. Even though this decision is critically arrived in regard to medical grounds assessed to the patient to optimize significant outcome in treatment.

Decision three: maintain Donepezil (Aricept) 10 mg during bed time

In my third decision the patient will maintain Donepezil (Aricept) 10 mg during bed time. After patient return to the clinic, there is a continues progress and achieving normal condition. My aim at issuing this decision is to enable the patient receive complete dosage since the client does not complain persistent side effects caused by the drug. This remains an outstanding decision towards patient recovery allowing to have normal neurotransmitters responses in the brain.

My reflection to the presented case is to recommend Donepezil (Aricept) 5 mg at the beginning. Thereafter, the patient will get an increase dosage since the medication does not create effects to patient experience. In this case, the initial dosage revealed positive outcome. Then, following a follow up the patient will stick to the medication for a complete recovery. In fact, after responding treatment as per the highlighted decisions the patient will get ability to remember and communicate as well as conducting daily activities.Decision Tree for Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders

References

Feinstein, A., Amato, M. P., Brichetto, G., Chataway, J., Chiaravalloti, N., Dalgas, U., … & CogEx Research Team. (2020). Study protocol: improving cognition in people with progressive multiple sclerosis: a multi-arm, randomized, blinded, sham-controlled trial of cognitive rehabilitation and aerobic exercise (COGEx). BMC neurology20, 1-16.

Kabir, M. T., Uddin, M., Begum, M., Thangapandiyan, S., Rahman, M., Aleya, L., … & Ashraf, G. M. (2019). Cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease: multitargeting strategy based on anti-Alzheimer’s drugs repositioning. Current pharmaceutical design25(33), 3519-3535.

Benek, O., Korabecny, J., & Soukup, O. (2020). A perspective on multi-target drugs for Alzheimer’s disease. Trends in Pharmacological Sciences.

Lindeza, P., Rodrigues, M., Costa, J., Guerreiro, M., & Rosa, M. M. (2020). Impact of dementia on informal care: a systematic review of family caregivers’ perceptions. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care.Decision Tree for Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders

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