NURS 4430 Week 8 Therapy for Patients With Sleep Wake Disorders

From negative changes in mood to problems concentrating, sleep/wake disorders can have a tremendous impact on patients’ lives. When patients suffer from these disorders, they often seek medical care with the intent of receiving medications to manage symptoms. However, many of the medications used to treat sleep/wake disorders may be addictive, making thorough patient assessments and close follow-up care essential. To prescribe appropriate therapies with patient safety in mind, you must understand not only the pathophysiology of these disorders but also the pharmacologic agents used to treat them.

This week, as you study therapies for individuals with sleep/wake disorders, you examine the assessment and treatment of patients with these disorders. You also explore ethical and legal implications of these therapies.

Learning Objectives 

Students will:

  • Synthesize concepts related to the psychopharmacologic treatment of patients
  • Assess patient factors and history to develop personalized therapy plans for patients with sleep/wake disorders
  • Analyze factors that influence pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes in patients requiring therapy for sleep/wake disorders
  • Synthesize knowledge of providing care to patients presenting for sleep/wake disorders
  • Analyze ethical and legal implications related to prescribing therapy for patients with sleep/wake disorders

Learning Resources

Case study

  • Pharmacologic approaches to the treatment of insomnia in a younger adult

Note: This case study will serve as the foundation for this week’s Assignment.