Full Course Description

Advanced Cardiovascular Pharmacology

Now more than ever, clinicians are challenged to prescribe the proper medications to treat various – and often complex – cardiovascular diagnoses.

Dr. Paul Langlois, APN, PhD, CCRN CCNS, has developed this intense one-day educational event to improve your patients’ responses to their cardiac medication regimens. You will immediately elevate your pharmacological expertise and earn up to 6.7 pharmacology CE hours!

Regardless of your setting, you must be prepared to manage cardiac conditions and prevent a cardiac emergency. Dr. Langlois will provide practical tools and tips that will make your job easier. He understands that you could literally spend hours every day researching novel and traditional cardiac medications; their indications, contraindications, drug interactions and evaluation of response to the treatments. Instead, allow Dr. Langlois to synthesize everything you need to know to safely and effectively manage your cardiac patients with skill and confidence.

You can expect the very latest pharmacological strategies for Antiarrhythmics, Anticoagulants, Anti-platelet and Thrombolytics, Antihypertensives, Cholesterol Lowering Drugs, Hypoglycemic Agents…and more! Register today!

Program Information

Objectives

Distinguish the need for cardiac medications and the need for electrolytes or fluids to improve cardiac output.
Analyze the anti-arrhythmic medications which would benefit your specific patient.
Plan a list of medications which a STEMI or NSTEMI patient would be expected to take.
Measure the therapeutic outcome of the STEMI or NSTEMI medications.
Manage the cardiac work-up and medications for patients with Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or COVID-long haulers
Formulate a monitoring plan for your heart failure patient.
Differentiate medication options for patients with hypertension.
Distinguish between the cholesterol lowering medications.
Choose the best hypoglycemic agent based upon my patient’s presentation and laboratory parameters.
Determine the cardiac medications the pregnant woman can and cannot take.

Outline

Hemodynamics and Shock (it’s not just pulse and blood pressure)

Pre-load, afterload and contractility
What about administering electrolytes to improve cardiac function?
Fluids; which ones and how much?
Vasoactive medications; do not ever mix these medications
Neurotransmitters and receptors; more than alpha and beta receptors
Case studies in patients with compromised cardiac output (You will never forget how to treat ventricular fibrillation after hearing this)

Antiarrhythmics

Sodium, calcium and potassium blocking medications
What can be given IV, PO, SQ, IO … and how much
Must know pearls for monitoring all the anti-arrhythmic medications
Case studies in patients with atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular tachycardia, PSVT

Medications for Acute Coronary Syndrome

Aspirin; this is not a benign medication
Medications to administer in the ED
These are the medications for cardiac catheterization lab patients
Watch out for contrast induced nephropathy; these are the laboratory parameters you must monitor
Mono-clonal antibodies; this is new information
Medications to aid in smoking cessation
Anticoagulants, anti-platelet and thrombolytic medications; watch out for this very subtle but life-threatening event
Case studies in STEMI and N-STEMI

Heart Failure Pharmacology

Not just ACEs and ARBs now; guideline updates for 2021
Diuretics; demystifying what is the best diuretic for your patient
New medication category for treatment of heart failure
Case studies and medications in HFrEF and HFpEF

What’s New in Treatment of Hypertension – A Lot!

Treatment options for primary or secondary hypertension
Calcium channel blockers; what to do if your patient overdoses
Beta-blockers; what criteria is considered to increase or decrease dose?
Vasodilators; watch out for change in electrolytes when giving this medication
Do not mix these anti-hypertensive medications

How to Lower LDL and Raise HDL Cholesterol

Familial versus non-familial hyper-cholesterolemia
Statins and a whole lot more
These mono-clonal antibodies are the latest treatment in cholesterol patient management
Case studies in patients with altered lipid levels; why this medication and not that one?

Hypoglycemic Agents

There are 9 major categories of hypoglycemic agents…and counting; which is best for my patient?
Monitoring laboratory data – not just blood sugar now
Latest recommendations from the American Diabetic Association
Case studies with patients taking hypoglycemic agents - three keys to administer and monitor for in every patient

Pregnancy and Cardiac Medications

What medications are safe – up to which trimester
Cardiac medications which should not be given regardless of the stage of pregnancy

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Cardiovascular TechnologistsPharmacists

Copyright : 06/03/2021

Respiratory Medication Updates for Advanced Practice Clinicians: Proven Strategies for Prescription Success

Nurse practitioners, physician assistants and physicians have confided in me that they felt apprehension ordering respiratory medications due to an inability to stay current on pharmacology best practices and the complexity required to manage multiple conditions or symptoms at once. It can feel overwhelming. I certainly understand that we want to help our patients achieve their best outcomes. We also certainly don’t want to contribute to dire patient consequences.

I have been able to assist countless healthcare providers to overcome their prescriptive and administration fears. One particular nurse stands out in my memory. She was scared. And absolutely refused to give a prescribed medication to a patient on our unit. We went together, and both delivered the medication that the patient needed. After a “thank you” and many years later, she became a highly respected nurse practitioner with the Pulmonary Division of our institution. She never gave up and kept asking questions. She wanted to learn, and that curiosity to learn propelled her to high achievement in her specialty.

As we walk together through this essential content, I will present real world case studies to reinforce key points, whether you work in an inpatient or outpatient setting. I will talk through assessment findings and laboratory results to guide expert level pharmacology decisions. You will conclude this comprehensive respiratory medication update with all the information, the evidence and best practice guidance to feel confident with your prescriptive decision making.

Program Information

Objectives

Differentiate the two receptors in the lungs which are responsible for airway constriction and dilation.
Analyze the medication options for patients with alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency.
Choose the medications which are prescribed for asthma and COPD.
Determine the medications which are used during acute asthma attack.
Evaluate the vaccines recommended for patients with pulmonary conditions.
Manage the medications which are recommended for the COVID-19 patient both out- and in-patient.
Formulate a medication regimen for a tuberculosis patient, both newly diagnosed and with drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Plan the treatment protocol for a patient with pulmonary hypertension.
Distinguish between antiviral medications for viral respiratory diseases.
Choose the best antibiotic for the in- and out-patient with bacterial pneumonia.

Outline

Pulmonary Anatomy, Physiology & Lung Receptors

Pulmonary ventilation key factors
Improve diffusion of CO2 and O2 are dependent on a specific variable
Variables that affect the transport of CO2 and O2 at the cellular level
Muscarinic and beta-2 receptors in the lung are vital for airway dilation – but how much?
Club cell and columnar cell for airway patency
Role of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system in airway disease

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Why are levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin reduced in some people?
Medications to treat alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Monitoring patient parameters after administering medications

Asthma – Not Just Bronchodilators Anymore

How is asthma diagnosed?
Role of white blood cells, histamine & the arachidonic pathway in asthma
Medications that affect IgE mediator release - a major contributor to asthma
Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) medication options
Role of corticosteroids in asthma treatment
Short acting beta agonists (SABA) & long-acting beta agonists (LABA) - the difference and monitoring parameters
Muscarinic antagonists, leukotriene modifiers & phosphodiesterase inhibitors - must know indications and contraindications to treat the asthma patient
Monoclonal antibodies for asthma relief

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Long Term Pharmacologic Therapies

COPD causes, symptoms and diagnostic tests
Non-pharmacologic treatments
SABA and LABA - when and how much
Inhaled corticosteroids alone or in combination with bronchodilators
Vaccines are a must – which ones and at what age to administer

SARS-CoV2, COVID-19 – what is new … A LOT!!!

Pathophysiology of SARS-CoV2
Is the virus only transmitted via air … you have to see this data?
Laboratory parameters for SARS-CoV2
How effective are all those COVID-19 vaccines?
Which antiviral medications are FDA approved and which are still in clinical trials?
Baricitinib and Tocilizumab show a lot of promise
So, what about Ivermectin – data on its effectiveness
Dexamethasone is effective, but only in certain patient populations

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

Role of genetics and genetic testing in development of CF
CF affects more than the lungs
What medications are prescribed and routes of administration
Role of monoclonal antibodies – what you must monitor in your patient for these medications

Tuberculosis (TB): Still prevalent & Highly Contagious

What is Mycobacterium tuberculosis and how is it detected?
Geographic concerns for newly diagnosed and multi-drug resistant-TB
First line medications for drug susceptible TB (doses, how often & how long to take)
Multi-drug resistant TB treatments

Pulmonary Hypertension

Diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension
12-lead ECG results in a patient with pulmonary hypertension
World Health Organization (WHO) treatment classifications
How to choose between calcium channel blockers, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonizes and prostacyclin agonists

Acute Bronchitis – Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Bacterial and viral pathogens associated with acute bronchitis
Clinical features - from days to weeks after infection
Role of dextromethorphan – watch out for this side effect
Decide between an anti-viral or antibacterial - look for this in your patient

Aspergillosis

Causes and who is at risk for aspergillosis
Voriconazole, Posaconazole, Amphotericin B – these are the “must do” monitoring parameters

Legionnaires Disease

Which test should be used to diagnose Legionnaires Disease - urine, blood culture or polymerase chain reaction
Patient susceptibility to Legionnaires Disease
Ciprofloxacin, Moxifloxacin, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin, Amikacin, Levofloxacin, Azithromycin - look carefully at the indications and contraindications

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – Still Present Despite Vaccinations

Three phases of pertussis
Medications and monitoring parameters
Pharmacology for cough suppression

Pneumonia

Community acquired, hospital acquired & ventilator associated
Community acquired treatment options
Options for antibiotics based on patient history
Hospital acquired pharmacology
How to treat methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus

Pneumocystis Pneumonia

What is the protozoan causing this?
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is not for everyone - renal adjustment? Pregnancy?
Atovaquone indications - contraindications and monitoring
Use of Pentamidine and Primaquine with Clindamycin – how much and how long

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Pharmacists

Copyright : 09/13/2021

Diabetes Medication Updates: Current Standards and Guidelines for Oral and Injectable Prescribing

Diabetes is so prevalent – among patients and across all our specialty settings.

As new medications and treatments continue to emerge, the management of diabetes becomes increasingly complex. It is more imperative than ever that we keep up-to-date on current standards and guidelines regarding both oral and injectable medications used for diabetes care.

As we better understand the complicated multifactorial pathogenesis of diabetes, it can feel challenging to create individualized treatment plans for patients. Treatments that typically include medication as a critical piece to manage patient blood sugars. This training delivers evidence-based practice recommendations to guide medication choices that will optimize outcomes, improve patient satisfaction and reduce the risk of serious complications that can occur from poor management.

You will achieve a current and comprehensive understanding of the latest approaches to both assess and treat patients with diabetes. Along the way, Laurie Klipfel, RN, MSN, ANP-BC, CDCES, WCC, will interject her best clinical tips to improve patient education and empowerment so that you, too, can ultimately impact the greatest goal achievements for your patients!

Program Information

Objectives

Determine best medication choices based on different diagnostic types of diabetes.
Analyze optimal pharmacological management of diabetes based on ADA Standards of Care.
Appraise the basal/bolus concept of insulin administration including various insulin administration schedules and adjustment of insulin dosages.
Plan to address tight glycemic control, including management strategies during hospitalization, illness or surgery.
Determine evaluation strategies for patient use of insulin pumps.
Plan to improve overall patient diabetes outcomes through evidence-based strategies.

Outline

Diabetes Medications: Indications and Contraindications
Oral medications
- Sulfonylureas
- Meglitinides
- Thiazolidinediones (TZD)
- Biguanides
- Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
- DPP-4 inhibitors
- SGLT-2 inhibitors
- Incretin Mimetics
- Combinations
Injectables
- Insulin
  - Action times
  - Basal/bolus dosing
  - Benefits of insulin pump therapy
  - Management of insulin pump in the hospital
- Incretin Mimetics
- Amylinomimetics
Case Studies
Delay onset of diabetes for at risk patient
Select the best initial treatment for a patient with newly diagnosed diabetes
How to advance therapy with oral agent optimization
Enhanced effectiveness of combination therapies
Optimize basal bolus insulin therapy
Motivational techniques
Addressing patient weight concerns
Improve glycemic management in hospitalized patients

Target Audience

Nurses
Physician Assistants
Nurse Practitioners
Pharmacists
Certified Diabetes Care
Education Specialists

Copyright : 06/24/2021

GI Pharmacology Update: Prescribing for Patient Outcome Achievement

How do we choose the “best treatment” for Eosinophilic Esophagitis?
Why are there so many recurrences of Helicobacter pylori?
What are the best options for treating C. difficile?

Please join Clinical Gastroenterologist Dr. Peter Buch as he explores the answers to these and many other questions in this advanced, case-based, and evidence-supported training event. At the end of this session, you will have new knowledge on the best pharmacologic practices for the most common GI concerns seen in practice.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine the current best medication practices for inflammatory bowel disease.
Detect which medical conditions respond to probiotics.
Analyze the best pharmacological strategies for PPI use.
Explore important updates in clostridium difficile treatment.
Plan to incorporate the newest strategies for successful treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Outline

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use
Swallowed steroids
Elimination diet

Helicobacter Pylori

Testing regimens
Clarithromycin resistance and need for quadruple therapy
Pill burden and risk of recurrence
How to manage refractory H pylori

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

Who needs chronic therapy
REAL side effects of PPIs

Gastroparesis Diagnosis & Medication Choices

Metoclopramide
Erythromycin
Symptomatic care

Clostridium Difficile

Should we still be using Metronidazole?
Vancomycin
Fidaxomicin
Fecal transplants - the ultimate probiotic
Bezlotoxumab

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Are probiotics effective?
OTC therapies
Glutamine/Peppermint/Iberogast
Antispasmodics
Rifaximin
Eluxadoline
Lubiprostone/Linaclotide/Plecanitide/Prucalopride
Antidepressants

GI Bleeding

When to use vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma
When to reverse direct oral anticoagulants
The management of GI bleeding and recent stent placement

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

When to consider 5 ASAs
Antibiotics
Steroids
Antimetabolites
Anti TNFs
Vedolizumab
Ustekinumab
Tofacitiniub
Biosimilars

Opioid Induced Constipation

How to choose among: Osmotic or stimulant laxatives
PAMORAS: Naloxegol,Naldemedine, Methylnaltrexone
Secretogogues like Lubiprostone
Selective 5HT4 agonist like Prucalopride

Liver Diseases

Non-selective beta blockers to prevent variceal bleeding
Statin use and the liver
Acetaminophen safety in chronic liver disease
Hepatitis C regimens

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants

Copyright : 06/30/2021

Geriatric Pharmacology: Practical Application Through Patient Cases

Kiplee Bell, MD, earned board certification as a Physician Assistant, an additional master’s degree in Gerontology, and finally her Doctorate in Medicine. Over the course of her career, Kiplee has worked in acute care, urgent care, ambulatory care and long-term care settings. Currently, she treats geriatric patients for a wide variety of medical and behavioral symptoms. Kiplee will deliver a comprehensive and up-to-date geriatric pharmacology presentation, walking through the body systems: neuro, endocrine, cardiac, pulmonary, GI, infectious disease and musculoskeletal.

Program Information

Objectives

Differentiate between multiple overlapping comorbidities.
Determine when Beers Criteria clarifies-risk versus benefit in real time.
Develop clinical acumen to recognize red flags.
Analyze the implications of team dynamics when assessing the geriatric client.

Outline

Beers in Review

Foundational review of Beers to date
Why is Beers relevant in our day-to-day practice?

Age-related Physiologic Changes

Pharmacokinetics
Pharmacodynamics

Beers Update

Review of the top 5 updates
A closer look in practicum

Systems Approach

Neuro
Endocrine
Cardiac
pulmonary
G I
Infectious Disease
Musculoskeletal

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Copyright : 09/09/2021

Geriatric Psychopharmacology Updates & Trends

Are you a busy clinician who does not have time to keep up with the latest medications and trends in geriatric prescribing? This seminar will provide you with the information you need to feel more confident in choosing the right medication for your older adult patients with mental health issues and dementia. Join me, Dr. Tamatha Arms, PhD, DNP, PMHNP-BC, NP-C, as I discuss the newest recommendations from the American Geriatrics Society and the American Psychiatric Association and review the new neuropsychiatric medications available. We are also learning that COVID-19 has been linked to long-term effects on the neurological system, causing delirium after recovery. Learn the latest indications for recognizing this condition and medication management options.

Program Information

Objectives

Apply principles of deprescribing anticholinergics.
Differentiate options for use of anxiolytics.
Diagnose and treat COVID related delirium.
Assess common drug interactions for dementia drugs.
Choose the optimum treatment for late life depression.
Analyze and prescribe the appropriate new neuropsychiatric medications.

Outline

Anticholinergics

Anxiolytics

Delirium from COVID

Management with psychopharmacology

Dementia drugs and common drug interactions

Best strategies for use of antidepressants in older adults

Antipsychotics

Brexpiprazole
Lumateperone
Lybalvi
Cariprazine
Lurasidone

Antidepressants

Esketamine

Sleep disorders

Pitolisant
Lemborexant
Vortioxetine hydrobromide

Parkinson’s

Istradefylline
Pimavanserin
Apomorphine HCL

Dementia

Aducanumab

Tardive dyskinesia

Deutetrabenozine

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Nursing Home Administrators

Pharmacology of Pain Management for End-of-Life Care: Recommendations for Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice

The need for pharmacists in palliative care is growing, but many pharmacists don’t get the training necessary to provide end-of-life care to those in need. Attend this live, interactive webcast, and you’ll get the most up-to-date information about pain control medications for patients at the end of life.

Purchase today, and you’ll learn about:

Pain experiences at the end of life
Analgesic & sedating medications
Medication dosages and routes
Pain management

Program Information

Objectives

Describe the differences among common analgesics for end-of-life care.
Outline an algorithm that optimizes pain management for the patient at the end-of-life.

Outline

Palliative care

Pain experiences at end of life
Pharmacist’s role in pain management at end of life
Lack of data driven protocols for pain management at end of life

Analgesic medication dosages and routes at end of life: Choosing the right medication at the right time

Morphine
Fentanyl
Hydromorphone
Oxycodone
Methadone
Acetaminophen
Ketorolac
Ibuprofen
Antidepressants
Anticonvulsants
Muscle relaxants
Topical agents
Epidurally administered medications (bupivacaine, lidocaine)

Sedating medications at end of life

Lorazepam
Midazolam
Propofol
Dexmedetomidine

Other medications for use at end of life

Stool softeners
Antiemetics
Antihistamines

Pain management algorithm for pharmacists

Target Audience

Pharmacists who are involved with pain management with either hospice or end-of-life care of hospitalized patients

The New Rules for Treating Chronic Pain: Addiction-Free Solutions in the Era of Opioid Crisis

Add a valuable dimension to your practice and prepare yourself to help clients in chronic pain with behavioral solutions!

The landscape of chronic pain treatment is changing rapidly as we wean ourselves off the traditional bio-medical approach that emphasizes harmful opioid-based pain management approaches.

And the demand for mental health professions who can work with chronic pain management is likely to explode as the CDC’s new recommendations favoring behavioral treatments will have more people than ever before seeking drug-free solutions to their pain

Watch chronic pain management expert, Dr. Stephen F. Grinstead, Dr. AD, LMFT, ACRPS, for this one-day program and get the proper understanding, skills and treatment techniques you need to address the neurobiological, social and emotional aspects of chronic pain when potentially addictive medications are not an option.

Discover:

How common coexisting disorders and family dynamics can sabotage treatment – and what to do about it
A synergistic treatment plan incorporating the mind, body and spirit for healing
Strategies to empower clients to be proactive in their healing process and a relapse prevention plan

Program Information

Objectives

Investigate two or more reasons why the biomedical approach alone may be ineffective for the low outcome subset of chronic pain clients with coexisting disorders.
Evaluate three successful chronic pain management treatment outcomes.
Differentiate between the physiological and psychological/emotional pain symptoms and have appropriate management strategies for both types.
Develop a treatment plan that helps clients let go of suffering and adequately addresses the psychological/emotional symptoms of their pain.
Analyze the needs of clients as they explore the correlation of increased stress and worsening levels of pain and how to develop appropriate relaxation response skills to reduce their levels of stress and the perception of their pain.
Categorize at least five of the twelve denial patterns (psychological defense mechanisms) that can sabotage treatment outcomes.

Outline

A Deeper Understanding of the Chronic Pain Problem – Knowledge is Power

Differentiating between acute and chronic pain
Understanding neuropathic pain
Managing recurrent acute pain aka Pain Flare Ups
Moving beyond anticipatory pain
Making peace with chronic pain

The Major Problems for Clients Living with Chronic Pain and Coexisting Disorders

Mistreated or undertreated chronic pain
Over-utilization of the traditional biomedical model
The Synergistic impact of chronic pain and unidentified and/or untreated coexisting disorders
The misapplication or lack of MAT
Lack of integrated Body-Mind-Spirit treatment approaches

Common Coexisting Disorders that Can Sabotage Treatment Outcomes

Substance misuse, abuse, pseudo addiction or addiction
Unresolved trauma history (PTSD)
Anxiety Disorders including social anxiety disorders
Depression including bipolar disorders
Cognitive impairment from living with high levels of untreated pain

The Role of Resistance and Denial in Obtaining Positive Treatment Outcomes

The need to normalize and depathologize denial
Understanding denial as a part of the human condition
The role of the “Inner Saboteur” in failed treatment outcomes
Learn how to identify and manage the 12 denial patterns and treatment resistance

A Synergistic Treatment Plan for Healing the Whole Person

Identifying and implementing:
Biological treatment interventions
Psychological treatment Interventions
Social/Family/Cultural treatment Interventions
Spiritual treatment interventions

How to Measure Treatment Outcomes

Implement Pre-Pre-Post treatment outcome measures
Empower clients to become proactive participants in their own healing process
Relapse prevention and continue care plans for chronic pain, opioid use disorders and psychological disorders
Ongoing plans to increase levels of functioning and improve quality of life

Target Audience

Social Workers
Counselors
Psychologists
Addiction Counselors
Community Mental Health Workers
Psychiatrists
Marriage and Family Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapists
Physical Therapist Assistants
Nurse Practitioners
Nurses
Case Managers
Other Helping Professionals