Full Course Description

Session 1: Pharmacology of Infectious Diseases & Immunizations for Advanced Practice Clinicians

Purchase this recording and learn proper prescribing, patient education and monitoring procedures for a variety of drug regimens used to treat common acute and chronic infectious diseases. Choosing an antibacterial agent can be challenging, given the plethora of drugs available on the market and the emerging trend in bacterial resistance.

You will learn the pharmacology of different classes of antimicrobials used to treat infectious disease states encountered in clinical practice. Discover the spectrums of activity, pharmacokinetic characteristics and parameters for monitoring therapeutic outcomes. Emphasis is placed on the new antimicrobials and advances in evidence-based treatment guidelines. You will finish this program better prepared to design appropriate and cost-effective drug regimens for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the major classes of antibiotics and their pharmacokinetic characteristics.
Apply current evidenced-based approaches to select appropriate treatment regimens for common infections encountered in clinical practice.
Prescribe antimicrobials based on empiric dosing recommendations.
Plan goals of therapy and parameters for monitoring therapeutic response to antimicrobials.
Recommend specific antimicrobial therapeutic drug monitoring to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicities (e.g., vancomycin and aminoglycosides).
Develop preventative strategies to limit antimicrobial resistance.
Design patient and caregiver education on the proper use of antimicrobials.

Outline

Antimicrobials

Drug classes
Pharmacokinetic Properties
- Concentration-dependent killing
- Time-dependent killing
- Post-antibiotic effect
Common interactions with other drugs

Antibacterial Allergies - Sulfa and Penicillin

Define true allergy
Sulfonamide antibiotics vs non-antibiotics
Penicillin - Cephalosporin cross-sensitivity

Bacteria

Differentiation
Normal flora
Common pathogens

Antibacterial Resistance - Contributing Factors

Trends
Mechanisms of resistance
Contributing factors

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus - Community versus Hospital Acquired

Differentiating between CA- and HA-MRSA
Current clinical practice guidelines
Pharmacologic management

Enterobacteriaceae Resistance

Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)
- What are ESBLs
- Pharmacologic management
Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)
- What are CREs
- Pharmacologic management

Urinary Tract Infections

Bacterial Etiology, Signs and Symptoms and Diagnosis
Cystitis and pyelonephritis
Complicated and uncomplicated
UTIs in pregnancy
Treatment (IDSA Guideline Treatment Algorithm)
- Acute
- Recurrent and relapse

Clostridium Difficile Infection

Risk factors
Pharmacology management
Fecal Transplantation
Probiotics literature review

Community–Acquired Pneumonia

Bacterial etiology
Diagnosis
Typical vs. atypical
Treatment (IDSA/ATS Guidelines) and monitoring
- Outpatient vs. inpatient
- Empiric treatment

Healthcare–Associated Pneumonia

Bacterial etiology
Treatment (IDSA/ATS Guidelines)

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Sinusitis and pharyngitis
- Etiology (Viral vs. Bacterial)
- Treatment

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Cellulitis
Bacterial etiology
- Strep. vs. Staph. vs. MRSA
- Signs & symptoms
- Treatment (IDSA Guidelines)

Influenza

Clinical features
Diagnosis
Pharmacology management

Immunizations (Adult)

Types of Vaccines
General recommendations
Contraindications & precautions

Target Audience

Nurses
Advanced Practice Nurses
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Pharmacists
Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants

Copyright : 07/13/2020

Session 2: Pharmacology of Infectious Diseases & Immunizations for Advanced Practice Clinicians

Copyright : 07/13/2020

Session 3: Pharmacology of Infectious Diseases & Immunizations for Advanced Practice Clinicians

Copyright : 07/13/2020

Session 1: Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice Clinicians

Psychiatry is one of the most challenging areas of medicine, secondary to the subjective nature of the specialty. As clinicians, we have no objective data to base our course of treatment on.

Psychopharmacology and psychotherapy are our best options in terms of treatments and therapy is only successful if the patient is committed to attending every session, completing their homework, and willing to make the necessary life changes to improve their mental health. Medication can be very helpful in terms of alleviating mental health symptoms; however, choosing the right medication and/or combination of meds is crucial to achieving successful outcomes. Secondary to the psychiatry shortage, providers in other specialties find themselves treating mental health patients, which can present additional challenges.

This recording will arm you with a valuable update on the different classes of psychiatric medications and facilitate a deeper level of understanding in terms of how these medications work on their respective neurotransmitters and how they work in conjunction with one another. It is uncommon for mental health patients to be on only one medication, as a combination of medications is often required to reach the desired level of improvement.

After this course, you will be able to identify effective medication regimens for patients based on their psychiatric history and presenting symptoms, ultimately contributing to quality of life improvements in patients with mental health conditions.

Program Information

Objectives

Distinguish ways to conceptualize psychiatric symptomatology outside the box.
Evaluate common medical conditions that you may inadvertently diagnose as psychiatric in nature.
Analyze the 4 main neurotransmitters and how their imbalance influences different psychiatric disorders.
Measure efficacy of the newer class of serotonin modulators to the other widely-used antidepressant classes.
Examine frequently asked questions regarding the impact of alcohol and marijuana for patients taking psychotropic medications.
Determine strategic ways to customize treatment plans based on your patient's individual needs.

Outline

Antidepressants

The many facets which impact depression such as neurotransmitter imbalances, life events, and environmental factors
History of antidepressants, in terms of safety and efficacy of treatments
Classes of antidepressants - MAOIs, TCAs, SSRIs, SNRIs, SDRIs, other antidepressants, and serotonin modulators

Antipsychotics

Targeted neurotransmitters - DA, mechanism of action, DA pathways, D2 and 5Ht2A - why is this important?
Typical vs. atypical - what are the differences and how do we choose them?
Adverse effects
Off label indications
Specific benefits of the class

Mood Stabilizers

Targeted neurotransmitters/Mechanism of action
Efficacy in treatment
Adverse reactions
Safety - Importance of compliance and monitoring
Off label indications
Best in practice pearls

Anxiolytics

2nd line treatment vs. 1st line treatment - and reasons these might not be used as first line
Targeted neurotransmitters/Mechanism of action
Cautions and safety concerns associated with this class
Adverse effects
Safety - addiction and withdrawal

Stimulants

Classes of ADHD drugs and how they differ
Neurotransmitters involved/Mechanism of action
Caution associated with controlled substances
Safety in children and use in adults

Critical Considerations for Psychopharmacology Treatment

Increasing risk - when patients combine psychotropic medications with alcohol and/or illicit drugs
Challenging symptoms to treat, such as TBI and autism
Ruling out medical conditions that mimic psychiatric conditions
Importance of a detailed history and review of symptoms

Enlightening Case Studies

Depression
Schizophrenia
Bipolar

Target Audience

Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants
Physicians
Pharmacists Nurses
Therapists
Psychologists
Case Managers

Copyright : 05/14/2019

Session 2: Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice Clinicians

Program Information

Objectives

Distinguish ways to conceptualize psychiatric symptomatology outside the box.
Evaluate common medical conditions that you may inadvertently diagnose as psychiatric in nature.
Analyze the 4 main neurotransmitters and how their imbalance influences different psychiatric disorders.
Measure efficacy of the newer class of serotonin modulators to the other widely-used antidepressant classes.
Examine frequently asked questions regarding the impact of alcohol and marijuana for patients taking psychotropic medications.
Determine strategic ways to customize treatment plans based on your patient's individual needs.

Copyright : 05/14/2019

Session 3: Psychopharmacology for Advanced Practice Clinicians

Program Information

Objectives

Distinguish ways to conceptualize psychiatric symptomatology outside the box.
Evaluate common medical conditions that you may inadvertently diagnose as psychiatric in nature.
Analyze the 4 main neurotransmitters and how their imbalance influences different psychiatric disorders.
Measure efficacy of the newer class of serotonin modulators to the other widely-used antidepressant classes.
Examine frequently asked questions regarding the impact of alcohol and marijuana for patients taking psychotropic medications.
Determine strategic ways to customize treatment plans based on your patient's individual needs.

Copyright : 05/14/2019

Session 1: Geriatric Pharmacology

Prevent Critical Pharmacology Errors, Avoid Malpractice Lawsuits and Start Prescribing with Confidence…

Treating your geriatric patients is challenging! Older adults can be complex, with multiple diseases and a variety of treatment options. With so many changes in medications and guidelines for prescribing, how are you supposed to keep up? Additionally, you worry about patient compliance, unique pharmacodynamics and treating one condition without the side effects causing more harm than good. Feeling overwhelmed? We have your solution!

This comprehensive program recording will give you the tools and strategies you need to prescribe with confidence. Drawing from decades of experience, Steven Atkinson will provide you with cutting-edge information regarding potential side effects, drug interactions, and proper prescribing and monitoring procedures for a variety of acute and chronic diseases.

Steven knows that you must rely on your experience, instincts and education to make decisions about what is best for your patient. That's why he has developed numerous tips and tools that can make this challenging job easier. Don't miss this opportunity to join him for this comprehensive program. You will leave confident in your prescribing ability and armed with the knowledge you need to immediately to improve outcomes for your geriatric patients.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine preventative techniques and individual monitoring plans to minimize adverse drug events and drug-drug interactions.
Apply the principles of polypharmacy to the patient with cognitive impairment.
Analyze the effects of aging on pharmacokinetics.
Evaluate major causes, mechanism and early symptoms of drug-induced toxicity.
Assess tools used to safely taper and discontinue medications.
Apply prescribing strategies for the geriatric patient.
Integrate age-sensitive principles for medication dosing and management to clinical scenarios.

Outline

Aging and Pharmacodynamics

Effects of Aging on Drug Therapy
Variations in Drug Half-life and Clearance
Drug Dosing in Chronic Kidney Disease
Common Inappropriate & Over-prescribed Drugs
Identifying Subtle Clues to Prevent an Adverse Drug Reaction

Drug-Drug Interactions

The P450 System
The Magic Drug Number in the Elderly
The Top 10 Medications to Avoid
The Top 10 Drug-drug Interactions
Drugs Associated with Weight Loss

Strategies to Avoid Adverse Drug Events

Identifying Subtle Clues to Prevent an Adverse Drug Reaction
Individualizing a Monitoring Plan
Mandatory Gradual Dose Reduction (GDR)
The Garfinkel Method for Drug Discontinuation

The "BEERS Criteria"

What are the Experts Saying?
Follow the Criteria OR go with your Instincts?
When Inappropriate Drugs are OK

STOPP and START

New Recommendations
Guidelines by Body System
Putting it all Together - Still a Puzzle?

Controversial Vitamins & Herbal Supplements

Is your Multivitamin killing you?
After 19 years, the Research is in
Advising your Patients Appropriately
The Vitamins that Help & the Ones that Hurt

Psychopharmacology

Selecting the Right Medication
Challenges in LTC
Black Box WARNINGS

Dementia, Depression & Delirium

The 3 "Ds" in Geriatrics
Drugs that Cause Cognitive Impairment

Prescribing Challenges & Solutions

Cardiovascular
- Digoxin, Amiodarone & the Risk of Orthostatsis
- The New Anti-Hypertensive Guidelines
Neurological
- The Risk of "Sleepers": Zolpidem, Eszopiclone, Zaleplon
Endocrinology
- "Doc I've got a Low 'T'"
- Eliminating Sliding Scales
Gastrointestinal
- Risks of Proton-pump-inhibitors (PPIs)
- Best Antiemetic Choices
Anticholinergics
- Associated Psychosis
- Increased Anxiety and Agitation
Antithrombotics
- Is Aspirin Still Recommended?
Anti-Infectives
- Antibiotic Stewardship
- Drug Resistance Concerns
- Major Contributors to Cdiff
Pain Meds
- Newest Guidelines for Opioid Discontinuance
- Alternatives to Opioids

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physician Assistants

Session 2: Geriatric Pharmacology

Session 3: Geriatric Pharmacology

Session 1: Patients Use of Natural and Alternative Treatments

Imagine a patient, who has been admitted to your floor, has family bring in bottles of vitamins and supplements that he has been taking. Have you felt equipped in these circumstances to really know what these natural treatments were for? Could they be beneficial? Have you felt confident in the medication teaching with these patients? With the rising trend in natural therapies, nurses and allied healthcare professionals need to be equipped with the knowledge of alternative therapies to be able to assess for medication interactions and side effects, and advocate for patients on natural or conventional therapies.

During this enlightening recording, you will also learn natural approaches to common conditions (diabetes, coronary artery disease, post-surgical management, hypertension…) as Dr. Vanessa Ruiz, Naturopathic Doctor and Registered Nurse, shares from her expertise to propel your own practice forward!

Consider This Patient Story…

A 64-year-old female patient presented with intermittent subconjunctival hemorrhaging for two months. Prior medical history positive for Hypertension with V/S 138/82, P 82. She had been taking Diovan twice daily. PT/INR, aPTT, platelet count and von Willebrand factor were WNL. Platelet aggregation was decreased. When asked what supplements were new to her, she reported taking daily multivitamins, magnesium citrate 500 mg daily and vitamin E 500 IU daily.

The patient was advised to discontinue vitamin E due to its risk for increased bleeding. After cessation, subconjunctival hemorrhaging resolved within a few weeks. Patient case studies, like this one, will be interspersed through the day so you are ready to advocate well for patients when you return to work!

Program Information

Outline

Emerging Trends in Healthcare: Natural and Alternative Medicine

Making the case for natural medicine: When it's effective; when it's not
Explore different alternative modalities
Water therapy and energetic therapies
Vitamins as cofactors for biochemical pathways
Why minerals are important to therapeutic protocols

Explore Evidence-Based Natural Management of Common Illnesses

Diabetes: Optimal diets and supplements for reducing HgBA1c
Arthritis: Management of chronic pain through physical medicine, water therapy, nutrition, herbs and vitamins
Hypertension and Congestive Heart Failure: Explore nutritional protocols, exercises and herbal supplementation to be considered in the treatment plan
Hypothyroidism: How nutrition, lifestyle factors, vitamin and herbal interventions can optimize thyroid hormone function
Insomnia: Improve sleep duration and quality through vitamin/herbal supplementation
- Herbal/vitamin side effects with commonly used sedatives
Cancer: Supplements to avoid when a patient is on chemotherapy and interventions to minimize side effects of chemotherapy
Asthma: Nutritional and herbal interventions to minimize asthma exacerbations
Common Colds/Influenza: Analyze herbal supplements that minimize symptoms, boost immune system and reduce duration of colds
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Explore optimal diets, herbs and vitamins to manage IBS
Depression/Anxiety: How to manage mood through nutrition and herbal interventions
Hypercholesteremia: Nutritional protocols and supplements to minimize LDL/VLDL and maximize HDL.
- Which supplements interact with commonly-prescribed medications.
Surgical Management: Which herbs/vitamins to avoid pre/post-surgery and interventions to optimize surgical healing

Furthering Your Education on Natural Medicine

Supplementation: Why quality matters
Continuing education: Best educational resources to learn more about natural medicine
Incorporating natural therapies into your own life
Understanding scope of practice and safely practicing using natural therapies

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Dietitians Nutritionists
Chiropractors
Diabetes Educators

Objectives

Differentiate between conventional and natural management of common illnesses.
Determine the risk/benefit ratio between conventional and natural approaches to illnesses.
Analyze chronic disease management using nutrition, nutritional supplementation, botanical medicine, physical medicine and energetic medicine.
Evaluate the appropriateness of using natural therapies in chronic disease.
Determine the clinical efficacy of vitamins/minerals in the management of chronic disease.
Analyze patients' use of vitamins and herbs for common side effects and medication interactions.
Choose reputable educational resources to further your knowledge of natural therapies.

Session 2: Patients Use of Natural and Alternative Treatments

Program Information

Objectives

Differentiate between conventional and natural management of common illnesses.
Determine the risk/benefit ratio between conventional and natural approaches to illnesses.
Analyze chronic disease management using nutrition, nutritional supplementation, botanical medicine, physical medicine and energetic medicine.
Evaluate the appropriateness of using natural therapies in chronic disease.
Determine the clinical efficacy of vitamins/minerals in the management of chronic disease.
Analyze patients' use of vitamins and herbs for common side effects and medication interactions.
Choose reputable educational resources to further your knowledge of natural therapies.

Session 3: Patients Use of Natural and Alternative Treatments

Program Information

Objectives

Differentiate between conventional and natural management of common illnesses.
Determine the risk/benefit ratio between conventional and natural approaches to illnesses.
Analyze chronic disease management using nutrition, nutritional supplementation, botanical medicine, physical medicine and energetic medicine.
Evaluate the appropriateness of using natural therapies in chronic disease.
Determine the clinical efficacy of vitamins/minerals in the management of chronic disease.
Analyze patients' use of vitamins and herbs for common side effects and medication interactions.
Choose reputable educational resources to further your knowledge of natural therapies.