Geriatrics OTC Medication Use Assignment
Geriatrics OTC Medication Use Assignment
To prepare:
- Review the American Geriatrics Society article and interactive media piece in this week’s Learning Resources.
- Select one of the following over-the-counter drugs commonly used by geriatric patients:
- Antacids or acid suppressants
- Antidiarrheal
- Antihistamines
- Antimicrobial ointments
- Antispasmodics for the bladder
- Cough suppressants
- Laxatives
- Neutraceuticals (choose one; e.g., ginseng, St. John’s wart, etc.)
- Pain medications (choose one; e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen, rub-on pain ointments/patches, etc.)
- Supplements (choose one; e.g., calcium, iron, etc.)
- Vaginal creams
- Research the over-the-counter drug you selected. Visit a local pharmacy and explore the types/varieties of the drug that are available. Reflect on the ingredients in each type/variety, including additional active ingredients.
- Consult with the pharmacist about the ingredients in each type/variety, including how to make safe and effective clinical decisions in relation to this drug. Discuss potential interactions in frail elders and precautions related to the drug based on Beers Criteria. If one is available, you may consult with a pharmacist at your practicum site as an alternative to visiting a pharmacy.
- Consider ways to educate elders about the OTC drug you selected.
By Day 5
Post a PowerPoint presentation that addresses the following:
- Describe the over-the-counter drug that you selected.
- Identify the types/varieties of the drug that are available. Describe the ingredients in each type/variety including additional active ingredients.
- Explain the key information that you need to know about this OTC drug to make safe and effective clinical decisions. Include potential interactions in frail elders and describe any precautions related to the drug based on Beers Criteria.
- Explain how you would educate elders about the OTC drug you selected.
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ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CLASS
Discussion Questions (DQ)
Initial responses to the DQ should address all components of the questions asked, include a minimum of one scholarly source, and be at least 250 words.
Successful responses are substantive (i.e., add something new to the discussion, engage others in the discussion, well-developed idea) and include at least one scholarly source.
One or two sentence responses, simple statements of agreement or “good post,” and responses that are off-topic will not count as substantive. Substantive responses should be at least 150 words.
I encourage you to incorporate the readings from the week (as applicable) into your responses.
Weekly Participation
Your initial responses to the mandatory DQ do not count toward participation and are graded separately.
In addition to the DQ responses, you must post at least one reply to peers (or me) on three separate days, for a total of three replies.
Participation posts do not require a scholarly source/citation (unless you cite someone else’s work).
Part of your weekly participation includes viewing the weekly announcement and attesting to watching it in the comments. These announcements are made to ensure you understand everything that is due during the week.
APA Format and Writing Quality
Familiarize yourself with APA format and practice using it correctly. It is used for most writing assignments for your degree. Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for APA paper templates, citation examples, tips, etc. Points will be deducted for poor use of APA format or absence of APA format (if required).
Cite all sources of information! When in doubt, cite the source. Paraphrasing also requires a citation.
I highly recommend using the APA Publication Manual, 6th edition.
