Question: Reflective Essay on ShadowHealth Virtual Assignment: Pharmacotherapy of Musculoskeletal, Neurological, and Psychological Disorders

Overview of shadowhealth
CC: sore throat
HPI: Patient is a 5 year old female (Sophia) who presents to clinic today with concern of sore throat. She is accompanied by her father. The patient reports a headache, sore throat, pain with speaking/swallowing, fever. She rates her pain a 5/10. Sophia reports her symptoms started today and she went to the school nurse who called her father. Her Father picked her up and brought her to clinic for evaluation. Mr. Haddad reports that he gave her 7.5 mL liquid ibuprofen (100 mg/5 mL) an hour and a half before coming to the clinic, but reports that she does not like to take medication. She is willing to try other liquid medication.
ROS: ENT: affirms sore throat, exudate, pain with speaking and swallowing
Neuro: affirms headache
PMH: otitis media
PSH: tympanostomy tubes (age 2)
PFH: denies
Medication to be prescribed is : Amoxicillin
Dosage 5.5 mL
Strength 400 mg / 5 mL
Frequency every 12 (twelve) hours
Duration 10 (ten) days
Route mouth
Quantity 110 mL
Refills 0 (zero)
Indication GAS Pharyngitis

Write a 500-word APA reflection essay of your experience with the ShadowHealth© virtual assignment(s). At least two scholarly sources in addition to your textbook should be utilized. Answers to the following questions should be included in your reflective essay:
• Would you prescribe any medications at this point? Why or why not? If so, what?
• What would be the choice for second-line therapy?
• What are the parameters for monitoring success of the therapy?
• Discuss specific patient education based on the prescribed therapy.
• List one or two adverse reactions for the selected agent that would cause you to change therapy.
• What would be the choice for second-line therapy?
• What lifestyle changes would you recommend for this patient, in addition to medication?

STUDY TIPS / DRAFT:

My experience with the ShadowHealth© virtual assignment for a pediatric patient presenting with a sore throat has been both educational and enlightening. The case involved a 5-year-old female named Sophia, who presented with symptoms of a sore throat, headache, fever, and pain with speaking and swallowing. Her father, Mr. Haddad, was present during the visit, providing valuable information about her medical history and current condition.

Medication Prescription: In this case, I would prescribe Amoxicillin, as it is indicated for Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Pharyngitis, which is a common cause of sore throat in children. The dosage of 5.5 mL, strength of 400 mg/5 mL, to be administered every 12 hours for a duration of 10 days is appropriate for her age and weight. Amoxicillin is a first-line therapy for GAS Pharyngitis due to its effectiveness against Streptococcus bacteria, which is the most common causative organism in this condition.

Choice for Second-Line Therapy: If the patient had a known allergy to penicillins or showed signs of non-response to Amoxicillin, the choice for second-line therapy could be macrolides such as Azithromycin or Clarithromycin. However, it's important to verify allergies and use alternative antibiotics cautiously.

Parameters for Monitoring Success: Monitoring the success of therapy in this case would involve assessing the resolution of symptoms, including the sore throat, headache, and fever. A follow-up visit or communication with the patient's parent is essential to ensure that the symptoms have improved or resolved completely. Additionally, it's important to confirm adherence to the prescribed antibiotic regimen.

Patient Education: Specific patient education for Sophia's father should include:

1. Administration of Medication: Ensure that Mr. Haddad understands how to administer the medication correctly. He should be instructed to shake the Amoxicillin suspension well before each dose and to use the provided measuring device to ensure accurate dosing.

2. Complete the Full Course: Emphasize the importance of completing the full 10-day course of antibiotics, even if Sophia's symptoms improve before that time. This helps to prevent antibiotic resistance and ensures that the infection is completely eradicated.

Adverse Reactions: One or two adverse reactions to Amoxicillin that would warrant changing therapy include severe allergic reactions such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Additionally, severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, or persistent vomiting could indicate a severe adverse reaction and should prompt a re-evaluation of the prescribed medication.

Lifestyle Changes: In addition to medication, I would recommend the following lifestyle changes for Sophia:

1. Rest: Encourage adequate rest to help her body recover from the infection.

2. Hydration: Ensure she stays well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids like water, clear soups, and warm herbal teas to soothe her sore throat.

3. Avoid Irritants: Advise avoiding irritants like smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, as these can worsen a sore throat.

4. Soft Diet: Suggest a soft diet consisting of foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes to ease swallowing.

5. Hand Hygiene: Reinforce the importance of good hand hygiene to prevent the spread of infection to others.

In conclusion, the ShadowHealth© virtual assignment provided a valuable opportunity to assess and manage a pediatric patient with a sore throat. Prescribing appropriate medication, monitoring success, educating the caregiver, and considering potential adverse reactions are critical components of effective pediatric care. Additionally, lifestyle recommendations can further support the patient's recovery and overall well-being.