Advances in Pharmacology for the Geriatric Nurse Practitioner

Click here to download a handout that includes only one slide per page. 

A major component of the geriatric nurse practitioner’s role is managing the drug regimens of their patients. This workshop explores issues concerning psychotropic and antimicrobial drug management in the older adult, including a specific focus on the spectrum of activity in antimicrobial pharmacology. Review tables/figures are utilized to summarize applied pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics, indications, dosing, toxicity, and more. Dosing in special populations are covered and case studies are utilized to highlight management of common infections in the geriatric population with an emphasis on appropriate antimicrobial stewardship.

Learning Objectives:

• Define the role for cholinesterase inhibitors in the management of behavior issues in Alzheimer's disease.
• Describe the treatment roles for antipsychotic, antidepressant, mood stabilizers and benzodiazepines in the management of psychiatric behavior problems related to dementia.
• Cite three potential drug or disease interactions with SSRIs.
• Review antimicrobial pharmacology with a focus on spectrum of activity.
• Review antimicrobial pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, dosing, toxicity, and management of allergies.
• Interpret a case-based approach to highlight the management of common infections in the geriatric population, with an emphasis on appropriate antimicrobial stewardship.