Case Study 1: Hypertension Management in a 50-Year-Old Patient
Objective: Understand the pharmacologic treatment of hypertension, evaluate drug interactions, and individualize care plans.
Patient Profile:
- Age: 50
- Gender: Male
- Height/Weight: 5’9”, 230 lbs
- Medical History: Hypertension (diagnosed 3 years ago), Type 2 Diabetes (well-controlled with metformin), elevated cholesterol
- Current Medications: Metformin 500 mg BID, Atorvastatin 20 mg daily
- Blood Pressure: 160/98 mmHg
Instructions for Students:
- Assess the patient’s current medications and identify potential interactions.
- Recommend a pharmacologic treatment plan for hypertension. Consider first-line and alternative medications.
- Justify your medication choice based on patient history and current guidelines.
- Discuss any adjustments needed in the patient’s other medications (e.g., statins, diabetes medications) if new drugs are introduced.
- Monitor: List parameters for monitoring the efficacy and safety of the chosen therapy (e.g., BP, kidney function, side effects).
- Counsel: Create patient education points focusing on medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and potential side effects.