NURS 6630 Week 7 Assignment – Step-by-Step Guide
The first step before starting to write the NURS 6630 Week 7 Assignment: Study Guide for Medication Treatment of Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychosis Disorders, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the NURS 6630 Week 7 Assignment paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.
How to Research and Prepare for NURS 6630 Week 7 Assignment
The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility.
Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the NURS 6630 Week 7 Assignment paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.
How to Write the Introduction for NURS 6630 Week 7 Assignment
The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the NURS 6630 Week 7 Assignment paper.
How to Write the Body for NURS 6630 Week 7 Assignment
The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.
How to Write the In-text Citations for NURS 6630 Week 7 Assignment
In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:
The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.
How to Write the Conclusion for NURS 6630 Week 7 Assignment
When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.
How to Format the Reference List for NURS 6630 Week 7 Assignment
The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded, in sentence sentence care. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication.
Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:
References
Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456
Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.
An Example NURS 6630 Week 7 Assignment Follows:
Study Guide for Medication Treatment for Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychosis Disorders
Overview of Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a psychotic condition where a person exhibits negative symptoms that include loss of contact with reality, hallucinations, delusions, impaired speech and mental function, and aberrant motor activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). These symptoms affect the person’s normal functioning and general health and well-being, requiring prompt management to prevent further complications. There are different psychotropic medications available for the management of schizophrenia by reducing the symptoms through various mechanisms of action. This paper will delve into a particular medication, Olanzapine, which has been used in the management of schizophrenia and other psychotic illnesses by the standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Description of the Psychopharmacological Medication Agent
Olanzapine, an atypical antipsychotic, is classified as a second-generation antipsychotic agent. The FDA has approved this agent for the management of schizophrenia and bipolar illness in patients who are above 13 years of age (Thomas & Saadabadi, 2023). The agent is marketed and sold under Zyprexa as the brand name.
When combined with fluoxetine, the agent can be used in the management of depression and bipolar I disorder. The drug helps to create a balance between dopamine and serotonin, the major neurotransmitters that control the function of the brain (Monahan et al., 2022). Studies have shown that the use of Olanzapine is associated with a lower chance of developing extrapyramidal symptoms in comparison to other atypical antipsychotics; this has been essential in ensuring that patients are compliant with treatment and that they do not experience withdrawal symptoms after cessation of antipsychotic therapies (Zubiaur et al., 2021).
Drug Classification
Olanzapine is a second-generation antipsychotic agent commonly used in the management of schizophrenia.
The drug was approved in 1996 and has helped provide critical clinical and scientific information on managing patients considering the different demographics and factors. Even though the drug has been known to cause adverse side effects such as weight gain, clinicians have recommended the use of this medication for the management of schizophrenia. This is because the potential positive effects of the use of Olanzapine outweigh its side effects and the action of other atypical antipsychotics in managing schizophrenia.
The Mechanism of Action
The actions of Olanzapine primarily influence dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain’s mesolimbic pathway by acting as an antagonist in preventing dopamine from acting on the postsynaptic receptors (Monahan et al., 2022). It also contains antidepressive and anxiolytic properties, making it effective in attenuating the adverse extrapyramidal effects by acting on serotogenic receptors (Monahan et al., 2022). Some side effects, such as changes in blood pressure, ejaculation problems, and an increase in weight and drowsiness, can be observed after its use (Monahan et al., 2022). Additionally, the sympathomimetic effect, such as incontinence, arrhythmias, excessive salivation, and blurred vision, can be observed when it influences the alpha-1 and alpha-2 receptors.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: After consuming the drug orally, it is fully absorbed in the gut and hits peak levels after 6 hours. The first-pass effect metabolizes about 40% of the dosage in the liver before circulating through the heart, leading to increased elimination from the body (Kolli et al., 2023). Food does not affect the degree of absorption of the drug.
Distribution: There is extensive drug distribution in the body; 93% of the agent binds to alpha-1 acid glycoprotein and albumin (Kolli et al., 2023).
Metabolism: The agent is metabolized by the liver. It has been postulated that this is due to the actions of cytochrome P450 and glucuronide enzymes. The main enzymes metabolizing the medication are CYP1A2 and CYP2D6 from the CYP system (Kolli et al., 2023).
Excretion: About 57% of the medication is eliminated by the kidneys, while elimination through the feces is about 30%.
Pharmacodynamics
A medication’s pharmacodynamics entails the different medication processes that occur in the body, such as the linkage with the dose receptors, the impact of the drug on the body, and its bioavailability (Katzung, 2018). Interaction with different neurotransmitter receptors leads to changes in the CNS. It is a nonselective antagonist in the -HT2A and 5-HT2C serotonin receptors, the D1, D2, D3, and D4 dopamine receptors (Katzung, 2018). By inhibiting and blocking these receptors, the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations, can be decreased by the effects of Olanzapine, which reduces the effects of serotonin and dopamine in various brain regions (Katzung, 2018).
The agent antagonizes H1 histamine receptors, muscarinic receptors, and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, which are receptors for different neurotransmitters. However, the effects of the drug on these various receptors lead to more pronounced anticholinergic and sedative adverse effects in the patients.
Appropriate dosing, Administration route, and any considerations for dosing alterations
The medication has been routinely used in the management of bipolar disorders and schizophrenia in both pediatric and adult populations. The dosage and duration of the use of Olanzapine can be affected by different factors, such as the patient’s age, weight, tolerance, and history of health (Katzung, 2018).
Adult dosage
An initial dose of 10mg PO OD has been recommended for adults with schizophrenia. The dosage can be progressively increased to 20mg a day depending on the tolerance and achievement of the desired therapeutic effects of the patient (Katzung, 2018). It is used in different forms, such as capsules, tablets, and injections. Therefore, patient preference on which form they would like prescribed to them may vary between other individuals.
Pediatric Dosing
The medication is rarely used in the management of adolescents and children with schizophrenia, and their weight and age influence the dosage and duration of the medication course. Dosages of up to 10mg once a day are effectively tolerated by this population suffering from schizophrenia.
An initial dose of 2.5mg to 5mg daily is preferred in pediatric populations, which can then be slowly increased to a maximum dose of 10mg daily (Barušić, 2022). If the medications’ positive expected outcomes and tolerance are achieved, the healthcare providers may prescribe the drug once or twice daily (Barušić, 2022).
Elderly Dosing
Adverse effects of the medication, such as low blood pressure, drowsiness, and anticholinergic effects, may be pronounced in the elderly population.
A recommended initial dose of 5mg once a day is more effective in this population, which can be gradually elevated to a maximum of 20mg a day, depending on the therapeutic effects of the drug on the patient and the observed side effects (Potkin et al., 2020). Healthcare workers need to be aware of the symptoms presented by the patients and their health history to determine the appropriate dosage of the medication and the period of use of the drug.
Considerations for Dosing Alterations
- The maximum daily dosage of the medication should not exceed a dose of 20mg daily; toxicity is likely to result from dosages increasing this cap.
- The metabolism of the drug is severely reduced in individuals with impaired liver functions. Therefore, liver functions should be assessed, and the dosage should be adjusted in individuals suffering from liver illnesses.
- There are no definite recommended dosages for all populations; however, starting with a lower dose is recommended so that the patients can be observed for therapeutic and adverse effects and adjust the dosage accordingly (Monahan et al., 2022).
Consideration for Use and Dosing in Specific Populations
- The agent is not approved for prescription for children under 13.
- It should only be used among pregnant women if the therapeutic effects of the medication outweigh its adverse effects and if its use does not affect the pregnancy negatively.
- The drug is safe for use in lactating mothers, and it is usually considered the first-line medication at this stage.
- The FDA established that elderly individuals are more vulnerable to the side effects of antipsychotic drugs because of their impact on blood pressure and drowsiness. Therefore, the agent in this population should be used cautiously to prevent any complications.
Half-life

The half-life of a drug refers to the period that the plasma concentration of the drug is reduced to half the original value when consumed (Katzung, 2018). This implies that after one half-life of the drug, its concentration in the body will be about 50% of the initial dose taken by the patient.
The half-life relies on how the body breaks down and eliminates the drug from the body. The average half-life of the medication is 30 hours, but it lies in the range of 21 to 54 hours (Katzung, 2018). The half-life informs the healthcare practitioner of the effective therapeutic dosage required to cause positive patient outcomes, even when the body has eliminated some of the medication.
Side Effects
The medication has been known to cause the following side effects:
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Gain of weight
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
- Xerostomia
- Insomnia
- Somnolence
- Constipation
- Dyspepsia
Contraindications
- The drug is contraindicated in all individuals who develop hypersensitivity to any component of the medication.
- It is also not recommended for use in persons with dehydration, high levels of cholesterol, suffering from CNS depression, and those with excessive concentrations of lipids.
- The agent should not be administered with pimozide, pramipexole, dronedarone, cabergoline, and amisulpride due to drug-to-drug interactions.
Overdose Considerations
- The overdose of the agent is indicated by symptoms such as excessive salivation, difficulty in maintaining the body balance, stiffness of the muscles, fatigue, drowsiness, and tremors (Katzung, 2018).
- Symptoms of CNS depression, such as difficulties in breathing, hypotension, and coma, may result from an overdose of the agent.
- In case of an overdose, activated charcoal should be administered to prevent further absorption of the drug.
- Gastric lavage may effectively decrease drug absorption, further managing fluid and electrolyte balances, monitoring the patient’s airway, and administering drugs to increase blood pressure (Katzung, 2018).
- CPR may be initiated for unresponsive patients.
- The healthcare workers should monitor the patient closely for signs of shock and seizures and take appropriate precautions to prevent potential complications.
Diagnostics and Lab monitoring
Since the medication is associated with hypotension, patients under treatment with Olanzapine should be regularly monitored for any fluctuations in blood pressure and the dosage adjusted.
The white blood count should be monitored throughout therapy, as the medication has been associated with agranulocytosis, leukopenia, and neutropenia (Katzung, 2018). Patients with a history of blood and bone marrow disorders should be monitored closely.
Comorbidities Consideration
Cardiovascular disorder: The QTc intervals can be affected by the action of Olanzapine, which may lead to arrhythmias. Healthcare workers should assess the fitness of individuals with a history of cardiovascular disorder to determine if they are fit to undergo treatment with this agent.
Hepatic impairment: The medication is primarily metabolized in the liver. Any individual with an underlying hepatic disorder should not use this agent; other options should be considered.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Off-label use: Even though the primary approval of the use of Olanzapine by the FDA is for schizophrenia, it can be used for off-label management of other conditions. Ethical issues arise when used off-label, primarily when no substantial literature supports that it will lead to positive health outcomes for that condition (Tang et al., 2022).
Informed consent: Before managing a patient with Olanzapine, the patients must be informed of the drug’s potential benefits and side effects, and informed consent must be obtained from them. Legal issues can arise if healthcare workers do not disclose to their patients the hazards of using this medication or get their permission before prescribing it.
Nonmaleficence: The principle of nonmaleficence requires that the healthcare workers should not induce any harm to the patient. Therefore, healthcare workers need to obtain a comprehensive health history of the patient before prescribing them with this agent, as it has been contraindicated in specific patient demographics such as those with hepatic disorders. This can help mitigate any unintended harm of the drug to these patients, which the medical practitioner could not have known otherwise without a comprehensive health history of the patient.
Pertinent Patient Education Consideration
- Patients must understand why it is essential to comply with the management plan, ensuring that they take the medication as prescribed by the healthcare workers without stopping or adjusting the dosage without consultation with a healthcare worker. Otherwise, if they do not follow the correct regimen as prescribed, potential adverse effects and relapse of the condition may likely occur.
- They should also be aware of the potential side effects of the medications, such as drowsiness and gain of weight associated with the use of these agents. The patient should identify any signs of overdose of the drug and report to their healthcare providers.
- During therapy, it is essential to avoid the use of sedatives and abuse of substances to prevent any potential drug-to-drug interactions, which may be fatal.
- The patient should be informed that they should only procure over-the-counter medications with a valid prescription from a healthcare worker.
- In case of any inquiries or sensitive issues with the use of the medications, they should consult with a healthcare worker as soon as possible.
Great job. Up next is a short answer assessment due in week 8 of NURS 6630, focused on schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders that you have covered so far.
NURS 6630 Week 7 Assignment References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
Barušić, A. K. (2022). The emerging role of olanzapine in pediatric CINV control: A review. Medicine, 101(50), e32116. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000032116
Katzung, B. G. (2018). Basic & clinical pharmacology (14th ed.). Mcgraw-Hill Education.
Kolli, P., Kelley, G., Rosales, M., Faden, J., & Serdenes, R. (2023). Olanzapine Pharmacokinetics: A clinical review of current insights and remaining questions. Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine, 16, 1097–1108. https://doi.org/10.2147/PGPM.S391401
Monahan, C., McCoy, L., Powell, J., & Gums, J. G. (2022). Olanzapine/samidorphan: new drug approved for treating bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 106002802110703. https://doi.org/10.1177/10600280211070330
Potkin, S. G., Kunovac, J., Silverman, B. L., Simmons, A., Jiang, Y., DiPetrillo, L., & McDonnell, D. (2020). Efficacy and safety of a combination of olanzapine and samidorphan in adult patients with an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 81(2). https://doi.org/10.4088/jcp.19m12769
Tang, Y., Li, W., Liao, J., Wang, X., Baskota, M., & Liu, E. (2022). Off-label drug use in children over the past decade. Chinese Medical Journal, Publish Ahead of Print. https://doi.org/10.1097/cm9.0000000000001991
Thomas, K., & Saadabadi, A. (2023). Olanzapine. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
Zubiaur, P., Soria-Chacartegui, P., Villapalos-García, G., Gordillo-Perdomo, J. J., & Abad-Santos, F. (2021). The pharmacogenetics of treatment with olanzapine. Pharmacogenomics, 22(14), 939–958. https://doi.org/10.2217/pgs-2021-0051
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When approaching a 500-word essay, it’s essential to understand the nuances of this compact form of writing. These frequently asked questions will guide you through the process of crafting a concise and impactful essay.
How many pages is a 500-word essay typically?
A 500-word essay usually spans about one page if single-spaced or two pages when double-spaced, with standard margins and a 12-point font size.
Can you provide examples of a well-structured 500-word essay?
Certainly, to see the structure and flow of a well-written essay, you might want to take a look at a student’s writing guide that provides insights and examples.
Are there specific formatting guidelines for a 500-word essay?
Formatting guidelines typically involve using a legible font like Times New Roman or Arial, size 12, with double-spacing and one-inch margins on all sides. Check any specific requirements your instructor might have provided.
What are some effective strategies for writing a personal essay of 500 words?
For a personal essay, focus on a singular event or characteristic, ensuring your ideas are clear and you reflect on the significance of the subject matter. Use concise language and powerful imagery to maximize impact.
What topics are suitable for a concise 500-word essay?
Choose topics you can thoroughly address within the word limit, such as a personal anecdote, a critical analysis of a poem, or a focused argument on a singular point or issue.
How much time should you allocate to write a 500-word essay effectively?
Depending on your familiarity with the topic and writing proficiency, allocate anywhere from one to several hours for planning, drafting, and revising to ensure a well-presented essay.