Nursing Paper on Pharmacology and Diverse Populations

Pharmacology and Diverse Populations

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Introduction

The health concerns of immigrants are largely similar though some groups may exhibit unique concerns with high prevalence. The most common health concerns of newly arrived immigrants comprise accidental injuries, burns, pregnancy, diabetes, and hypertension among others. Female immigrants’ main medical concerns include maternal care, reproductive health, and violence-related issues. The main reason for experiencing challenges is the interruption of care and fulfillment of specific needs. This report captures healthcare needs of Pakistan immigrants who are due to arrive in United States. The report specifically addresses healthcare concerns of the elderly aged 65 years and above. Aged Pakistan immigrants accounted for 1.7 percent of the population in United States in 1990 (Saniya and Gohar, 2011). The immigration of elders from Pakistan has continued to surge. The state is a small geographical area in south Asia created from northwest of India in 1947. The state accommodates ancient tribes with ancient cultural beliefs and customs. The community values the institution of family and adheres to patriarchal model of a family. The community has well established gender roles. The cultural and religious backgrounds of elders in Pakistan often influence healthcare decisions. The old are more likely to subscribe to family decisions rather than being sovereign. Cultural beliefs are deeply rooted. For example, medical professionals are told not to inform the female members of the community their diagnosis and ailments. Significantly, suicide is forbidden in the population.

Health Concerns and Issues

The aged immigrants from Pakistan have specific health concerns and issues. When they arrive there are several adjustments that must be made. While in Pakistan, they are used to more lively social life that is supported by their families. However, as they arrive, there is need for them to adjust to new ways of life, communication, and language. The issues heighten stress that degenerates into depression and anxiety. Pakistani elders have high risk for coronary disease and diabetes. There is need for more specialized care for those likely to exhibit symptoms of these diseases. For example, healthcare system must design preventive measures of dealing with diabetes and offer support at home. Weight loss strategies may not be appropriate for the mature because it may worsen frailty and thus cause more anxiety and distress. The aged also have health problems and concerns in regards to tuberculosis, hypertension and cancer. The healthcare department must prepare adequate cancer centers to address needs of the old. Pakistani elders face myriad risk behaviors such as poor nutrition, smoking and sedentary lifestyles.

Pharmacologic Treatment

Pakistanis elders with depression have high chances of experiencing heart failure diabetes, cancer and other chronic diseases. In order to manage depression among this population, the medical department must be ready to alleviate medical conditions through effective selection of depressants. The other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and dementia can also be dealt with using antidepressants. Notably, experts have established that treating elderly patients with dementia is always challenging but Cholinesterase inhibitors can be engaged to treat depressive symptoms of apathy (Christopher, 2014). Healthcare professionals must carefully consider previous results, concurrent medical conditions, types of depression and other medications before antidepressants are chosen. Pharmacological treatment of cancer for the old population is a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy initiatives. Experts divulge that diabetes interventions include administration of insulin, biguanides, sulfonylureas, meglitinide derivatives, amylinomimetics, bile acid sequestrants and dopamine agonists (Christopher, 2014).

Culturally Suitable Care

Based on Islamic beliefs, maintaining spiritual peace is one way to improve health of the mature people. When they have peace of mind they tend to be relaxed. In addition, they believe that certain diseases are a punishment from God, hence no need for treatment. Old women often try traditional folk medicines to treat illnesses when they symptoms manifest. However, they may seek allopathic medical attention when illness becomes worse and intolerable. According to their cultural beliefs, there are six factors that must be apportioned equally in regards to quantity and time (Saniya and Gohar, 2011).  Experts reveal these factors include; air in the environment, food and beverages, movement and rest, sleep and wakefulness, eating and emotions (Saniya and Gohar, 2011).

Cultural values affect health outcomes, patient safety and appropriateness of pharmacology. For example, the aged are respectable members of the community and thus must be treated with utmost respect. Moreover, same sex medical professionals are preferred during treatment. Consequently, religious beliefs are sought first before administration of pharmacological treatment. They reject particular treatment initiatives when they think their illnesses are as a result of God’s punishment. According to them, sickness may be the only way to meet God. Further, beliefs affect quality outcome and patient safety, patients may shy away from medication when they have undue fear for a disease and the only solution is prayer. The close family bond may delay treatment because it must make important decisions.

Nursing professionals can exploit the family structure to educate the old on the impacts of modern pharmacology treatments. Nurses from the organization must engage culturally sensitive strategies to educate the population, and to promote health and wellness. Research has established these strategies to include language, access to care, issues of gender, respect of modesty, understanding cultural orientations, fasting and anticipatory guidance (Sallie, 2016). These initiatives are helpful to support healthcare promotion and wellness.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals must be ready to provide and promote care to varied patients. United States flourish on diversity in regards to accommodating people from different cultures. Pakistani elders present several challenges in respect to administration of care and wellness. The institution of family and culture is a stumbling block in providing care. Elders report cases of depression, anxiety, diabetes, tuberculosis among other ailments. Pharmacological treatments are useful in addressing diseases and medical conditions. However, medical professionals must be ready to use culture and appropriate strategies to educate the elderly on the need to embrace pharmacology treatment.

References

Christopher Frank. (2014). Pharmacologic treatment of depression in the elderly. Can Fam

Physician. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3922554/. Retrieved March 18, 2018.

Sallie Jimenez. (2016). 5 ways nurses can improve cultural competency. Nurse.com. Retrieved

from: https://www.nurse.com/blog/2016/04/14/5-ways-nurses-can-improve-cultural-competency/. Retrieved March 18, 2018.

Saniya Sabzwari and Gohar Azhar. (2011). Ageing in Pakistan: A new challenge. Research Gate.

Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225637958_Ageing_in_Pakistan-A_New_Challenge. Retrieved March 18, 2018.

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