5310 Discussion Post I

Advanced Practice Registered Nursing: Collaboration, Medication Management, and Patient Safety

Michael Moates, Ed.D. Non-Degree Seeking Student, Saint Thomas University (MSN at Herzing University)

NURS 5310 Clinical Pharmacotherapeutics

Saint Thomas University

LaDonna Christy (Mylie), PhD, MBA/MSN, RN, NEA-BC, CCRN, NPD-BC, CHSE

January 15, 2026

Collaboration with Other Health Care Practitioners

Collaboration with other health care practitioners is critical to the practice of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) as it ensures comprehensive and coordinated patient care. APRNs must work with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, pharmacists, and nurses, to share knowledge, expertise, and resources to provide high-quality patient care. This collaboration is essential in medication management, as it helps to prevent errors, ensures continuity of care, and promotes patient safety (NCSBN, 2018).

Behavioral Red Flags

When prescribing medications that can be misused, APRNs must look for behavioral red flags, such as inconsistent or unclear medical history, multiple prescriptions for controlled substances, and frequent requests for early refills (Dydyk et al., 2025). Other red flags include patients who are overly demanding or aggressive, those who have a history of substance abuse, and those who exhibit suspicious behavior, such as doctor shopping.

Communication Barriers and Skills

Communication barriers when working with patients who may be misusing medications include language barriers, cultural differences, and cognitive impairment (Dydyk et al., 2025). Patients may also be defensive, dishonest about their medication use, or reluctant to discuss their symptoms. APRNs must use effective communication skills such as active listening, empathy, and clear explanations to overcome these barriers. Using plain language, providing written instructions, and involving family members or caregivers in the communication process can also help ensure patients understand their medication regimens and potential risks.

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs

Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) are electronic databases that track controlled substance prescriptions. These programs help healthcare providers identify patients who may be at risk for overdose or diversion and provide valuable information for prescribing decisions. PDMPs can help inform point-of-care clinical decision-making to improve patient care and safety (CDC, 2024).

Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations related to PDMPs include patient privacy, confidentiality, and potential biases in the data (CDC, 2024). APRNs must ensure that patients are informed about the use of PDMPs and that their personal health information is protected. The CDC (2024) emphasizes that "PDMP information can be most helpful when results are unexpected, and clinicians should minimize bias in application." APRNs should not dismiss patients from care based on PDMP information, as this could adversely affect patient safety.

State Nurse Practice Acts

State Nurse Practice Acts regulate the practice of nursing, including the prescription of controlled substances. These acts vary by state and may include specific requirements for APRN licensure, certification, and scope of practice. According to the NCSBN (2018), the Consensus Model for APRN Regulation provides guidance for US jurisdictions to adopt uniformity in the regulation of APRN roles, licensure, accreditation, certification, and education.

State-Specific Elements

State-specific elements that may play a role in the prescription of controlled substances include prescription limits, mandatory PDMP checks, and continuing education requirements (IHS, 2024). Some states require APRNs to have collaborative practice agreements with physicians to prescribe controlled substances, while others allow independent prescribing authority. APRNs must be aware of these elements and incorporate them into their practice to ensure compliance with state regulations.

Laws and Ethical Considerations

Laws and ethical considerations regarding the sale of sample medications and prescribing medications to oneself, friends, and family include the potential for misuse, diversion, and conflicts of interest (Dydyk et al., 2025). The American Medical Association's Code of Ethics advises against self-treatment or treating immediate family members except in emergencies or isolated settings where no other qualified physician is available. APRNs must adhere to federal and state laws, as well as professional standards and guidelines, to avoid these risks and ensure patient safety.

Patient Health Beliefs and Age

A patient's health beliefs, age, and current medication can affect new prescriptions. Cultural beliefs may influence medication adherence, while age-related physiological changes can affect drug metabolism and elimination. Current medications may interact with new prescriptions, potentially causing adverse effects or reducing efficacy. APRNs must consider these factors when prescribing medications and use patient-centered approaches to ensure optimal outcomes (Dydyk et al., 2025).

Doctor Shopping

Doctor shopping refers to the practice of patients visiting multiple healthcare providers to obtain multiple prescriptions for controlled substances (CDC, 2024). This behavior is often associated with substance use disorders or medication diversion. APRNs must be vigilant for signs of doctor shopping and use PDMPs to identify patients who may be receiving controlled substances from multiple providers.

Informed Consent

Four critical features of informed consent include disclosure of relevant information, understanding of that information by the patient, voluntariness in decision-making, and capacity to make decisions (Dydyk et al., 2025). APRNs must ensure patients are fully informed about their medication regimens, potential risks and benefits, and alternatives to treatment. Patients must have the capacity to make informed decisions about their care and do so voluntarily.

Electronic Health Records

Electronic health records (EHRs) offer several benefits, including improved patient safety through medication error reduction, increased efficiency in documentation and information retrieval, and enhanced communication among healthcare providers. EHRs can help APRNs track patient medications, identify potential interactions, and facilitate care coordination across different healthcare settings.

Medication Reconciliation

Medication reconciliation is the process of comparing a patient's medication orders to all medications the patient has been taking. This process is crucial for preventing medication errors, particularly during transitions of care. Effective medication reconciliation can reduce adverse drug events, improve patient outcomes, and enhance communication among healthcare providers.

Underutilization of Medications

The underutilization of medications can negatively affect patient outcomes, including decreased quality of life, increased morbidity, and mortality. Factors contributing to underutilization include cost barriers, complex medication regimens, inadequate patient education, and fear of side effects. APRNs must address these factors to ensure patients receive optimal medication therapy and achieve desired health outcomes.

References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 6). Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs). https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/hcp/clinical-guidance/prescription-drug-monitoring-programs.html

Dydyk, A. M., Sizemore, D. C., Haddad, L. M., Lindsay, L., & Porter, B. R. (2025, March 28). Responsible Controlled Substance and Opioid Prescribing. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572085/

Indian Health Service. (2024, October 11). Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs. https://ihs.gov/painmanagement/legalconsiderations/prescriptiondrug

National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2018). APRN Consensus Model. https://ncsbn.org/aprn