Pharmacology Study guide

Who would need to take Synthyroid?

A person with a condition called hypothyroidism

What are symptoms of overdose of a narcotic?

Abnormal vital signs, sleepiness, confusion, chest pain, abdominal pain.

Differentiate between acetaminophen and ibuprofen

Acetaminophen a nonnarcotic analgesic Ibuprofen a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs)

How does bronchodilators work? What patient would take them?

Act to relax smooth muscles of the tracheobronchial tree, thereby dilating the size of the lumen. Patients who suffer from asthma and bronchitis benefit from this medication

What is the difference between antibiotic and an antiinefective?

An anti-infective agent is used to treat an infection. Antibiotic is a chemical to treat bacterial infections. It is a product of living cells formed naturally by other living cells ( bacteria, yeasts or molds)

What is angina? What is the drug of choice for angina attack?

Angina is a heart pain. Nitroglycerin a category C agent. is a potent vasodilator that has long been the treatment of choice for acute angina pectoris

What lab values should be monitored in patients taking a loop diuretic?

Because of their potency, clients taking them require close supervision of fluid and electrolyte balance

What patient factors affects the efficacy of transdermal or topical medications?

Place the patch on a hairless area, and rotate sites daily to prevent skin irritations

What medications might be prescribed for a patient with Parkinson's disease?

Cardidopa, Dopamine aganosit, MAO B inhibitors, Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor, Anticholinergics, Amantadine

What pregnancy category are benzodiazepines? Why?

Category D. May be an increased risk of cleft lip and palate associated with first trimester exposure to this medication

Why should a patient not drink grapefruit juice while taking Tegretol? Nifedipine? What will happen to the patient?

Chemicals in the grapefruit juice inhibit the metabolism of these medications, which can lead to increased blood levels and medication toxicity

Define half-life. Why is this information important?

Refers to the time for the medication in the body to drop by 50%. Liver and kidney function affect half-life

What is the antidote of Digoxin?

Digibind

Differentiate between heparin and warfarin. What are their antidotes?

Heparin= is a part of the indirect antithrombin inhibitor. it has a fast onset and short duration. The antidote for Heparin is Protamine Sulfate Warfarin= Is part of the Vitamin K Antagonist, It has a slow onset and long duration. The antidote for Warfarin is Vitamin K Both help to treat and prevent blood clots, but do not breakdown an existing clot

What are indications for histamine antagonists and proton pump inhibitors?

Histamine (H2) antagonists inhibit gastric secretions that are mediated by histamine. They are used in the treatment of ulcers. gastric reflux, and hypersecretory conditions. Proton Pump inhibitors inhibit gastric acid secretion in its final stage. They are used in the treatment of ulcers and in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Used in combination with antibiotics for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections

Your patient is admitted with a severe asthma attack and is receiving a nebulized treatment with albuterol. On entering his room he complains of felling very nervous and dizzy, his hands are trembling and his heart rate is 128 bpm. What do you say to him?

I would say to him that he is experiencing and abnormal heart rate, mostly related to the stress of having an asthma attack, but I will keep monitoring his condition to make sure that the medicine is working

What are indications for Zofran? How is it administered?

Is indicating for the prevention of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. Can be administered via, IV or PO

What is the desire effect of Pulmicort?

Is very effective for long term management of asthma without serious sides effects

What would be the advantage to administering a medication in a decanoate form?

It helps to restore the balance of certain natural sources (neurotransmitters) in the brain

What is the antidote for a narcotic?

Naloxone

Differentiate between Lomotil and Imodium

Lomotil is a schedule V controlled substance. It reduces intestinal motility and increases intestinal tone. Not to be given to children younger than 2 years. Side effects include paralytic ileus., toxic megacolon, bloating, constipation, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting , confusion, dizziness, and drowsiness. Imodium, available without prescription, is as effective as Lomotil, with fewer side effects

What are indications of Dolophine?

Management of pain severe enough to require daily. around the clock, long term opioid treatment and for which alternative treatments are inadequate

List 4 types of medications used to treat hypertension (HTN)

Nitrates, Nitroglycerin, Amyl nitrate, Nitro-bid

Your patient has been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and has been prescribed an antiarrythmic. Give an example of an antiarrythmic. How does it work? What are side effects?

Quinidine Sulfate regulates the number of times the atria contract in a given time. Side effects include dizziness, headache, ventricular tachycardia, angina, bradycardia, and nausea

Differentiate between NPH and Regular insulins

Regular human insulin= has an onset of action of 1/2 hour to 1 hour, peak effect between 2 to 4 hours, and duration of action between 6 to 8 hours. NPH Insulin= has an onset between 1 to 2 hours, a peak effect of 4 to 6 hours, and duration of action more than 12 hours

List three effects of long term steroid therapy. Which would be a particular concern for a patient with diabetes?

Tendency to bruise easily Generalized weakness Hypertension Elevated blood glucose levels, a concern for a patient with diabetes

What assessments should always be done when administering Digoxin?

The apical pulse rate is counted for 1 full minute before administration. If heart rate is below 60 beats/min, withhold the medication and report the information

Your patient has iron deficiency anemia and has FeSol 325 mg ordered. What would be the best way to administer this medication?

The best administration would be in a tablet form to avoid unpleasant taste, and prevent tooth staining

Describe the action of Digoxin. List 4 symptoms of toxicity

To strengthen the force of ventricular contraction and to increase cardiac output. Overdose include nausea, vomiting, headache, premature ventricular contraction

What are reasons for ordering Nitrates? How do they work?

Treat and prevent acute episodes of angina pectoris, they dilate blood vessels, particularly in the coronary arteries

In a patient receiving a diuretic what would be an indication that the treatment was effective?

Urine flow increases

What immediate actions should be taken if those signs are found on assessment?

Use naloxone (Narcan) counteract the action of morphine, assist with rescue breathing, oxygen administration, emergency endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy

What would be safety considerations for a patient taking antihypertensive medication

Use the safest, mildest and least symptom producing drugs

What is Warfarin? What lab values need to be monitored when a patient is on it?

Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication, it is part of the Vitamin K antagonist. It is important to monitor the blood pressure on patients taking warfarin

What are significant early signs of morphine over dosage?

`Respiratory depression