2820 Pharmacology Exam Three Flashcards
Cancer drugs can be split into what two categories?
Cytotoxic and noncytotoxic
Mechanism of action for alkylating agents
Forming bonds/links with DNA, preventing normal cellular division, leading to cell death
What type of cells are very sensitive to the actions of alkylating agents?
Blood cells (bone marrow suppression is limiting factor)
What symptoms do alkylating agents cause due to damage to GI epithelial cells?
N/V/D
What is a common drug classification for alkylating agents?
Nitrogen mustards
What effect do nitrogen mustards have on cells?
They kill rapidly growing cells by alkylating DNA and RNA
Mechanism of action for antimetabolites
Structurally similar to cell proteins/nucleic acids, but when cells try to make DNA or RNA with them, cells die or growth is very hindered
What is the main dose-limiting effect of antimetabolites?
Bone marrow toxicity
How do antitumor antibiotics work?
They bind to DNA and affect its function
What are the potential damages if antitumor antibiotics infiltrate the IV?
Damage to skin, subcutaneous tissue, and nerves
What is the major dose limiting adverse effect of antitumor antibiotics?
Cardiac toxicity
Mechanism of action for antimitotic cancer drugs
Prevention of cell division
What nerves may be damaged by antimitotic cancer drugs?
Autonomic nerves
Can also cause peripheral neuropathy
When are gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists used?
In palliative therapy of advanced prostate cancer when patient doesnt want surgical castration
Mechanism of action for androgen receptor blockers?
Blocking testosterone at the receptor site
When are androgen receptor blockers used?
Prostate cancer treatment (often in conjunction with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists)
Mechanism of action for estrogen receptor blockers
Stops growth of breast cancer cells in estrogen receptor positive cancers
Mechanism of action for aromatase inhibitors
Stops breast cancer cell growth by blocking estrogen production
Monoclonal antibody mechanism of action
Targets breast cancer cells, prevents cell growth, and causes cell death in HER-2 positive tumors (human epidermal growth factor)
Tamoxifen: class
Estrogen receptor blocker
Interferon alfa 2b: class
Biologic response modifier
What is the serious side effect that interferon alfa 2b can cause?
Depression/suicidal ideation
Mechanism of action: monoclonal antibodies
Binds to target cells, triggering cell death or marking it for destruction by other immune cells
Therapeutic uses of estrogens
Contraception
Acne
Control of postmenopausal manifestations
Control of dysfunctional uterine bleeding
What effects can estrogen have on coagulation?
Can either suppress it or promote it, depending on genetics. Increased DVT risk (contraindicated in history of thromboembolism)
What thromboembolic events can occur with progesterone?
MI
Pulmonary embolism
Thrombophlebitis
Stroke
Pharmacological action of hormonal contraceptives
Prevents ovulation and alters endometrial lining to reduce chance of fertilization
What thromboembolic events may occur with hormonal contraceptives?
MI
pulmonary embolism
Thrombophlebitis
Stroke
What are some things to teach patients about hormonal contraceptives?
Not 100% effective
Follow regimen exactly
Not STD preventative
Use backup contraceptive for first 30 days
Therapeutic use of androgens
Hypogonadism or delayed puberty in males
Describe androgenic effects for males
Acne
Priapism
Increased hair growth
Penile enlargement
Androgenic effects for females
Irregular or no menstruation Hirutism Weight gain Lowering of voice Clitoris growth Vaginitis Baldness
Pharmacological action of 5 alpha reductase inhibitors
Decreasing usable testosterone by inhibiting the conversion enzyme
Therapeutic use of 5 alpha reductase inhibitors
BPH
5 alpha reductase exemplar drug
Finasteride
Pharmacological action of alpha one adrenergic antagonists
Decreased mechanical obstruction of urethra by relaxing smooth muscle of prostate and bladder
Therapeutic uses of alpha 1 adrenergic antagonists
BPH
HTN
Alpha 1 adrenergic antagonists
Tamsulosin
Pharmacological action of uterine stimulants
Increased strength, frequency, and length of uterine contractions
Therapeutic use for oxytocin
Labor induction/enhancement
Placental delivery
Postpartum hemorrhage
Nursing actions when administering oxytocin
Monitor mom’s vitals closely
Monitor contractions closely
Assess fetal status
Terbutaline: class
Tocolytic medication
Terbutaline: mechanism of action
Activation of beta 2 receptors to cause uterine smooth muscle relaxation
Therapeutic use of terbutaline/tocolytic medications
Delay labor (can be used for up to 48 hours but is not for preventing labor)
Possible maternal effects of tocolytic meds?
Tachycardia
Chest pain
Palpitations
Hypotension
Possible fetal effects of tocolytic meds
Tachycardia
Lispro: type of insulin
Rapid acting
Regular insulin: type
Short acting
NPH insulin: type
Intermediate acting
Glargine insulin: type
Long acting
Pharmacological actions of insulin
Promotes cellular uptake of glucose
Conversion of glucose to glycogen
Moves potassium into cells
Which patients require insulin treatment?
All type 1 diabetics and some type 2 diabetics
What might make a client with T2DM require insulin?
Diabetes not being controllable by diet, exercise, and oral antidiabetics
Renal or liver disease
Surgery or stress
Neuropathy
Possible causes of hypoglycemia
Too much insulin Too little food Vomiting or diarrhea Alcohol intake Extreme exercise Childbirth
What are some signs of abrupt onset hypoglycemia (sympathetic nervous system effects)?
Tachycardia
Palpitations
Sweating
Shakiness
What are some signs and symptoms of gradual onset hypoglycemia (parasympathetic effects)?
Headache Tremors Weakness Lethargy Disorientation
What should the nurse administer to a conscious patient experiencing hypoglycemia?
15 grams of carbs
What should be given to a hypoglycemic patient who is not fully conscious?
Paraenteral, subcutaneous, or IM glucose or glucagon
Pharmacological action of sulfonylureas (glipizide and glyburide)
Increase insulin release from pancreas
Clean increase tissue sensitivity to insulin
Possible complications of sulfonylureas
Hypoglycemia
Weight gain
Metformin: class
Biguanides
Biguanides: pharmacological action
Glycogenesis suppression (reducing liver production of glucose)
Increase glucose uptake and use in fat and muscle
Decreased GI glucose absorption
Possible complications of metformin
GI issues
Lactic acidosis
B12/folic acid deficiencies
What are some signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis?
Hyperventilation
Myalgia
Sluggishness
Somnolence
Contraindications for metformin
DKA Shock Severe infection Kidney impairment Hypoxia
In general, what do amylin mimetics do?
Mimic the peptide hormone amylin
Amylin mimetics: pharmacological action
Decrease gastric emptying time
Inhibit glucagon secretion
Cause satiety, decreasing caloric intake
Amylin mimetics: therapeutic use
Supplemental glucose control for types 1 and 2
Insulin supplement
Amylin mimetics: contraindications
Kidney failure/dialysis
In general, what do incretin mimetics do?
Mimic glucagon-like peptide incretin
Incretin mimetics: pharmacological action
Promote insulin release
Decrease glucagon secretion
Slow gastric emptying
Decrease appetite
Incretin mimetics: use
Supplemental glucose control in T2DM
Glucagon: pharmacological action
Increase breakdown on glycogen into glucose
For what emergency situation is glycogen given?
Insulin toxicity (hypoglycemic reactions)
Levothyroxine: pharmacological action
Increases: Metabolism Cardiac output Renal perfusion Oxygen use Temperature Blood volume Growth
Levothyroxine: therapeutic use
Hypothyroidism
Goiter
Cretinism
Myxedema coma
Possible complications of levothyroxine (thyroid hormone)
Overmedication (causing thyrotoxicosis) Chronic over treatment (can cause a fib and bone loss) Anxiety Tachycardia Chest pain Nervousness Tremors Palpitations Fever Diaphoresis Weight loss
What are signs of cardiac excitability related to thyroid hormone?
Angina
Chest pain
Palpitations
Dysrhythmias
When should thyroid hormone be administered?
Daily on an empty stomach 30-60 min before breakfast
Propylthiouracil: class
Thionomides
Propylthiouracil: pharmacological action
Blocks synthesis of TH
Prevents oxidation of iodine
Blocks conversion of T4 into T3
Propylthiouracil: therapeutic use
Graves’ disease
Prep for thyroid removal surgery
Emergency treatment of thyrotoxicosis
Adjunct to irradiation of thyroid
Signs and symptoms of overmedication with propylthiouracil
Drowsiness Depression Weight gain Edema Bradycardia Anorexia Cold intolerance Dry skin
When should propylthiouracil be taken?
Consistent times each day with meals
Why should propylthiouracil not be stopped abruptly?
Risk of thyroid crisis
What foods should be avoided when taking propylthiouracil?
Shellfish and other iodine containing foods
Radioactive iodine: pharmacological action
Destroys some thyroid hormone producing cells
Radioactive iodine: therapeutic use with high doses
Hyperthyroidism
Thyroid cancer
Radioactive iodine: therapeutic use with low doses
Thyroid function studies
What are s/s of radiation sickness caused by radioactive iodine?
Hematemesis
Epistaxis
N/V
What are signs of hypothyroidism caused by radioactive iodine?
Cold intolerance Edema Bradycardia Weight gain Depression
Pharmacological action of strong iodine solution
Reduce iodine uptake and inhibit thyroid hormone production
Blocks release of TH into bloodstream
Strong iodine solution: therapeutic uses
Reduction of thyroid size prior to removal
Emergency treatment of thyrotoxicosis
What is iodism?
Early iodine toxicity
What are some other complications that can occur with iodine products?
Metallic taste in mouth
Stomatitis
Sore teeth and gums
Somatropin: class
Anterior pituitary hormone/growth hormone
Somatropin: pharmacological action
Stimulate growth and protein production
Decrease glucose use
Somatropin: use
Pediatric and adult GH deficiency
For whom is somatropin contraindicated and why?
Those who are severely obese or have severe respiratory impairment like sleep apnea, because of a higher fatality risk
Why is somatropin used cautiously in diabetic clients?
Risk of hyperglycemia