Adverse Reactions and Med Errors

Question 1

adverse drug reaction (ADR)

Answer 1

any noxious, unintended and undesired effect that occurs at normal drug doses

Question 2

side effect

Answer 2

nearly unavoidable secondary drug effect produced at therapeutic doses; generally predictable

Question 3

toxicity

Answer 3

degree of detrimental physiology effects caused by excessive drug dosing; respiratory depression from morphine or hypoglycemia from insulin
-can also be used to describe side effects from chemo

Question 4

allergic reaction

Answer 4

immune response; there must be prior sensitization of the immune system
-PCNS likely to cause anaphylaxis, NSAIDS/sulfas other common drugs

Question 5

idiosyncratic effect

Answer 5

uncommon drug response resulting from a genetic predisposition
example: people with G6PD deficiency will have RBC hemolysis when taking ASA/sulfa drugs and it can be life-threatening

Question 6

paradoxical effect

Answer 6

the opposite of the intended drug response; some kids get hyper after taking antihistamines for sleep aid

Question 7

iatrogenic disease

Answer 7

disease that occurs as the result of a treatment OR disease produced by drugs. Antipsychotic drugs can cause SIADH or conditions that mirror Parkinson’s

Question 8

physical dependence

Answer 8

the body has adapted to drug exposure in a way that an abstinence syndrome will result if the drug is stopped.
examples: opioids, ETOH, barbs, amphetamines

Question 9

carcinogenic effect

Answer 9

ability of certain meds and enviro chemicals to cause cancer

Question 10

teratogenic effect

Answer 10

drug-induced birth defect

Question 11

examples of hepatotoxic drugs:

Answer 11

statins, oral anti-diabetics, anti-sz, anti-fungals, anti-gout, anti-psychotics, anti-microbial, TB meds, immunosuppressants, anti-retroviral, Tylenol

Question 12

What is the QT interval

Answer 12

measure of time required for ventricles to depolarize after each contraction
if prolonged, patients can develop torsades

Question 13

Examples of drugs that can cause QT prolongation:

Answer 13

anti-dysrhythmias, ACE-inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, abx, anti-fungals, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, anti-emetics, anti-cancer, ADHD, nasal decongestants

Question 14

black box warning

Answer 14

strongest safety warning a drug can carry and still remain on the market

Question 15

What is REMS

Answer 15

Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies

• a plan to minimize drug-induced harm
• most drugs only require a MedGuide but some like accurate requires an iPledge

Question 16

What are examples of oversight causing medication errors?

Answer 16

failure to keep and up-to-date med list, failure to continue or D/C medications, absence of med rec