alendronate

Question 1

generic name

Answer 1

alendronate

Question 2

trade name (2)

Answer 2

fosamax
binosto

Question 3

therapeutic effect

Answer 3

bisphosphonates

Question 4

pharmacological class

Answer 4

bone resorption inhibitor

Question 5

indication (3)

Answer 5

-prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

-prevent paget’s disease of bones
(new bone replaces bone tissue = overtime bone becomes fragile & misshaped).

-treat corticoid-induced osteoporosis

Question 6

action/desired effect

Answer 6

Slows down bone loss/thinning by inhibiting osteoclast activity = preventing or reducing osteoporosis, fractures, and Paget’s disease

Question 7

Why is Miki taking this med?

Answer 7

-client is diagnosed with osteoporosis

Question 8

critical side effects: important (3)

Answer 8

-musculoskeletal pain,
-femur fractures,
-osteonecrosis

Question 9

critical side effects (non-life threatening but notable) (2)

Answer 9

-acid regurgitation = GERD
-dysphagia
(not life threatening but important to consider)

Question 10

What are some side effects experienced by Miki? (2)

Answer 10

-pain sitting in wheelchair for too long

-GERD = regurgitations and heartburn

Question 11

What is important to know about this med? (3)

Answer 11

1. Assess esophageal emptying (due to her DYSPHAGIA)
2. Miki is taking OMEPRAZOLE for her GERD, alendronate could be making it worse due to the SIDE EFFECT
3. Miki has had a STOOL sample tested for occult blood due to darkened stool

Question 12

nursing action before med admin? (3)

Answer 12

Assess patients for low bone mass before and periodically during therapy.

Ensure to treat any hypocalcemia and vitamin D deficiency before beginning therapy.

Avoid taking it with any food/beverage. This can affect the absorption of the med.

Question 13

What does the client need to know? (6)

Answer 13

• must be 30 minutes BEFORE other medications, beverages, or food
• tablet must not be crushed, broken or chewed, must be swallowed WHOLE
• patient must sit UPRIGHT for 30 minutes after taking the medication

-Advise to discontinue if there is pain or difficulty swallowing, retrosternal pain, or heartburn occurs

-Advise to notify HCP about blurred vision, eye pain, or inflammation

-Do not discontinue without consulting health care professional

Question 14

what is important to know about med in relation to miki? (5)

Answer 14

-35% bone loss from osteoporosis → able to track if the alendronate reduces bone loss

-Diagnosed with Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) = alendronate can worsen the symptoms

-History of visual loss in one eye = alendronate can enhance the blurred vision

-Dysphagia = must use thickening fluid when administering medication + sitting upright

-Depression and cognitive impairment: impair ability to understand or comply with instructions for taking medication correctly

Question 15

nursing actions (patient teaching)

Answer 15

-encourage regular exercise balanced diet with supplemental calcium and vitamin D, stop/reduce smoking and alcohol consumption