Drugs for Inflammation and Fever

Question 1

Bradykinin (Chemical Mediator of Inflammation)

Answer 1

Present in an inactive form in plasma and mast cells
Vasodilator that causes pain
Effects similar to histamine
Broken down by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)

Question 2

Complement (Chemical Mediator of Inflammation)

Answer 2

Series of at least 20 proteins that combine in a cascade fashion to neutralize or destroy an antigen;
Stimulates histamine release by mast cells

Question 3

C-Reactive Protein (Chemical Mediator of Inflammation)

Answer 3

Protein found in the plasma that is an early marker of inflammation

Question 4

Cytokines (Chemical Mediator of Inflammation)

Answer 4

Proteins produced by macrophages, leukocytes, and dendritic cells that mediate and regulate immune and inflammatory reactions.

Question 5

Histamine (Chemical Mediator of Inflammation)

Answer 5

Stored and released by mast cells

Causes vasodilation, smooth-muscle constriction, tissue swelling, and itching

Question 6

Leukotrienes (Chemical Mediator of Inflammation)

Answer 6

Stored and released by mast cells
Effects are similar to histamine
Contribute to symptoms of asthma and allergies

Question 7

Prostaglandins (Chemical Mediator of Inflammation)

Answer 7

Present in most tissues and stored and released by mast cells.
Increase capillary permeability, attract white blood cells to the site of inflammation, cause pain, and induce fever

Question 8

Anaphylaxis

Answer 8

Acute allergic response to an antigen that results in severe hypotension and may lead to life-threatening shock if untreated

Question 9

Aspirin adverse effects

Answer 9

Stomach pain
Heartburn
Nausea
Vomiting
Tinnitus
Prolonged bleeding time

Question 10

Celecoxib (Celebrex) (Selective COX-2 Inhibitor) adverse effects

Answer 10

Back pain
Peripheral edema
Abdominal pain
Dyspepsia
Flatulence
Dizziness
Headache
Insomnia
Hypertension

Question 11

What are the four signs of inflammation?

Answer 11

Swelling
Pain
Warmth
Redness

Question 12

Describe the role of histamine in the inflammation process

Answer 12

As part of an immune response to foreign pathogens, histamine is produced by basophils and by mast cells found in nearby connective tissues. Histamine increases the permeability of the capillaries to white blood cells and some proteins, to allow them to engage pathogens in the infected tissues.

Question 13

Describe the role of Mast Cells in the inflammation process

Answer 13

Detect foreign agents or injury

Respond by releasing histamine (initiates inflammatory response within seconds)

Question 14

What are the five chemical mediators of inflammation?

Answer 14

Histamine
Leukotrienes
Bradykinin
Complement
Prostaglandins

Question 15

Describe the mechanism of action for NSAIDs

Answer 15

Inhibit synthesis of prostaglandins

Block inflammation by inhibiting cycooxygenase (COX)

Question 16

Describe the mechanism of action for Salicylates

Answer 16

Prevent formation of inflammatory prostaglandins

Question 17

What are the indications for NSAIDs?

Answer 17

Mild to moderate pain, inflammation and fever

Have analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory responses

Question 18

What are the indications for Salicylates?

Answer 18

Protective effect

Taken in small doses to prevent clot formation, MIs and strokes

Question 19

Salicylism (syndrome)

Answer 19

Includes headache, tinnitus and dizziness

Can occur when given high doses of aspirin

Question 20

What are corticosteroids and what is their role in the body?

Answer 20

Natural hormones released by the adrenal cortex.

Ability to suppress severe inflammation.

Question 21

Adverse effects of corticosteroids

Answer 21

Suppression of the normal functions of adrenal gland, hyperglycemia, mood changes, cataracts, peptic ulcers, electrolyte imbalances and osteoporosis.
Combination of masking signs of active infection and suppressing the immune response creates a potential for infection to grow rapidly and remain undetected.

Question 22

What is the mechanism of action of Corticosteroids?

Answer 22

Inhibit biosynthesis of prostaglandins
Suppress histamine release
Inhibit function of phagocytes and lymphocytes

Question 23

What are three anti-pyretic drugs to treat a fever?

Answer 23

Aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen

Question 24

What is G6PD deficiency?

Answer 24

A genetic disorder that most often affects males. It happens when the body doesn’t have enough of an enzyme (G6PD), which helps red blood cells work. Also protects them from substances in the blood that could harm them

Question 25

What is the body’s first line of defense? (Innate, non-specific)

Answer 25

Skin
Mucous membranes
Inflammation
Phagocytes
NK cells
Complement system
Interferons

Question 26

What is the body’s second line of defense (adaptive-specific)

Answer 26

Immune response
Specific
Primary cell is the lymphocyte

Question 27

What are six risk factors for aspirin-induced GI bleeding?

Answer 27

History of peptic ulcers
>60
Use of anticoagulants or corticosteroids
H-pylori infection
Smoking
Alcohol use

Question 28

Indications for Ibuprofen

Answer 28

Pain associated with chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as RA and osteoarthritis, headache, dental pain, and dysmenorrhea.

Question 29

What are the adverse effects of Ibuprofen?

Answer 29

Nausea, heartburn, epigastric pain, and dizziness.
GI ulceration with occult or gross bleeding, or renal impairment may occur in patients taking high doses for prolonged periods

Question 30

What syndrome must nurses be alert for in patients using corticosteroids for a prolonged period?

Answer 30

Cushing’s syndrome