Exam 2 Study Guide

Question 1

How does amiodarone work?

Answer 1

Potassium channel blocker responsible for the repolarization of the heart. This potassium channel blocking effect results in:

• prolonged effective refractory period (AV node)
• prolongation of QRS duration and QT interval
• decreased SA node automaticity and rate

Question 2

What is the half life of Coumadin?

Answer 2

3-4 days

Question 3

How do NSAIDs differ from Tylenol?

Answer 3

NSAIDs act on COX-1 and COX-2 which impacts platelet aggregation and can cause GI irritation. Tylenol does not impact COX

Question 4

What INR level would you like to maintain when prescribing Coumadin?

Answer 4

2-3

Question 5

What is the starting dose of Coumadin?

Answer 5

5mg/ day. Can prescribe 7.5 mg/ day if weight is >80kg

Question 6

What is referred pain?

Answer 6

Pain that originated in 1 part of the body but is felt in another

Question 7

Morphine should not be used in which types of patients?

Answer 7

SHOULD NOT be used in patients with:

• bronchial asthma
• Respiratory insufficiency—- emphysema
• those with a head injury
• for patients in shock or with hypotension
• undiagnosed acute abdomen
• BHP
• renal failure
• liver disease
• hypothyroidism
• or for people with unstable personalities

Morphine should also not be used in either age extremes

Question 8

What is the A class of heart failure?

Answer 8

A is high risk for development of heart failure. No underlying structural cardiac disease(HTN, DM, or hyperlipidemia). Recommendation would be lifestyle modifications