Lehne Book: Chapter 6 - Drug Interactions

Question 1

T or F: Some drug interactions are desired.

Answer 1

True.

Question 2

When drugs interact, there are three possible outcomes. List them.

Answer 2

1. One drug may intensify the effects of the other
2. one drug may reduce the effects of the other
3. the combo can produce a new response not seen with each drug individually.

Question 3

What is the term used for the type of interaction where one drug intensifies the other?

Answer 3

potentiative (poh ten she uh tiv)

Question 4

Drug interactions can occurs when combined in an IV solution. They may form a precipitate. What should you do if a precipitate forms? Should you rely on a precipitate to form to know whether or not an interaction has taken place?

Answer 4

If you see a precipitate in an IV, the IV must be discarded.

You cannot rely on the precipitate because it does not ALWAYS happen. You must NEVER combine two drugs in one IV unless it has been established that a direct interaction will not occur.

Question 5

if the pH increases does it become more basic or acidic?

Answer 5

Basic

Question 6

if a drug were to increase extracellular pH, would it increase the ionization of a acidic drugs?

Answer 6

Yes.

Question 7

How do drugs increase the metabolies?

Answer 7

by inducing synthesis of hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes..

Question 8

How does a drug causing reduction in cardiac output decrease drug filtration?

Answer 8

Glomerular filtration is decreased by drugs that decrease cardiac output. The blood flow is reduced, decreasing excretion.

Question 9

What are a some simple things we can do to minimize drug-drug interactions?

Answer 9

1. Take a thorough drug history
2. Encourage patients to share any “street drugs,” supplements and OTC drugs they are taking.
3. Monitor for early signs of toxicity.

Question 10

How does grapefruit juice raise drug levels in the blood?

Answer 10

By inhibiting metabolism. The drug becomes built up in the system.

Question 11

When a medication order says to administer a drug “with food”, when should the medication be given?

Answer 11

With the meal or right after eating.

Question 12

Why do some medications require to be taken with food?

Answer 12

It may increase absorption or it could help prevent stomach upset.

Question 13

To administer a drug on an empty stomach, you should give the medication either ____ before a meal or ____ after.

Answer 13

1 hour before or 2 hours after.

Question 14

If medical orders do not dictate with or without food, what should you do?

Answer 14

Ask the prescriber to confirm whether or not the patient should eat.