Med Cards Week 6 & 7

Question 1

Furosemide

Answer 1

Used for: edema due to HF, hepatic or renal impairment, hypertension
Considerations: BP monitoring, glucose levels in diabetics, monitor electrolyte levels, discontinue at first sign of rash, give during day to avoid disturbed sleep patterns, can be taken with food
Side effects: erythema multiform, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, aplastic anemia, agranulocytosis
Brand name: Lasix

Question 2

Hydrochlorothiazide

Answer 2

Used for: Mild to moderate hypertension, edema from HF, renal dysfunction, cirrhosis, estrogen therapy
Considerations: NSAID effectiveness, can be crushed, daytime closing, contraindications include hypersensitivity, anuria and lactation, cautious use with renal or liver impairment and pregnancy
Side effects: hypotension, anorexia, hepatitis, Stevens-Johnsnon syndrome, hyperglycemia, blood dyscrasis

Question 3

Digoxin

Answer 3

Used for: HF, A fib or flutter, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia
Considerations: assess apical pulse for full min and hold med if <60, high fiber meal may decrease absorption, monitor electrolytes/renal/hepatic function, monitor for toxicity especially in the elderly, increased fall risk especially in the elderly
Side effects: arrhythmias, bradycardia, AV/SA block, yellow/green vision, HA, fatigue
Brand name: Lanoxin

Question 4

Metformin

Answer 4

Used for: management of T2 diabetes mellitus, maybe used with diet/insulin or sulfonylurea oral hypoglycemic
Considerations: contraindicated in hypersensitivity/metabolic acidosis/dehydration/sepsis/hypoxemia/excessive alcohol use, cimetidine, furosemide and niphedipine increase the effects, monitor glucose and A1C
Side effects: Bloating, diarrhea, N/V, metallic taste, lactic acidosis, decreased B12 levels
Brand name: Glucophage

Question 5

Glyburide

Answer 5

used for: control of blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, requires some pancreatic function
Considerations: monitor CBC, administer in the morning or in 2 divided doses, don’t take with high fat meal, available in combination with met form, treat hypoglycemia with glucose
Side effects: hypoglycemia that may be masked by beta blockers
Brand Name:DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab

Question 6

Potassium (oral)

Answer 6

Used for: treatment/prevention of potassium depletion
Considerations: toxicity including irregular heart beat/fatigue/muscle weakness/confusion, cautious in cardiac disease, renal impairment, diabetes mellitus, hypomagnesemia, take with full glass of water, give with meals to decrease adverse GI
Side effects: confusion, restlessness, arrhythmias, ECG changes, diarrhea, flatulence, N&V, paralysis, paresthesia

Question 7

Glucagon

Answer 7

Used for: management of severe hypoglycemia and administration of glucose is not possible, facilitation of GI x-rays
Considerations: assess for S and S of hypoglycemia, monitor blood sugar levels, assess neuro status/seizure precautions, feed once awake to restore glycogen stores, in starvation the patient will need glucose, not glycogen stores
Side effects: hypotension, N and V, anaphylaxis
Brand name: GlucaGen

Question 8

Calcium carbonate

Answer 8

Used for: treatment or prevention of hypocalcemia, postmenopausal osteoporosis, treat acid indigestions or heart burn, treatment of hyperphosphatemia in ESRD
Considerations: Vitamin D needed for absorption, contraindicated in hypercalcemia, renal impairment, and V Fib, assess for hyper/hypoglycemia, grains/spinach/rhubarb decrease absorption, take with full glass of 1-1.5 hours after meals
Side effects: HA, tingling, arrhythmias, bradycardia, constipation, N and V, renal calculi, hypercalciuria
Brand Name: Tums, Caltrate, Os-Cal, many others