Mod 8 Flashcards

1
Q

Explain some common nursing interventions and safety measures for patients taking opioids.

A

Monitor RR less than 12
Low BP - slow position changes
Dizzy/lightheaded
Low CNS sedation
Easily falls asleep when talking
Unarousable
Assist to a seated position
Fiber, fluids, stool softeners
Use cautiously in pts with breathing issues such as asthma
Encourage coughing
No alcohol

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2
Q

Define the side effects of opioids?

A

Respiratory depression
Constipation
Orthostatic hypotension
Urinary retention
Cough suppression
Sedation
Biliary colic
N & V
Opioid toxicity triad
Coma, respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils

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3
Q

Describe adverse effects of levodopa-carbidopa

A

Nausea and vomiting, drowsiness
Dyskinesias
Orthostatic hypotension
Cardiovascular effects from beta1 stimulation (tachycardia, palpitations, irregular heartbeat)
Psychosis
Discoloration of sweat and urine
Activation of malignant melanoma

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4
Q

Describe the teaching principles for adolescents taking SSRI’s (antidepressants)

SSRI’s Drugs:
Fluoxetine
Sertraline

A

-Effects may take 1-3 weeks
-⇧ in suicidal thoughts or actions, especially in young adults beginning therapy or changing dosages
-⇧ risk of GI bleeding when taken with NSAIDs

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5
Q

Describe the most effective pain control method for immediate post op use.

A

Opioids (IV)
Morphine 2-3 minutes IV push
Reassess 15-30 min
Fentanyl

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6
Q

Explain how do benzodiazepines compare to barbiturates

-Benzo = CNS Psychoactive
-Barb = CNS Depressant

A

-Barbiturates bind directly to and open GABA receptors = slows down activity of brain
-Benzo do NOT stimulate GABA receptors directly = increase effects of GABA receptors
-Benzos are safer, rarely cause death vs -High dose of Barbiturates = death
-Mostly only used pre-op
-Barbiturates have a high risk for overdose and addiction

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7
Q

Explain how pre-existing cardiac disease affects those taking tricyclic antidepressants.

A

-TCAs have known potentially cardio-toxic effects
-⇧ risk for dysrhythmias by prolonging QT intervals
-Affect cardiac contractility

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8
Q

Discuss the nursing implications of administering buspirone.

A

-Take with food for nausea
-Increase fiber and fluid
-Report manifestations of depression & thoughts of suicide
-Interacts with MAOIs
-Interacts with erythromycin, ketoconazole, st. john’s wort, and grapefruit juice
-Can take 2-4 weeks for full effect

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9
Q

Identify the purpose and rationale for Disulfiram administration.

A

-Treats chronic alcoholism / alcohol dependence
-Blocks the oxidation of alcohol at the acetaldehyde stage during alcohol metabolism causing an accumulation of acetaldehyde in the blood producing highly unpleasant symptoms

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10
Q

Describe the therapeutic considerations for antiepileptic drugs

Drug: Phenytoin

A

-Reduce seizures so that the patient can live a near normal life

Therapeutic Considerations:
-Diagnosis & drug selection
-Drug Evaluation
-Trial period
-Monitor plasma drug levels
-Promote patient adherence
-Withdraw slowly up to a few months
-Suicide risk

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11
Q

Compare and contrast methadone and buprenorphine.

A

Both prescribed for opioid addiction treatment, LONG term

Methadone= Full opioid agonist, facility only
Buprenorphine= Partial opioid agonist Ceiling effect: helps reduce the risk of misuse

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12
Q

Discuss alternatives to taking smoking cessation medication if it fails.

Drug: Varenicline, Bupropion

A

Ask: screen all patients for tobacco use
Advise: tobacco users to quit.
Assess: willingness to make a quit attempt.
Assist: with quitting (offer medication and provide or refer to counseling).
Arrange: follow-up contacts, beginning within the first week after the quit date.
Drug and counseling COMBO

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13
Q

Describe acetaldehyde syndrome (Alcohol).

A

An alcohol-medication interaction

Side effects:
Facial flushing
Nausea / vomiting
Tachycardia
hypotension

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14
Q

Explain how certain drugs can alter brain structure.

A

Certain drugs affects neurotransmitters that can alter therapeutic responses and side effects

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15
Q

Identify the side effects of histamine 1 antagonists (Diphenhydramine).

A

Histamine = affects immune system

Constipation
Increase mucus secretions
Urinary retention
Sedation
Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, drowsiness)
GI distress
Itchy eyes
Respiratory depression

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16
Q

Discuss the patient teaching principles of prescribed hypnotics (sleep aids).

Drugs: Alprazolam, Clonazepam

A

-Administer at bedtime
-Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants

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17
Q

Identify the side effects of alpha 1 receptor blockers and the patient teaching implications.

A

Orthostatic hypotension
-Slow position changes
-Monitor BP
Sexual dysfunction
-Not harmful
Reflex tachycardia
-Taper dose
CNS depression
-Take prescribed dose
Blurred vision

18
Q

Describe how a PCA pump for pain control works and explain the patient education needed.

A

Method to self administer opioids
Used after surgery for long term recovery
Only the client can push the button
Before giving another dose, 1st action: Pain Assessment

19
Q

Identify the onset of action and duration of Fentanyl drug therapy via the transdermal route. Explain the nursing implications of these to pharmacological actions.

A

Slow Onset: 12-24 hours
Peak: 24-72 hours
Duration: 1-4 days

Nursing Implications:
Change hairless application spot
Remove patch after 72 hours, fold it in half when discarding
Patch are for Persistant pain
Not for Post-0p or intermittent pain
Fentanyl patch = use stool softeners

20
Q

Explain the nursing interventions for patients who have overdosed on a narcotic.

A

Treatment: Naloxone
Nursing Interventions:
Monitor respiration depression
Coma & pinpoint pupils
Short half life 1-2 hrs so have to administer multiple
Still have to administer it when trying to get normal levels

21
Q

List the signs of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

A

Seizure
Headache
Tremors
Anxiety/insomnia
Hallucinations
Increased BP or HR

22
Q

Discuss the patient teaching required for those taking methylphenidate.

A

Patient Teaching
Take on a regular schedule
Avoid alcohol & caffeine
Take med BEFORE 6pm
Report palpitations or insomnia
Monitor weight 2-3 x weekly

23
Q

List the side effects of medications used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

A

Amphetamine
Dextroamphetamine
Methylphenidate

Side Effects:
Weight loss
Hypertension
Palpitations, angina
Restlessness & insomnia
Paranoid psychosis

24
Q

Identify the medications used to treat acute and intense anxiety.

A

Benzodiazepines
Alprazolam
GAD and panic disorder
Buspirone
SSRIs/ SNRIs

25
Q

Describe the nursing interventions for an overdose of alprazolam (xanax).

A

Treatment: Flumazenil (benzodiazepine antagonist)
Reverses sedative effects but not respiratory depression
Monitor respirations, keep airway patent, support BP with IV
No charcoal

26
Q

List the labs affected by Lithium.

A

Electrolytes
Creatinine
GFR
BUN
Thyroid function tests
CBC
EKG

27
Q

Identify the foods which negatively interact with MAOIs.

Drug: Phenylzen

A

Foods that are high in tyramine
Cheese
Beer
Fermented soy products
Cured meats

28
Q

Identify key teaching concepts for patients taking anti-depressants.

A

Resolves symptoms slow: 1-3 weeks initial response
Cannot be taken PRN
Increased risk of suicide

SSRI
-Serotonin symptoms
-Confusion, poor concentration, tachycardia, seizures, N & V, hallucinations
-Taper dose gradually
-Use a mouth guard if experiencing bruxism (teeth grinding) at night and report to provider
SNRIs:
-Avoid driving until effects are known
-Monitor for serotonin syndrome
-Report sexual dysfunction to provider
Atypical antidepressants
-Sip on fluids for dry mouth
-Headache, GI distress, constipation, tachycardia, restlessness, and insomnia and notify provider
-Avoid grapefruit with vilazodone and trazodone
Tricyclic antidepressants
-Orthostatic hypertension- sit up slowly
-Anticholinergic effects - sip on water
-Sedation - avoid driving until effects are known
-Excessive sweating
MAOIs
-CNS stimulation effects (anxiety, etc) and notify provider
-Sit up slowly
-Monitor for severe headaches bc MAOIs can cause hypertensive crisis
-Don’t eat tyramine rich foods

29
Q

List the medications for Schizophrenia, which negatively affect glucose levels.

A

Second and third gen psychotics
Risperidone
Causes weight gain and dyslipidemia
Clozapine

Patients with diabetes can cause new onset of diabetes mellitus or loss of glucose control

30
Q

Explain the patient teaching needed for patients taking propranolol.

A

If diabetic: monitor blood glucose (glucose masking)
Monitor HR and BP
Monitor orthostatic hypotension
Teach to stand slowly
Common side effects:
Tiredness & fatigue
Can exacerbate symptoms of asthma
Promote depression

31
Q

Describe how to assess the effectiveness of Sumatriptan. (used to treat migraines)

A

Suppression of migraines/headache
Suppression of associated symptoms include nausea, neck pain, photophobia, phonophobia

32
Q

Discuss how to counteract the negative effects of opioid medications.

A

Adverse Effects:
Respiratory depression (Low RR below 12)
Low BP
Low CNS sedation (easily falls asleep while talking, unarousable)
Nausea / Vomiting
Dizziness
Constipation
Antidote: Naloxone

33
Q

Explain the side effects of spinal anesthesia and associated nursing interventions.

A

Drugs: Lidocaine, Tetracaine, Bupivacaine

Adverse Effects:
Hypotension
Bradycardia
Dizziness
Paresthesia
Respiratory depression

Nursing Interventions:
Monitor vital signs
Monitor for CNS effects: respiratory depression
Have IV access and fluid therapy ready for hypotension

34
Q

Describe the mechanism of action for Baclofen (muscle relaxant) and its effects on patients.

A

CNS drug that enhances GABA (reduces nerve excitability) to produce sedative effects & acts in the spinal cord to depress hyperactive spasticity of muscles
Reduces discomfort of spasticity

Adverse Effects:
Nausea, constipation, urinary retention, seizures

35
Q

Identify the priority nursing implications for patients taking anti-seizure medication.

Medications:
Phenytoin

A

Nursing Interventions:
Taper slowly over 6 weeks
Provide safety measures to prevent injury
Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions

36
Q

Explain the mechanism of action for Donepezil (AD) and its effects on patients.

A

It is a cholinesterase inhibitor which stops cholinesterase from inactivating acetylcholine
Increases the amount of acetylcholine available at receptor sites ⇨ increased transmission of nervous impulse at all sites

Adverse Effects:
INCREASE muscarinic stimulation
Increase GI motility, GI secretions, diaphoresis, salivation, bradycardia, urinary urgency
Cholinergic crisis
Excessive muscarinic stimulation and respiratory depression from neuromuscular blockade
Paralysis of respiratory muscles

37
Q

Describe the effects of dopamine agonists on a patient.

A

1st line drug for PD
Carbidopa / Levodopa

Activate dopamine receptors to balance dopamine and acetylcholine extrapyramidal nervous system
Treats motor symptoms

38
Q

Identify patient teaching principles for those on CNS drugs (relax, slow body down).

A

Tolerance & Physical Dependence
CNS depression:
Avoid activities that require alertness
Avoid alcohol
Taper dose
Antidotes for toxicity:
Opioids ⇨ Naloxone
Benzodiazepines ⇨ Flumazenil
Alcohol withdrawal ⇨ Chlordiazepoxide
Tricyclic Antidepressants ⇨ sodium bicarbonate
Administer medication with food for GI distress

39
Q

Discuss the nursing implications (including patient teaching for levodopa/carbidopa.

Describe adverse effects of levodopa-carbidopa

A

Nursing Implications:
Observe for development of suicidal tendencies
Monitor BP

Patient Education:
Slow onset 2-6 weeks
Slow position changes
Red, brown urine normal
Take w/ food, but avoid high protein meals
Warn patients about abrupt loss of therapeutic effects

Adverse Effects:
Nausea / Vomiting
Drowsiness
Dyskinesia
Orthostatic hypotension
Cardiovascular effects
Psychosis
Activation of malignant melanoma

40
Q

Explain why a patient’s health history is important when administering medication. Give an example using Propofol.

A

A patient’s health hx is important to consider prior to drug administration because of allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock. Avoid drug-drug interactions and look at allergies.

Propofol has a narrow therapeutic range.

Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity rxn to allergies of eggs and soybeans
Asthma
Bleeding disorders
Cardiac diseases
Hepatic impairment

41
Q

Define cross-tolerance, physical dependence, tolerance, and addiction.

A

Cross-tolerance:
Becoming tolerant to all drugs in a drug class by becoming tolerant to just one of the drugs in the class
Physical dependence:
Experiencing physical symptoms when drug use is abruptly stopped
Tolerance:
Body gets used to drug dose ⇨ larger dose is required to achieve therapeutic response
Addiction:
The inability to control the use of drugs due to behavioral and brain disorders