Musculoskeletal Medications

Question 1

List two examples of neuromuscular blocking agents used as adjuncts to anesthesia in surgery or intubation procedures

Answer 1

Succinylcholine (Anectine) and pancuronium (Pavulon)

Question 2

Neuromuscular blocking agents block ACh at the neuromuscular junction, causing

Answer 2

Skeletal muscle paralysis

Question 3

Side effects of neuromuscular blocking agents

Answer 3

Respiratory arrest, malignant hyperthermia (muscle rigidity, fever), muscle pain following surgery

Question 4

Treatment of malignant hyperthermia

Answer 4

O2, dantrolene, cooling measures

Question 5

Neuromuscular blocking agents black box warning

Answer 5

Risk for cardiac arrest associated with hyperkalemia rhabdomyolysis

Question 6

Dantrolene (Dantrium) is an example of a

Answer 6

Direct acting skeletal muscle relaxants

Question 7

Side effects of dantrolene (Dantrium)

Answer 7

Drowsiness, muscle weakness, hepatotoxicity

Question 8

Baclofen (Gablofen, Lioresal) is an example of a

Answer 8

Centrally acting muscle relaxant

Question 9

Side effects of baclofen

Answer 9

Drowsiness, nausea, constipation

Question 10

Baclofen patient education

Answer 10

Increase fluid and fiber intake to help counteract constipation

Question 11

Alendronate (Fosamax) is an example of a bisphosphonate indicated for

Answer 11

Osteoporosis; Paget’s disease

Question 12

Alendronate (Fosamax) prevents bone resorption by inhibiting __________ activity

Answer 12

Osteoclast

Question 13

Alendronate (Fosamax) side effects

Answer 13

Esophagitis, muscle pain, visual disturbances

Question 14

Alendronate (Fosamax) patient education

Answer 14

Take on empty stomach in morning with at least 8 oz of water; sit upright (or ambulate) for 30 min after taking (to prevent esophageal ulceration)

Question 15

Raloxifene (Evista) is an example of a selective estrogen receptor modulator which is indicated for

Answer 15

Postmenopausal osteoporosis; reduces risk of breast cancer

Question 16

Raloxifene (Evista) side effects

Answer 16

Increased risk for embolic events (PE, DVT, stroke), hot flashes, leg cramps

Question 17

Hypocalcemic agent indicated for postmenopausal osteoporosis and Hypercalcemia

Answer 17

Calcitonin (Miacalcin)

Question 18

Calcitonin (Miacalcin) prevents bone resorption by inhibiting osteoclast activity and increasing renal excretion of calcium which lowers _________ levels in the blood

Answer 18

Calcium

Question 19

Medication used for acute gout attacks

Answer 19

Colchicine (Colcrys)

Question 20

Colchicine (Colcrys) side effects

Answer 20

GI upset, thrombocytopenia

Question 21

Colchicine (Colcrys) patient education

Answer 21

No grapefruit juice

Question 22

Medication indicated for hyperuricemia with chronic gout

Answer 22

Probenecid (Probalan)

Question 23

Probenecid (Probalan) side effects

Answer 23

GI upset, renal calculi

Question 24

Probenecid (Probalan) patient education

Answer 24

Encourage fluid intake to prevent stone formation; uric acid levels and renal function will need to be monitored during therapy

Question 25

Medication indicated for hyperuricemia with chronic gout that works by inhibiting uric acid production

Answer 25

Allopurinol (Zyloprim)

Question 26

Allopurinol (Zyloprim) side effects

Answer 26

Rash (Steven’s-Johnson syndrome), hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity

Question 27

Allopurinol (Zyloprim) patient education

Answer 27

Monitor renal and liver function during therapy; takes 2-6 weeks for improvement of symptoms