NUR 311 Exam 4 Last Exam Flashcards
When is the best time for a patient to take levothyroxine?
Take on an empty stomach before breakfast, 1 hour before meals.
How long does it take to achieve a therapeutic effect of levothyroxine (Synthroid)?
Several weeks (4-6 weeks)
What are the signs of overdose of thyroid replacement hormone?
Tachycardia, chest pain, anxiety/nervousness
Why should hypothyroidism be treated during pregnancy?
It can cause a decrease in IQ and decrease in neuropsychological function of the child.
What are the clinical symptoms (physical assessment) of hypothyroidism?
Pale skin, goiter, constipation, brittle hair/hair loss, low body temperature, fatigue, expressionless face.
How do levothyroxine (Synthroid) and warfarin (Coumadin) interact?
Levothyroxine sensitizes you to warfarin and increases bleeding (must reduce dose warfarin).
What is a side effect of low-dose radioactive iodine when used to treat Grave’s disease?
Lifelong hypothyroidism
When is the best time to take sumitriptan (Imitrex-serotonin-selective agonist) for the management of symptoms?
When the headache starts
What are the signs of acute salicylates (aspirin) poisoning?
Hyperventilation (respiratory alkalosis progresses to respiratory acidosis, hypothermia). Also coma, dehydration, and electrolytes imbalance.
Why is acetaminophen (Tylenol) not effective for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis?
Because it only has a weak anti-inflammatory effect.
Think of examples of physical conditions that would be appropriate for a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent.
Ankle sprain, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, menstrual cramps.
When should high-dose aspirin be discontinued prior to surgery?
7 to 14 days
Which medication may cause Reye’s syndrome
Aspirin
Understand early sign of salicylate toxicity (aspirin overdose)
Tinnitus (in MI patient), sweating, headache, dizziness.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) should not exceed what max daily dose?
4 grams
What do COX-2 inhibitors do?
Decreases inflammation. Also relieves pain, reduces fever, and reduces risk of colorectal cancer.
What is the reversal agent for morphine?
Narcan (Naloxone)
What are constipation treatment options for someone on chronic morphine treatment?
Laxatives and stool softeners (Colace or Docusate)
What are life threatening symptoms of opioid overdose?
Respiratory depression (slow, shallow breathing)
What are the serious side effects of long-term opioid use?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Cardiovascular Complications, sleep-disordered breathing.
What are considerations when converting a morphine dose from the intravenous to the oral route?
Doses are different. Greater doses in PO than IV.
What are the risks of giving a mixed opioid agonist-antagonist with an opioid agonist?
Withdrawal or pain (acute pain and opioid withdrawal symptoms)