OTC Final Exam Flashcards
Colds - Exclusions (Symptoms)
chest pain
SoB
Colds - Exlcusions (Age)
frail older
infants <3 months
Colds - Exclusions (Conditions)
cardiopulmonary disease
immunosuppression
Colds - Exclusions (Persists)
worsening while self-treating
persisting 7-14 days
Colds - Decongesants
First line
PO vs. Nasal depends on patient variables
Cold/Cough - First generation antihistamines
Second line as adjuvant to decongestant for post-nasal drip (cough)
Cough - Exclusions (Symptoms)
difficulty breathing
dyspnea
cyanosis
hemoptysis
weight loss
night sweats
signs of croup
sudden onset w/o URI
Cough - Exclusions (Age)
Children <4 (no meds)
Cough - Exclusions (Conditions)
Immunocompromised
TB exposure
risk of HIV
chronic illness
Cough - Exclusions (Persists)
Worsens after 3-5 days
Cough - Antitussives
Dextromethorphan
Topicals
Menthol
Cough - Protussives
guaifenesin
don’t take at night
Allergies - Exclusions (Symptoms)
nonallergic rhinitis (infection, epistaxis, obstruction)
symptoms of asthma/COPD
Allergies - Exclusions (Age)
Children <12 years unless diagnosed
Allergies - Exclusions (Conditions)
pregnancy or breastfeeding
Allergies - Exclusions (Other)
treatment causes unacceptable side effects
Allergies - Special populations
Older adults - avoid FGAs
Pregnancy - cromolyn first line, less effective; loratidine safest antihistamine
Allergies - Intranasal corticosteroids
First line for mod-sev IAR
First line for all PER
Allergies - Second generation antihistamines
First line for mild IAR or episodic AR
Allergies - Other options
1st gen antihistamines: inexpensive, but many ADEs
Decongestants: adjuvant if experiencing congestion
Headache - Exclusions (Symptoms)
severe pain
high fever
signs of infection
migraine symptoms with no diagnosis
new with sudden onset
Headache - Exclusions (Age)
children < 8 years
Headache - Exclusions (Conditions)
pregnancy (last trimester)
history of alcoholism or liver disease
Headache - Exclusions (Persists)
Persists 10+ days
Acetaminophen
First line for headache
Does not help with inflammation
NSAIDs
Fever - Exclusions (Symptoms)
temp >104 (or 100.1 for infants <3 months)
severe/persistent infection
child with spots/rash, lethargy, or intractable vomiting/diarrhea
Fever - Exclusions (Age/Persists)
Children <2 (if fever lasts 24+ hours)
Fever - Exclusions (Conditions)
CV or pulmonary disease
Immunocompromised
CNS damage
History of febrile seizures
Fever - Exclusions (Other)
risk for hyperthermia
Musculoskeletal Pain - Exclusions (Symptoms)
Severe pain (>6)
Pelvic/abdominal pain
Fever, nausea, vomiting
Suspicion of serious injury
*Back pain and bladder/bowel incontinence
Musculoskeletal Pain - Exclusions (Age)
Children < 2 years
Musculoskeletal Pain - Exclusions (Conditions)
Pregnancy
Musculoskeletal Pain - Exclusions (Persists)
Increase in intensity
Marked change in character
Persists 10+ days
Persists 7+ days w/ treatment
Analgesics - Special populations
Older adults - avoid naproxen (long-acting)
Children - avoid naproxen and aspirin
Musculoskeletal Pain - Nonpharmacologic
Rest (1-2 days)
Ice (10-25 on, cycle off)
Compression
Elevation (above heart)