Other Less Common Agents

Question 1

What is iontophoresis?

Answer 1

The transcutaneous delivery of ions into the body using low amplitude direct current to insure unidirectional flow of ions

Question 2

How are the ions created in iontophoresis?

Answer 2

dissolving the intended drug/chemical compound

Question 3

What does the chosen drug/chemical compound depend on?

Answer 3

the medical condition

Question 4

What is the general size of treatment for iontophoresis?

Answer 4

relatively small, superificial, and localized

Question 5

How far can the drug for iontophoresis penetrate?

Answer 5

only a few mm

Question 6

It is said that perhaps iontophoresis is more related to what than repelling of charges?

Answer 6

increased permeability

Question 7

What is the purpose of iontophoresis?

Answer 7

alternative to phonophoresis, oral and injection methods of drug delivery

Question 8

What are the precautions for iontophoresis?

Answer 8

cardiac disease, malignant tumors, skin irritation/open wounds, lack of sensation in area to be treated

Question 9

What are the contraindications for iontophoresis?

Answer 9

allergic to the drug/chemical, active bleeding, pacemakere/unstable arrhythmias, over carotid sinus, pregnancy, metallic implants in vicinity, any condition in which e stim is contraindicated

Question 10

What is the formula for current density for iontophoresis?

Answer 10

current density = current amplitude (mA) / surface area of delivery electrode (cm2)

Question 11

What is the maximum current density for negative delivery electrode for iontophoresis?

Answer 11

<= 0.5 mA/cm2

Question 12

What is the maximum current density for positive delivery electrode for iontophoresis?

Answer 12

<= 1.0 mA/cm2

Question 13

What is the dosage formula for iontophoresis?

Answer 13

intensity (mA) x time (min)

Question 14

What is the typical dosage for iontophoresis?

Answer 14

typically 40-80 mA min (begin towards 40 and go up from towards 80 over future sessions)

Question 15

What is the max current amplitude of most machines?

Answer 15

4.0 mA

Question 16

What is the formula for maximum safe current amplitude?

Answer 16

= current density x surface area of electrode

Question 17

What is the key factor limiting current amplitude?

Answer 17

patient tolerance

Question 18

What two indicators (whichever comes first) indicate setting of amplitude for iontophoresis?

Answer 18

increase until tingling orpain or until safe amplitude is reached

Question 19

What does duration of treatment typically depend on?

Answer 19

amplitude and dosage

Question 20

Which electrode should be placed over the target electrode (with medication)?

Answer 20

delivery/electrode

Question 21

Which electrode should be placed over remote location?

Answer 21

dispersive

Question 22

What is the polarity and indications for acetate for iontophoresis?

Answer 22

negative, calcium deposits

Question 23

What is the polarity and indications for dexamethasone for iontophoresis?

Answer 23

negative, inflammation

Question 24

What is the polarity and indications for lidocaine for iontophoresis?

Answer 24

positive, local anesthetic

Question 25

Name some effects of lasers/lights.

Answer 25

promote ATP production by mitchondria (low intensity), inhibit mito metabolism for Tx of chronic pain (high intensity), promote collagen production by fibroblasts, modulate inflammation, inhibit bacteria growth

Question 26

Name some clinical indications for lights/lasers.

Answer 26

soft tissue/bone healing, arthritis, lymphedema, neurological conditions, pain management

Question 27

What are the contraindications for light/laser?

Answer 27

direct radiation of eyes (wear goggles), malignancy, w/in 4-6 months after radiotherapy, hemorrhage, thyroid or other endocrine glands

Question 28

What are the precautions for light/laser?

Answer 28

pregnancy, epiphyseal plates, impaired sensation/mentation, photophobia/light sensitivity, pretreatment with photosensitizer

Question 29

What adverse effects can occur with light/laser?

Answer 29

exposure to eyes can cause retinal damage, transient tingling, mild erythema, rash, burning sensation, increased pain/numbness, burns from warm diode

Question 30

Describe fluidotherapy.

Answer 30

dry heating agent. finely ground cellulose particle made from corn cobs and circulated via heated air in a machine

Question 31

True/False: light therapy is a thermal effect.

Answer 31

FALSE, it is photochemical