patient scenario practice for exam 2 Flashcards
nervous system meds respiratory meds cardiac meds
Mrs. Garcia, a 65-year-old woman, comes to the clinic complaining of panic attacks. She says, “I feel like I can’t breathe when I get nervous.” Her doctor prescribes ___________, a benzodiazepine that enhances GABA, producing a calming effect. The nurse warns her: “This medication can be habit-forming. Take it only as needed and avoid alcohol.”
Alprazolam
Jake, a 22-year-old college student, has been struggling with low energy, sadness, and lack of motivation for months. His doctor prescribes ________, an SSRI. After 2 weeks, he tells the nurse, “I don’t feel any different.” She reassures him: “SSRIs take 4-6 weeks to work. But be sure to watch for increased suicidal thoughts.”
fluoxetine
After having her second child, Maria experiences both depression and anxiety. Her doctor prescribes _________, an SNRI. Two weeks later, she calls the clinic, panicking: “My blood pressure has been high, and I feel sweaty!” The nurse explains: “Venlafaxine can increase blood pressure. You should have it monitored regularly.”
Venlafaxine
Mark, a 40-year-old, wants to quit smoking but also has depression. His doctor prescribes ___________, which increases dopamine and norepinephrine. Mark is relieved that “it doesn’t cause weight gain or sexual side effects like other antidepressants.” However, the nurse warns: “This medication lowers your seizure threshold. Avoid alcohol and take doses 8 hours apart.”
Bupropion
John, 35, has been prescribed _______ for his bipolar disorder. After a few months, he complains of nausea, hand tremors, and thirst. The nurse recognizes signs of lithium toxicity and asks, “Have you been drinking enough water and avoiding NSAIDs?” She orders a lithium level test and reminds him to maintain adequate sodium intake.
lithium carbonate
Nina, diagnosed with bipolar disorder and seizures, starts _______________. Weeks later, she calls the nurse: “I have mouth sores and feel super tired.” The nurse suspects bone marrow suppression and advises: “Let’s check your CBC. This drug can lower blood cell counts.” She also warns: “Use contraception—this drug can cause birth defects.”
carbamazepine
Mr. Thompson, 78, with schizophrenia, becomes agitated. The doctor prescribes __________, a first-generation antipsychotic. After a week, he develops rigidity and a fever. The nurse immediately suspects neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) and tells the doctor: “We need to stop the medication and start supportive care!”
Haloperidol
Mikey, a 16-year-old, begins ____________ for schizophrenia. A month later, he is upset: “I’m gaining weight and feel weirdly emotional.” The nurse explains: “This drug can cause weight gain and increase prolactin, leading to breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia).”
Risperidone
Lisa, 28, starts __________ for bipolar disorder. At a follow-up, she says: “I feel okay, but my heart races sometimes.” The nurse orders an ECG, knowing ziprasidone prolongs the QT interval, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.
Ziprasidone
8-year-old Ryan wheezes and struggles to breathe during soccer. His mother uses his __________ inhaler, a short-acting beta-2 agonist. At the clinic, the nurse reminds her: “Use this as a rescue inhaler. Expect a fast heartbeat and mild tremors.”
Albuterol
Mr. Green, a 70-year-old with COPD, takes ____________ , an anticholinergic inhaler. He asks, “Why does my mouth feel so dry?” The nurse explains: “That’s a common side effect. Suck on sugar-free candy and drink water.”
ipratropium
Jessica, 45, starts________ for severe asthma. The nurse warns: “Take it with food to prevent ulcers. Long-term use can weaken bones and raise blood sugar.”
prednisone
10-year-old Ethan starts _________, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, for asthma. His mom calls, “His stomach hurts, and he seems yellow.” The nurse recognizes hepatotoxicity and orders liver tests.
zafirlukast
James, 50, takes _________ for a persistent cough. The nurse reminds him: “This is an opioid. It can cause drowsiness, constipation, and respiratory depression.”
codeine
Lauren, 30, has a cold with thick mucus. The doctor prescribes _________. The nurse advises: “Drink lots of water—it helps thin mucus.”
guaifenesin
Mike, a 55-year-old, overdoses on acetaminophen. The ER administers ___________, which restores liver glutathione to prevent liver damage.
acetylcysteine
Gary, a truck driver, buys __________ for congestion. The pharmacist warns: “This can increase blood pressure and cause jitteriness.”
pseudoephedrine
Emily, 28, takes _________ nasal spray. She asks, “Why does my nose bleed?” The nurse advises: “Point the spray away from your septum.”
fluticasone
Joe takes ____________ for heart failure. He returns feeling dizzy and weak. The nurse suspects hypokalemia and advises: “Eat potassium-rich foods.”
furosemide
Sarah, 50, starts ________. A week later, she says: “I have a dry cough.” The nurse explains: “That’s a common side effect. If it worsens, we may switch to losartan (an ARB).”
captopril
Jim, 60, takes __________ for chest pain. He says: “I get headaches after taking it.” The nurse explains: “That’s normal due to vasodilation.”
nitroglycerin
Mrs. Lee, 72, takes _________. She reports nausea, confusion, and yellow vision. The nurse suspects digoxin toxicity and prepares digoxin immune fab.
digoxin
Mrs. Baker, 55, starts ______, a thiazide diuretic, for hypertension and mild edema. A week later, she says: “I feel dizzy when I stand up.” The nurse explains: “This medication can lower blood pressure too much. Also, watch for signs of low potassium like muscle cramps.”
Hydrochlorothiazide
Mr. Davis was on captopril but developed a dry cough. His doctor switches him to ________(ARB). The nurse reassures him: “This works like an ACE inhibitor but doesn’t cause a cough.”
losartan
