Pharmacology

Question 1

Anti-Viral Meds

Answer 1

Acyclovir (Zovirax)
Amantadine HCl (Symmetrel)

Question 2

Acyclovir:

Class, Actions, & Indications

Answer 2

Class: Antiviral
Actions: Reduces viral shedding and formation of new lesions and speeds healing time.
Indications: Viral diseases

Question 3

Acyclovir:

Side Effects

Answer 3

h/a, n/v, diarrhea

Question 4

Acyclovir:

Nursing Considerations

Answer 4

Monitor I&O hydration status

Lab tests: baseline and periodic renal fx test.

Question 5

Amantadine HCl:

Class, Actions, Indications

Answer 5

Class: Antiviral, Antiparkinson, Central-Acting Cholinergic Receptor
Actions: Does not suppress antibody formation, so administer for interim protection in combination with influenza.
Indications: Influenza A, Parkinson and EPS.

Question 6

Amantadine HCl:

Side Effects

Answer 6

Dizziness, light-headedness, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, leukopenia

Question 7

Amantadine HCl:

Nursing Considerations

Answer 7

Lab tests: pH and serum electrolytes
Monitor and report mental status changes, nervousness, difficulty concentrating, or insomnia, loss of sz control, S&S toxicity esp, in doses.

Question 8

Benzodiazepenes

Answer 8

-lams and -pams. 
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Diazepam (Diastat, Valium)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Temazepam (Restoril)

Question 9

Alprazolam:

Class, Action, Indication

Answer 9

Class: Anxiolytic, Sedative-hypnotic, Benzodiazepine
Actions: CNS depressant that acts as limbic, thalamic, hypothalamic
Indications: Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks

Question 10

Alprazolam:

Side Effects

Answer 10

Drowsiness, Sedation

Question 11

Alprazolam:

Nursing Consideration

Answer 11

Monitor S&S of drowsiness and sedation esp in older or debilitated pts.
Lab Tests: CBC, urinalysis and blood chemistry

Question 12

Diazepam:

Class, Action, Indication

Answer 12

Class: Benzodiazepine, Anticonvulsant, Anxiolytic
Action: Long-acting benzodiazepine that acts on limbic, thalamic, and hypothalamic regions of CNS which produces CNS depression.
Indications: Status Epilepticus, muscle spasm, anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and preop

Question 13

Diazepam:

Side Effects

Answer 13

Drowsiness, fatigue, confusion, vivid dreams, h/a

Question 14

Diazepam:

Nursing Considerations

Answer 14

Monitor for a/e rxns.
Monitor for therapeutic effectiveness-max effect may require 1-2 wk.
Monitor for and report promptly signs of SI esp for anxiety w/depression,
Observe pt closely and monitor v/s: hypotension, muscular weakness, tachycardia, and resp depression
Lab test: CBC and LFTs.