Pharmacology

Question 1

Bupivacaine vs lidocaine

Answer 1

blocking voltage-gated sodium channels preventing pain sensation.
Both are appropriate local anesthetics for procedures. Mixing with epinephrine: prolong the duration of anesthesia and reduce the dose needed (causes vasoconstriction thus keeping the anesthetic local).
The pain relief from lidocaine lasts 1-2 hours but only takes a few minutes to take effect; Bupivacaine lasts 4 to 8 hours but takes up to 15 minutes to take effect.

Question 2

A patient with hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, increased fasting blood glucose, and a metabolic alkalosis suggest the use of which medication?

Answer 2

Thiazide diuretic use