Pharmacology Flashcards
How does aspirin help pain?
Aspirin stops inflammation.
How does aspirin help a cardiac patient?
It is a platelet inhibitor, stopping a second heart attack.
What are the adverse reactions to aspirin?
Heartburn
Nausea
Wheezing
What is the precaution before taking aspirin?
Digestive bleed
Upset stomach
What is the correct dosage of aspirin for an adult?
324-325mg, chewed.
What is the correct dosage of aspirin for a child?
None indicated, so the question is deferred to a medical doctor.
Why would you give aspirin?
Chest pain
What does Naloxone do?
Reverses the effects of opioid and morphine-like agents (like heroin); reverses respiratory depression
What is the indication Naloxone should be administered?
During respiratory depression caused by an opioid or narcotic agent
What are the contraindications that Naloxone shouldn’t be used?
A child less than 28 days old
What are the adverse effects possible after using Naloxone?
Immediate withdrawal
What is the purpose of oral glucose?
To raise low blood sugar
What are the indications that oral glucose should be administered?
Altered mental status and known diabetic history; unconscious for an unknown reason
What precautions should be considered before administering oral glucose?
A gag reflex
What is the correct dosage of oral glucose?
10-15g between the cheek and tongue every ten minutes
What is the indication that activated charcoal should be administered?
Poisoning by mouth
What are the adverse effects of using activated charcoal?
Nausea and vomiting
What is the correct dosage for activated charcoal?
1 gram per kilogram
What are precautions when using activated charcoal?
The possibility it doesn’t soak up all the poison
What is the correct dosage of acetaminophen?
Dosage: 160mg / 5mL
3-5 years old: 1 dose
6-9 years: 2 doses
10 and up: 4 doses
What are the contraindications for using acetaminophen?
Head injury
Hypotension
Administration of acetaminophen within the previous four hours
What are the adverse effects off acetaminophen?
None that are clinically significant
What are the indications that acetaminophen should be administered?
A patient 3 or older with mild to moderate discomfort (2-5 on scale)
What are the indications that albuterol should be administered?
Signs of respiratory distress
Bronchospasm/wheezing associated with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and allergic reactions (anaphylaxis)
What are the adverse effects of albuterol?
Tachycardia/palpitations Hypertension Angina Nervousness/anxiety Tremors Dizziness Headache Sweating Nausea/vomiting Sore throat
What precautions should be considered before administering albuterol?
Bronchospasm may become sever after repeated use
Patient must have his own physician-prescribed inhaler
What is the contraindication for using albuterol?
Inhaler is not prescribed for the patient
What is the correct dosage of albuterol?
Maximum of 2 doses (4 puffs) over 30 minutes
Medical direction may administer additional doses
What is the contraindication before administering aspirin?
Known hypersensitivity (allergy)
What are the five rights before administering a drug?
Right patient Right time Right medication Right dosage Right route of administration
