Pharmacology

Question 1

Polypharmacy

Answer 1

Excessive or inappropriate use of medication

5+ medications

Question 2

Negatives of polypharmacy

Answer 2

Decreased patient adherence

Increased financial burden

Question 3

Pharmacokinetics

Answer 3

Study of how the body handles a drug

Question 4

Altered GI function during absorption due to:

Answer 4

decreased gastric acid
decreased stomach emptying
decreased motility
decreased absorbing area

Question 5

Drug distribution altered due to:

Answer 5

decreased body water
decreased lean body mass
decreased plasma proteins
increased body fat

Question 6

Heptatic metabolism altered due to:

Answer 6

decreased liver mass
decreased liver blood flow
decreased enzyme activity

Question 7

Renal excretion altered due to:

Answer 7

decreased kidney mass
decreased kidney blood flow
decreased tubular function in nephron

Question 8

Pharmacodynamics

Answer 8

Study of how the drug affects the body

Question 9

Factors That Can Increase Risk in Older Adults (ADR)

Answer 9

Multiple Disease States
Lack of Proper Drug Testing and Regulation
Problems with Patient Education and Non-adherence to Drug Therapy
Use of Inappropriate Meds

Question 10

Common Adverse Drug Reactions

Answer 10

GI Symptoms 
Sedation 
Confusion 
Depression 
Orthostatic Hypotension – 
Fatigue and Weakness
Dizziness and Falls
Anticholinergic Effects
Extra-pyramidal Symptoms

Question 11

Opioid Analgesics

Answer 11

Used for severe, constant pain
Codeine, Morphine, Oxycodone
These drugs act by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord

Question 12

ADR of opoid analgesics:

Answer 12

Sedation, mood changes, and GI issues

Question 13

Non-opioid Analgesics

Answer 13

Used for mild to moderate pain

Question 14

Non-opioid Analgesics produce:

Answer 14

analgesia, decreased inflammation, antipyretic, anticoagulant effect

Question 15

Cardiovascular Drugs

Answer 15

hypertension, CHF, cardiac arrthythmias, angina pectoris, hyperlipidemia, coagulation disorders

Question 16

Statins (for hyperlipidemia) can cause:

Answer 16

serious muscle pain and inflammation – clinicians should be alert for any muscle pain or weakness in these patients&raquo_space; need to refer these patients back to their doctor immediately

Question 17

Signs of low blood glucose levels:

Answer 17

headache, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, nausea and sweating