Pharmacology Final Flashcards
What are dietary supplements?
Products intended to enhance a or supplement the diet such as botanicals, vitamins, or minerals
Explain the Dietary supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 and 2000 update (DSHEA)
- Regulatory act for dietary supplements
- Requires all products to be clearly labeled as “dietary supplements”
- Product must state “not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”
Explain the Dietary Supplement and Nonprescription Drug Consumer Protection Act of 2007
Must now include contact info so consumers can report AE
Manufacturers must evaluate identity, purity, potency, and consumption of products with labels that reflect accurately
What are the 4 phases of pharmacokinetics?
Absorption
Distribution
Metabolism (biotransformation)
Excretion
Explain absorption.
- moving a drug from the site of admin to the bloodstream.
- The primary factor to determine the onset of the drug action and the intensity of the drug action
Explain distribution.
- Movement of medication to the body’s tissues
- Key factors that influence circulation, permeability of cell membrane, plasma binding protein, Blood brain barrier
Explain metabolism.
Drugs are changed into new, less active chemicals
Aka biotransformation
Primary site is the liver
P450 system: determine the speed at which a drug is metabolized. Contributes to drug-drug interactions
Explain excretion.
Removing the drug from the body
Primary site is the kidney
Nursing Process: What should you obtain during assessment?
Obtain a thorough medication hx, allergies, and past medical conditions
Physical exam: weight, age, anything r/t the disease state or known drug effects
Level of education
Social supports
Financial support
Pattern of health care
Nursing Process: What is done during planning?
Set goals and desired patient outcomes
Minimize factors that contribute to medication errors
Nursing Process: Implementation
Focus entirely on the task of med admin
Rights of med admin
Provide comfort measures/coping with effects of drug therapy
Patient education
Nursing Process: Evaluation
Assess the patient for expected therapeutic outcomes and determine if any AE occurred
What is a half-life?
The length of time required for the plasma concentration to decrease by one half after administration
Why is a narrow therapeutic index important to be aware of?
Therapeutic drug monitoring used when drugs have a low safety margin (aka narrow therapeutic index/window)
Plasma concentration levels need to be monitored (via labs)
Peak, trough, random drug level
List anticholinergic effects.
s/s: dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, palpitations, tachycardia
What is the MOA and routes for Aspirin (Salicylates)?
irreversible inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2, PO and rectal
What are salicylates used for?
Reduce mild to moderate pain and inflammation
Fever
Prevention of thromboembolic events
Off label: colorectal cancer prevention
What are the AE of salicylates/ASA?
GI: n/v, dyspepsia, heartburn, epigastric discomfort
Clotting: bleeding (increases w/ dose)
Renal impairment
Salicylism
Reye’s syndrome
List salicylate/ASA interactions.
Other salicylates
Other drugs that’s cause bleeding
Alcohol
List nursing considerations for salicylates/ASA.
Monitor s/s bleeding
Take with food/milk and 8oz water
Recommend PPI w/ long term therapy
Monitor: I&Os, BUN, and creatinine
Monitor for salicylism
Discontinue 1 week before surgery
What is the MOA and route for NSAIDs (ibuprofen)?
reversible inhibition of COX 1&2, PO
What are the uses for ibuprofen?
Reduce mild-moderate pain and inflammation
Fever
Dysmenorrhea
What are the AE of ibuprofen/NSAIDs?
GI (common)
Renal impairment w/ chronic use
BBW
List contraindications of ibuprofen/NSAIDs.
Allergy
Bleeding
Corticosteroids
List interactions for ibuprofen/NSAIDs.
Anticoagulants (bleeding)
NSAIDS
Alcohol
Corticosteroids
Drug Schedule Law: Explain the Controlled Substance Act of 1970.
Ranks drugs for abuse potential in categories 1-5.
Drugs w/ abuse potential
Hospitals, pharmacies, and prescribers have to register with the DEA and use registration numbers to purchase prescribed drugs
They must maintain records of all quantities purchases and sold
What is the MOA and route for morphine (opioid agonist)?
reacts with MU and Kappa receptors, po, iv, im, sc, sl, rectal, epidural, intrathecal
What are the uses for opioid agonists like morphine?
Relief of acute or chronic severe pain
Suppress cough
Slow GI motility with severe diarrhea
Sedation
Part of general anesthesia
Euphoria and intense relaxation (reason for abuse)
What are the AE of opioid agonists (morphine)?
Respiratory depression w/ apnea
(Monitor RR before admin and hold if less than 12. Admin antagonist if RR falls below 10 (naloxone)
CNS depression
GI: constipation and n/v
Urinary retention
Hypotension
Cough suppression
Pruritus
BBW: abuse
Tolerance
Pupil constriction
List contraindications for morphine (opioid agonist).
allergy and premature infants
For morphine/opioid agonists use caution in those with?
Respiratory dysfunction
GI/GU surgery
GI issue that slow motility
List interactions of opioid agonists.
other CNS depressants
What is the OD treatment?
Naloxone
What are nursing considerations when administering opioid agonists like morphine?
Monitor full set of v/s
Assist w/ ambulation to prevent falls and injury
Encourage fluid and fiber. Patient may need laxative
Monitor for urinary retention
Admin IV push slowly
Give on a fixed schedule not PRN
Administer before pain become severe
What is the MOA and route for opioid antagonist naloxone?
binds to MU and KAPPA but does NOT activate them, IV, IM, SC, nasal.
What are the uses for naloxone?
OD
Reversal of post op effects
Opioid addiction
Reversing neonatal depression
Opioid antagonists like Naloxone reverse these 4 things.
Analgesia
Sedation
Euphoria
Respiratory depression
Corticosteroids (prednisone) uses.
RA, SLE, IBD< inflammatory disorders, allergic conditions, asthma, derm disorders, suppression of allograft rejection
What are the AE of corticosteroids/prednisone?
Adrenal insufficiency
Infection
Peptic ulcers
Osteoporosis
Behavioral changes
Hyperglycemia
Cushing syndrome
Sodium/water retention
diminished growth in children
List interactions for corticosteroids/prednisone.
Hypoglycemic
Nsaids
Alcohol
Diuretics
Vaccines
List contraindications for corticosteroids/prednisone.
Allergy
Systemic fungal infections and infections not controlled by meds
Diabetes
Peptic ulcers
Children, pregnancy, lactation
Explain the nurse’s role in anesthesia (what to monitor, assessment preop).
Preop assessment :
Contraindications and cautions
Known allergies
Family hx or personal hx of malignant hyperthermia
Weight
Vitals
ECG
Skin assessment
Bowel sounds
Have emergency equipment available
Monitor temperature
Monitor: HR, RR, BP, ECG, cardiac output and AE
Institute safety precautions
Provide comfort measures
Provide pain relief
Skin care and turning
Offer support and encouragement
Provide education
What is the therapeutic use for the prostaglandin inhibitor misoprostol?
GI indication is prevention of gastric ulcers caused by long term NSAID therapy.
What is the MOA and route for misoprostol? Keep in mind when to give this medication.
inhibits gastric acid secretion and increases bicarb and mucus production in the stomach (protects the stomach lining), PO x4/day w/ meals and at bedtime while on NSAIDS
What are the AE of misoprostol?
GI: most common id diarrhea. And abd pain, n/, dyspepsia
GU: miscarriages, excessive bleeding, spotting, cramping
List contraindications for misoprostol. (only 1).
pregnancy category x
What is the MOA of antacids (sodium bicarb)?
Inorganic chemicals that neutralize stomach acid
Why are antacids not recommended as a primary drug?
Not recommended as primary drug class because they do not promote ulcer healing
What are AE of antacids?
Acid rebound
Constipation
Diarrhea
Fluid retention and heart failure
List contraindications for antacids.
Allergy
Renal impairment
List interactions/instructions specific to antacids.
Need to separate antacids from other drugs by two hours
Explain H. Pylori treatment (how is it treated, barriers to compliance).
Antibiotics should be given. Usually, a combination of antibiotics is used concurrently to eradicate and decrease resistance.
Use a minimum of two antibiotics perferably 3 and an antisecretory agent (PPI, H2 antag)
Barriers to compliance :
- Can require up to 12 pill/day for 14 days
- GI AE
- Expensive
Explain issues with laxative use. (why does misuse occur, causes, consequences).
Misuse occurs from misconceptions of what constitutes normal bowel function
Causes:
-Misconception that bowel movements must occur daily
-Can perpetuate their own use
-Bowel replenishment after evacuation can be 2-5 days; often mistakes for constipation
Consequences: cathartic dependence
-Diminished defecatory reflexes leading to further reliance on laxatives
-Electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and impaction
What is the MOA for lubricant laxatives (docusate)?
used to make defecation easier without stimulating the GI tract.
Lubricant laxatives like docusate are expected to produce a soft stool in _____ to _____ hours after onset of treatment.
Produces a soft stool 24-48 hours after onset of treatment
What is the treatment for IBS-C? (constipation predominant IBS)
lubiprostone
What is the treatment for IBS-D? (diarrhea predominant IBS)
aloesetron
What is the MOA for lubiprostone (IBS-C treatment).
activates chloride channels in the intestinal luminal cells (this increases fluid and motility)
What is the MOA for aloestron (IBS-D treatment).
inhibits serotonin receptors in the GI tract leading to decreased perception of abdominal pain and discomfort and decreased motility, BBW.
What is the MOA and routes for Hydantoins (phenytoin)?
stabilize nerve membranes by influencing ionic channels in the cell membrane (decrease excitability and hyperexcitability). Reduce the tonic-colonic muscular and emotional response to stimulation , PO/IV
What are the AE of Hydantoins (phenytoin)?
CNS depression: drowsiness, confusion, fatigue
Increased r/f suicide ideation
GI: gingival hyperplasia, constipation, dry mouth
Bone marrow suppression
Skin reactions (could be serious)
Sever liver toxicity
BBW
Toxicity: nystagmus, ataxia, sedation, blurred/double vision
What is the therapeutic serum level for hydantoins (phenytoin)?
10-20
List contraindications of hydantoins (phenytoin).
Allery
Pregnancy/lactation
Coma, depression, psychosis
Older adults
Impaired liver or renal function
List interactions for hydantoins (phenytoin).
Alcohol or other CNS depressants
Oral contraceptives
Primrose and gingko
IV phenytoin is incompatible with dextrose solutions
What are some nursing considerations when administering hydantoins?
Educate not to drive or preform hazardous activity if experiencing CNS effects
Obtain regular dental check ups
Brush teeth with soft bristles
Do not stop taking abruptly
Monitor: CNS and rash
What are 4 treatment goals for status epilepticus?
- maintain ventilation
- correct hypoglycemia
- terminate seizures: IV benzos
- initiate or continue long term suppression drugs
What are the uses for carabmazepine?
- management of generalized and focal seizures
- monotherapy or in combination with another AED
- off label: neuropathic pain
- take several weeks to achieve optimal effects
What is the MOA for carabmazepine?
inhibits polysynaptic responses and blocks sodium channels to prevent the formation of repetitive action potential in the abnormal focus
What are the AE of carbamazepine?
CNS: double vision, vertigo, HA< ataxia, drowsiness, dizziness
GI: n/v
Elevated liver enzymes
Dermatologic: rash, photosensitivity, alopecia
BBW: dermatologic reactions.
Association of congenital abnormalities
List contraindications for carbamazepine.
Allergy to drug or tricyclic antidepressants
Liver disease
HLA-B*1502 gene
Pregnancy and lactation
List interactions for carbamazepine.
CNS depressants and alcohol
Grapefruit juice
St john’s wort
Decrease effectiveness of contraceptives and gives false negatives on pregnancy tests
What are nursing considerations for carbamazepine?
Begin with low dose and gradually increase
Give at bedtime if possible
Give with meals for GI s/s
Educate about not doing hazardous activity
Use sunscreen
Fall precautions
Monitor: WBC, CBC, skin, edema
Neurotransmitters affected with Alzheimer’s Disease (Hallmark of AD).
Beta-amyloid and neuritic plaques
Neurofibrillary tangles
Pharmacotherapy of Alzheimer’s. (what is the main goal of pharmacotherapy for AD, which 2 drug classes are used, name prototypes).
Drugs are used to slow memory loss
2 drug classes used:
- Reversable indirect acting cholinesterase inhibitors
(donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine) - Neuronal receptor blocker (NMDA receptor antagonist)
(memantine)
Indirect acting cholinesterase inhibitors: donepezil, what is the goal of this medication, MOA, and route.
Goal: improve ADLS and improve behaviors and cognition
May delay or slow progression… not treat!
MOA: blocks acetylcholinesterase
Route: PO
What are AE for donepezil?
cholinergic side effects, CNS effects, CV (bradycardia, hypotension, heart block)
List the only contraindication for donepezil.
allergy
Use caution for donepezil in cases of:
pregnancy/lactation/renal and hepatic dysfunction
List interactions for donepezil.
anticholinergic drugs, drugs that can reduce response to cholinesterase inhibitors
Centrally acting muscle relaxants: baclofen. What is the MOA/routes?
works in the CNS to interfere with the reflexes that are causing the muscle spasms. Possibly by increasing gamma aminobutyric
take PO dose with food/milk, available PO or intrathecal pump
List contraindications of baclofen.
allergy, caution in patients older than 65
What are the AE of baclofen (centrally acting muscle relaxants)?
CNS depression
GI/GU: nausea, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention
CV: hypotension and arrhythmias
Tapered slowly
Physical dependence
Regular Insulin is also recognized as short-acting. What is the MOA? What are appropriate routes?
identical to insulin produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. Promotes cellular utake and use of glucose. Promotes glucose storage. Promotes uptake of potassium into cells.
SQ injection, regular can be given IV
What are AE of regular insulin?
Hypoglycemia
Injection reactions
lipodystrophy
Hypokalemia
Cough and throat pain (inhaled route only)
When mixing insulin, explain how it should be mixed.
short before intermediate (clear before cloudy)
Biguanides: metformin. What is the MOA and routes? Why is this the preferred drug for Type II DM?
Preferred drug for type II DM because safety and effectiveness
decreases hepatic glucose production. Increases uptake of glucose. Improves insulin sensitivity of peripheral cells.
PO (regular or sustained release), solution.
What are biguanides like metformin used for?
Maintain blood sugar levels WNL in patients with type II dm where diet and exercise are ineffective.
Off label: PCOS
What are AE of metformin?
GI
Allergic skin reactions
BBW: lactic acidosis
Lactic acidosis s/s: malaise, myalgia, hyperventilation, severe abd pain.
List contraindications for metformin.
Allergy
Impaired renal function
Metabolic acidosis
2 days prior and 2 days after IV contrast
List interactions for metformin. (only 2).
Alcohol
Iv contrast
Explain treatment of hypoglycemia. (prototype, what it is used for, moa, AE, contraindications, interactions).
Glucagon
Uses:
Emergency treatment of severe hypoglycemia in patients who are unable to swallow or are unconscious
MOA: increases blood glucose levels. Decreases insulin releases. Accelerates breakdown of glycogen in the liver.
AE:
GI upset and n/v
Hyperglycemia
Contraindications:
Depleted glycogen stores
Interactions
Antagonizes effects of antidiabetic drugs
What is the MOA and routes for Levothyroxine?
synthetic form of T4, increases metabolic rate. PO/IV
What is levothyroxine used for?
hyperthyroidism, goiters, thyroid cancer, myxedema coma
What are the AE of levothyroxine?
Rare at therapeutic doses
Hyperthyroidism
BBW: not for weight loss use
Esophageal atresia
List contraindications of levothyroxine.
Allergy
Thyrotoxicosis
Acute MI
Antithyroid agent: Thioamides. What are the 2 prototypes and MOA?
MOA: lowers thyroid hormone by preventing formation of thyroid hormone, inhibit conversion of t3 to t4.
Prototypes: propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole.
List interactions of levothyroxine.
Take in the am on an empty stomach
Many drugs decrease absorption and serum levels of levothyroxine
What are the AE of thioamides like PTU and methimazole?
n/v, liver toxicity. Arthralgia. Hypothyroidism. Bone marrow suppression.
List contraindications for PTU/methimazole.
allergy, pregnancy, lactation
List interactions for PTU/methimazole.
increases actions of anticoagulants
What do iodine solutions do to thyroid cells? List route and 2 main AE.
- cause thyroid cells to become oversaturated with iodine and stop producing thyroid hormone.
- route: po
- ae: iodism, stained teeth
What is the MOA and route for radioactive iodine? State the main AE overall.
MOA: taken up by thyroid cells which are then destroyed by the beta radiation
Route: PO
AE: hypothyroidism
When is radioactive iodine contraindicated?
hypersensitivity, pregnancy (cat. x), lactation
The patient asks the nurse, “when will I see the full effects of radioactive iodine?” the nurse knows that effects will take __-___ months and the patient should take radiation precautions.
2-3 months.
List 5 drug classes used for dyslipidemia. Including other lipid lowering agents (there are 3 others).
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)
Bile acid sequestrants
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors
PCSK9 inhibitors
Other lipid lowering agents: Niacin, omega 3, fibrates
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins): atorvastatin. What are the uses, MOA, and PO (any special instructions?)
Uses:
Adjuncts with diet and exercise for the treatment of increased cholesterol and LDL levels that are unresponsive to diet alone
MOA:
Liver responds to the loss of LDL by making more receptors wihc removes the LDL from the blood
Route: PO. Should be given at night because cholesterol biosynthesis is higher.
What are the AE of atorvastatin?
Generally, well tolerated
GI most common
Increased liver enzymes and liver failure
Myopathy
Rhabdomyolysis
List contraindications of atorvastatin.
pregnancy (cat. x), allergy, liver disease, breastfeeding