Prototype Drug Unit 3 & 4- Succinycholine

Question 1

What is the therapeutic classification?

Answer 1

Skeletal muscle relaxant

Question 2

What is the pharmacologic classification?

Answer 2

Neuromuscular blocker (depolarizing type)

Question 3

What are the therapeutic effects or uses?

Answer 3

Creates paralysis in patients. Is often used for surgical anesthesia and for insertion of an end otra heal tube to assist in meh animal ventilation.

Question 4

What is the mechanism of action?

Answer 4

It binds to cholinergic receptor sites at neuromuscular junctions. The skeletal muscle membranes are unable to depolarize as long as the drug stays on the receptor.

Question 5

What are the routes?

Answer 5

IM, IV

Question 6

How is it absorbed?

Answer 6

Well-absorbed IM

Question 7

How is it distributed?

Answer 7

Completely absorbed, including crossing the placenta

Question 8

How is it primarily metabolized?

Answer 8

Plasma by pseudocholinesterase

Question 9

How is it primarily excreted?

Answer 9

Renal

Question 10

What are the adverse effects?

Answer 10

Paralysis of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles, trachycardia, hypotension, and urinary retention. Rapid onset of extremely high fever with muscle rigidity may occur, a serious condition called malignant hyperthermia.

Question 11

What are the contraindications/precautions?

Answer 11

They are contraindicated inpatients with glaucoma and people who have a family history of malignant hyperthermia

Use cautiously with patients who have electrolyte imbalances, heart failure, pulmonary or metabolic disorders, and kidney disease.

Question 12

What are the drug interactions?

Answer 12

Additive skeletal muscle inhibition if given with clindamycon, phenothiazine, aminoglycosides, furosemide, lithium, quinidine, or lidocaine. Malignant hypothermia, dysthymia, sinus arrest, and apnea risks are increased if given with anesthesics halothane or nitrous oxide. Digoxin increases risk of dysthymia. Opioid analgesics increase risk of bradycardia and sinus arrest.

Question 13

What are the herbal food interactions?

Answer 13

Melatonin may increase the neuromuscular blocking action of succinylcholine

Question 14

What is the pregnancy category?

Answer 14

C

Question 15

What is the treatment of overdose

Answer 15

Drug is discontinued and assisted ventilation is provided until the effects of the drug wear off.

Question 16

What are the nursing responsibilities?

Answer 16

1) monitor vital signs and keep airway clear
2) obtain baseline lab tests
3) monitor for transient apnea
4) prepare for emergency endotracheal intubation, artificial respiration, and assisted or controlled respiration with oxygen
5) monitor temp
6) provide emotional support and pain relief when needed.