Study Guide (Alzheimer’s) Flashcards

1
Q

Alzheimer’s has a-

A

Slow and insidious onset with a generally progressive and deteriorating course

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2
Q

The damage of Alzheimer’s Disease is a result of-

A

Neurofibrillary Tangles and Plagues, Transmitter Defects, & Abnormal Amyloid Deposits

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3
Q

What meds are used to treat Alzheimer’s?

A

Donepezil, Rivastigmine, Galantamine

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4
Q

How does Donepezil, Rivastigmine, & Galantamine treat Alzheimer’s?

A

They increase Acetylcholine at the Cholinergic Synapse by inhibiting its breakdown via Acetylcholinesterase, which increases the availability of Acetylcholine at Neurotransmitter Receptor Sites in the CNS

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5
Q

In some pts, taking Donepezil, Rivastigmine, & Galantamine can-

A

Improve the ability to perform self-care + Slow cognitive deterioration of Alzheimer’s disease in mild to moderate cases

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6
Q

What are the adverse effects of Donepezil, Rivastigmine, & Galantamine?

A

Bradycardia, Syncope, GI Effects, Nausea, Vomiting, & Diarrhea

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7
Q

What should you make sure to monitor for a pt taking meds for treating Alzheimer’s?

A

GI Adverse Effects + Fluid Volume Deficits

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8
Q

What should you make sure to promote to a pt taking meds for treating Alzheimer’s?

A

Promote Adequate Fluid Intake (The provider may titrate the dosage to reduce GI Effects)

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9
Q

What should you make sure to educate to a pt taking meds for treating Alzheimer’s?

A

Teach their family to monitor HR for the pt that lives at the home

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10
Q

What should you make sure to screen a pt taking meds for treating Alzheimer’s for?

A

Screen them for underlying Heart Disease

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11
Q

What is Syncope?

A

Passing Out / Fainting

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12
Q

Donepezil, Rivastigmine, & Galantamine are all-

A

Cholinesterase Inhibitors

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13
Q

Cholinesterase Inhibitors should be used with caution in pt’s with pre-existing health conditions such as-

A

Asthma or other Obstructive Pulmonary Disorders

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14
Q

Why should pt’s take Donepezil, Rivastigmine, & Galantamine with caution if they have Asthma or other Obstructive Pulmonary Disorders?

A

Bronchoconstriction can be caused by an increase of Acetylcholine

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15
Q

What are the drug-drug interactions of Donepezil?

A

NSAID’s, Antihistamines, Tricyclic Antidepressants, & Conventional Antipsychotics can all reduce the therapeutic effects of Donepezil

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16
Q

Don’t forget, NSAID’s increase-

A

GI Bleeding (Or bleeding in general)

17
Q

How should you administer Cholinesterase Inhibitors?

A

Start Low, Gradually Increase Dosage

Taper the Meds when Discontinued

Administer at Bedtime (With/Without Food)

18
Q

How many times can you administer Donepezil in a day?

A

Once (Because it has a long half-life time)

19
Q

How many times a day can you administer Galantamine or Rivastigmine?

A

Twice a Day

20
Q

What are the routes that you can use to administer Rivastigmine? What should you administer it with?

A

It’s PO or Patch Form (Administer with food)

21
Q

Aside from Cholinesterase Inhibitors, what other med can be used to treat Alzheimer’s Disease?

A

Memantine

22
Q

How does Memantine treat Alzheimer’s?

A

It blocks the entry of calcium into nerve cells, thus slowing down brain-cell death

23
Q

What med is approved for Severe stages of Alzheimer’s?

A

Memantine

24
Q

What are the Nursing Actions for a pt taking Memantine?

A

Can be used concurrently with Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Admin with or without food
Monitor for common reactions to the med

25
Q

What are some common reactions to Memantine?

A

Dizziness + Headache + Confusion + Constipation

26
Q

Aside from Memantine and Cholinesterase Inhibitors, what other meds may be used to treat Alzheimer’s?

What specific things are these meds used to treat about Alzheimer’s?

A

SSRI’s (For Depression)

Antianxiety Meds (For Agitation)

Anticonvulsants (Aggression)

Antipsychotics (This is a last resort)

27
Q

Antipsychotics are typically reserved for-

A

Pt’s suffering from Hallucinations or Delusions