Random Med Knowledge Flashcards
Ondansetron (zofran) effects which receptor and how?
Where?
It’s a 5HT3 (serotonin) receptor antagonist (blocker)
In the Chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ), and small intestines.
Metoclopramide (reglan) effects which receptor and how? Where?
It’s a dopaminergic receptor (D2) antagonist (blocker)
In the Chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ).
Why are you concerned about pt using drugs while complaining of AVH?
Drugs like meth increase dopamine which is one of the theories of what causes positive psychotic sx. (mesolimbic pathway)
What are the different types of posturing? What do they indicate? Which one is “worse?”
Decorticate posture: person is stiff with bent arms, clenched fists, and legs held out straight. The arms are bent in toward the body and the wrists and fingers are bent and held on the chest.
Decerebrate posture: arms and legs being held straight out, the toes being pointed downward, and the head and neck being arched backward.
These two postures indicate large increases in intracranial pressure. Can happen on one side of the body in stroke.
These postures can also indicate that brain herniation is occurring or about to occur. Decorticate posturing occurs first, and if condition is left untreated, decerebrate posturing develops.
Trasudative vs exudative fluid
Transudate: *Something that changed the hydrostatic pressure.
- i.e. Less protein in vessel which causes fluid to move out of vessel because of osmosis
- i.e. increased hydrostatic pressure because of inc. volume due to e.g. CHF.
- No protein in transudate.
Exudate:
- Something inflammatory (pneumonia, cancer, injury)
- Vessels dilate, endothelial cells allow protein to leak through b/c of inflammatory process.
- Protein found in exudate, as well as lipids, cholesterol.
Ataxia
Poor coordination and unsteadiness due to the brain’s failure to regulate the body’s posture and regulate the strength and direction of limb movement.
Dyskinesia
Abnormality or impairment of voluntary movement.
Akathisia
Movement disorder characterized by a feeling of inner restlessness and inability to stay still
Tardive dyskinesia
Disorder that results in involuntary, repetitive body movements. This may include grimacing, sticking out the tongue, or smacking the lips. Also may be rapid jerking movement or slow writhing movements.
Sometimes causes by long-term use of neuroleptics
What EKG changes are caused by hyperkalemia?
Peaked T-waves
What EKG changes are caused by hypokalemia?
Flattened T-waves, U-wave elevation
What EKG changes are caused by hypocalcemia?
QT-prolongation
What EKG changes are caused by hypercalcemia?
QT-shortening
What electrolyte abnormality can cause peaked T-waves?
Hyperkalemia
What electrolyte abnormality can cause flattened T-waves and U-wave elevation?
Hypokalemia
