Extras Flashcards
(19 cards)
What are the various pharmacokinetic processes?
- absorption
- distribution
- metabolism
- excretion
How does aging change reactions to medications/adverse reactions?
- increased risk for adverse reaction
- S&S differ
- adverse reaction can take longer to become apparent & develop after med has been discontinued
What is a early adverse reaction sign in older adults towards medicine?
mental dysfunction/change in mental status
What does poor drug clearance mean?
reduced ability to eliminate a drug
What are the risks related to poor drug clearance?
- prolonged drug action
- potential toxicity
What can overuse of antibiotics lead to?
antibiotic-resistance
When do we obtain blood cultures?
when/before infection is present
What must be considered when using alternative or complementary therapies?
Identification of underlying causes for pain
How do we promote skin health?
- Hydration (bath oils, emollient moisturizers)
- Avoid excessive bathing/scented soap/UV exposure
- Adequate fluid/vitamins (nutrition)
- Perform monthly Self-inspections (ABCDE)
- Be suspicious of any change in skin sensation (itchiness, tenderness, pain)
What does ABCDE stand for in relation to skin-inspection?
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularities
- Color
- Diameter
- Elevation in height/Evolution
Why is it important to check for skin cancers?
Early detection improves prognosis
What are the signs & symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
- diaphoresis/heat intolerance
- tachycardia/palpation, hypertension
- tremor
- diarrhea
- stare, lid lag
- insomnia
- nervousness/confusion
- increased hunger
- proximal muscle weakness, hyperreflexia
What are the signs & symptoms of hypothyroidism?
- fatigue/weakness/lethargy, depression
- anorexia, weight gain
- impaired hearing
- puffy face
- periorbital or peripheral edema
- constipation
- cold intolerance
- myalgia (muscle aches), parenthesis (abnormal tactile sensations)
- ataxia (lack of coordination/balance)
- dry skin, coarse skin
What are the treatment options for hypothyroidism?
levothyroxine
lifetime treatment
Why is A1C tested?
for screening for fasting blood glucose to figure out where someone is on the diabetic spectrum
What is the normal range of A1C?
4.5-6.4%
What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes?
- Obesity/increased amount of fat tissue
- Inactivity
- First-degree relative with diabetes (immediate family member)
What are the complications of diabetes?
- Cardiac complications: coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, cerebrovascular complications/accident, peripheral vascular disease
- Renal disease
- Inadequate peripheral sensation
- Possible amputation
- Cognitive impairment
What education do we provide for patients with newly diagnosed diabetes?
- Demonstration of proper technique for administering insulin
- Recognizing signs & symptoms of hypo/hyperglycemia
- Promote lifestyle changes (increase/consistent physical activity, monitoring diet/nutrition, attend regular health check-ups)
