Module 4 - immune system Flashcards
(156 cards)
Def:
Inflammation
A defence mechanism, with a purpose to contain the injury and destroy a foreign agent.
*good to a point but then becomes a hindrance to healing.
Mediators of inflammation
Histamine* Bradykinin Leukotrienes Cytokines Interleukins Prostaglandins*
Classes of medications for inflammation
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs)
2. Corticosteroids
MOA: NSAIDs
Inhibit cycle-oxygenase (COX)
reduce Prostaglandin synthesis leading to inhibition of inflammation
COX-1
In all tissues, stomach lining (mucosa), involved in platelet aggregation
- reason for most of the adverse effects associated with NSAIDs
Cox-2
More specific for inflammation
Common Adverse effects of NSAIDs
Nausea dyspepsia ulcers (w/ longe-term use) potential anti-platelet action increases risk of cardiac event
indications for NSAIDs
Mild to moderate inflammation fever mild to moderate pain dysmenorrhea musculoskeletal pain arthritis
cautions for NSAIDs
Take with food
Caution in kidney disease, CVD, and GI conditions
* use short term and as needed only
MOA: Corticosteroids
Anti-inflammatory and Immuno- suppressive
Mimic endogenous cortisol, attempt to bring body back to homeostasis after a Fight-or-flight response
indications: Corticosteroids
Severe inflammation (MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, auto-immune diseases)
Nurse’s Role: Anti-inflammatories
cause - remove and/or treat screen for containdications Labs - CBC, Liver and Kidney function pt. response to treatment (monitor for adverse effects) ensure taken with food
Adverse effects: Corticosteroids
Hyperglycaemia hypertension nausea insomnia psychosis ( w/ increased dose)
Contraindications for Anti-infmmitories
Kidney or liver disease
GI disease
CVD
active infections (due to immune suppression)
Def: Fever
a defence mech. - increase in body temp in attempt to destroy harmful bacteria.
Drugs that reduce fever
Antipyretics
Fever medications: Classes
- Acetaminophen
2. NSAIDs
MOA: Acetaminophen
acts at hypothalamus to cause peripheral vasodilation, which enables sweating and allows body to rid excess heat.
* NO anti-inflammatory action
Adverse effects: Acetaminophen
*bonus - whats the max dose (the one on OTC bottles) and why is different than the max dose in clinical setting?
Very rare: liver tox.
avoid alcohol
interacts w/ warfarin
*Publicly - max dose is 3g/24hrs. clinically 4g/24hrs - due to the frequent addition of it to OTC products (eg: cold and flu meds) this lower max dose for public consumers is to make for safer use of OTC products.
indications: Acetaminophen
Fever
mild to moderate pain
osteoarthritis
MOA: NSAIDs (for fever)
*bonus - why is Acetaminophen the first-line for fever treatment and not NSAIDs? Why would we choose NSAIDs over Acetaminophen for fever?
acts at hypothalamus to cause peripheral vasodilation, which enables sweating and allows body to rid excess heat.
- Acetaminophen has a very good safety record and fewer drug interactions and side-effects than NSAIDs.
NSAIDs are chosen when Inflammation AND fever are present.
Nurse’s Role: Fever
cause of fever - determine if other treatment is needed
monitor pt. response - AE: GI upset, sudden change in urine output (kidney), signs of liver too.
vitals
warfarin levels
Signs of liver toxicity
Jaundice pale tired sweating dark urine confusion coma
Antigen
Anything that the body identifies as foreign - causes allergy symptoms