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NCLEX > Pharmacology > Flashcards

Pharmacology Flashcards

0
Q

aluminum hydroxide gel (Amphojel)

A

Antacid medication

Contains sodium; check if client is on sodium-restricted diet

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1
Q

levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid)

A

A thyroid replacement medication

Take in morning to prevent insomnia

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2
Q

Antacid medications

A

Neutralize gastric acids

Uses: peptic ulcer, indigestion, reflex esophagitis.

Side effects: constipation, diarrhea, acid rebound.

Taken several times per day to be effective.
Most effective when taken after digestion has begun but before stomach has emptied.
Interferes with absorption of antibiotics, iron preps, INH, oral contraceptives.
Monitor bowel function.

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3
Q

chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

A

benzodiazepine derivative (antianxiety agent)

Side effects: lethargy, hangover, respiratory depression, hypotension

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4
Q

Antianxiety medications

A

Classes:

  • benzodiazepine derivatives (many end in “pam”
  • nonbenzodiazepine antianxiety agents
  • herbals

Action: Affect neurotransmitters

Uses: anxiety disorders, manic episodes, panic attacks

Side effects: sedation, confusion, hepatic dysfunction

Nursing considerations:

  • potential for addiction/overdose
  • avoid alcohol
  • monitor liver function
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5
Q

Antivirals

A

Action - inhibits DNA and RNA replication

Uses - recurrent HSV, HIV infection

Side effects - headache, dizziness, GI symptoms

Nursing considerations

 - Encourage fluids
 - Not a cure, but relieves symptoms
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6
Q

Attention Disorder Agents

A

Action - increases level of catecholamines

Uses - ADD, narcolepsy

Side effects - restlessness, insomnia, tachycardia, palpitations

Nursing considerations

 - Monitor growth rate
 - Monitor liver enzymes
 - Give in a.m.
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7
Q

Bone-reabsorption inhibitors

A

Action - Inhibits resorption of bone

Uses - Osteoporosis, Paget’s disease

Side effects: esophagitis, arthralgia

Nursing considerations
- Instruct clients to remain in upright
position for 30 minutes

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8
Q

Bronchodilators

A

Action - decreases activity of phosphodiesterase

Uses - COPD, preterm labor (Terbatuline)

Side effects - tachycardia, dysrhythmias, palpitations, anticholinergic effects

Nursing considerations
     - Monitor BP and heart rate
     - When used with steroid inhaler, use 
        bronchodilator first
     - May aggravate diabetes
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9
Q

Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

A

Action: decreases production of aqueous humor in ciliary body

Uses: open-angle glaucoma

Side effects - blurred vision, lethargy, depression

Nursing considerations
- Monitor for systemic effects

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10
Q

Cardiac glycosides

A

Example: Digoxin

Action: increases force of myocardial contraction, slows rate

Uses: left-sided heart failure

Side effects: bradycardia, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances

Nursing considerations:

  • Take apical pulse, for a full minute
  • Notify physician if adult <90-110
  • Monitor potassium level
  • s/s digoxin toxicity: confusion, reports of yellow halos around lights
  • toxic levels for digoxin: over 2 ng/ml
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11
Q

Cytoprotective agents

A

Action: forms a barrier on ulcer surface

Uses: duodenal ulcer

Side effects: constipation, vertigo, flatulence

Nursing considerations:

  • take 1h ac
  • Give 2h before or after other medications
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12
Q

Diuretics

A

Action: inhibits reabsorption of sodium and water, blocks effects of aldosterone

Uses: CHF, renal disease

Side effects: dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, leukopenia

Nursing considerations:

  • Take with food or milk
  • Take in a.m.
  • Monitor fluid and electrolytes
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13
Q

Electrolytes

A

Action: replaces needed electrolytes

Uses: fluid and electrolyte imbalances, osteoporosis

Side effects: electrolyte imbalance

Nursing considerations:
- Monitor fluid and electrolytes

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14
Q

Iron Preparations

A

Action: increase availability of iron for hemoglobin

Uses: iron-deficiency anemia

Side effects: constipation, dark stools, tachycardia

Nursing considerations:

  • Take on empty stomach
  • Vitamin C increases absorption
  • Monitor Hct and Hgb
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15
Q

Eye medications

A

Action: lubricant, causes vasoconstriction by local adrenergic action

Uses: ocular irritation

Side effects: headache, dizziness

Nursing considerations:

  • apply light pressure on lacrimal sac for 1 min after instilling drops
  • Monitor BP and pulse
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16
Q

Glucocorticoids

A

many end in “sone”

Action: stimulates formation of glucose, alters immune response

Uses: Addison’s disease, Crohn’s disease, COPD, leukemias

Side effects: susceptible to infection and masks infection, insomnia, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia, psychoses, depression, stunted growth

Nursing considerations:

  • Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance
  • Don’t discontinue abruptly
  • monitor for signs of infection
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17
Q

Mineralcorticoids

A

Action: increases sodium reabsorption, potassium and hydrogen ion secretion in kidney

Uses: adrenal insufficiency

Side effects: hypertension, edema, hypokalemia

Nursing considerations:

  • Monitor BP, I&O, weight, and electrolytes
  • Give with food
  • Low sodium, high-protein, high-potassium diet
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18
Q

Heavy metal antagonists

A

Action: forms stable complexes with metals

Uses: gold and arsenic poisoning, acute lead encephalopathy

Side effects: tachycardia, pain and induration at injection site

Nursing considerations:

  • Monitor I&O and kidney function
  • Administered with local anesthetic
  • Seizure precautions
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19
Q

Antipsychotics

A

Action: blocks dopamine receptors in basal ganglia

Uses: acute and chronic psychoses

Side effects: akathisia (motor restlessness), dyskinesia (abnormal voluntary movement), dystonias, Parkinson’s syndrome, tardive dyskinesias, leukopenia

Nursing considerations:

  • Check CBC
    - Monitor vital signs
    - Avoid alcohol and caffeine
20
Q

Immunosuppressants

A

Example: Sandimmune (cyclosporine)

Action: prevents production of T cells and their response to interleukin-2

Uses: prevents rejection for transplanted organs

Side effects: hepatoxicity, nephrotoxicity, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia

Nursing considerations:

  • Take once daily in a.m.
  • Used with adrenal corticosteroids
  • Monitor renal and liver function tests
21
Q

Laxatives/Stool Softeners

A

Examples: Cascara, Dulcolax (bisacodly), Colace (docusate), Milk of Magnesia

Action: absorb water increasing bulk, lubricate surface of stool, stimulate peristalsis

Uses: constipation, preparation for surgery and procedures

Side effects: diarrhea, dependence, abdominal cramps, hypermagnesemia

Nursing considerations:

  • Contraindicated with symptoms of acute abdomen
  • Monitor fluid and electrolytes
  • Chronic uses may cause hypokalemia
22
Q

Miotics

A

Examples: Isopto-Carpine, Eserine, Carbacel

Action: causes construction of sphincter muscles of iris

Uses: ocular surgery, open-angle glaucoma

Side effects: headache, photophobia, hypotension, BRONCHOCONSTRICTION

Nursing considerations:

  • Apply pressure on lacrimal sac for 1 min
  • Avoid sunlight
  • May increase transient brow pain and myopia
23
Q

Mydriatics

A

Examples: Atropine sulfate, Cyclogyl

Action: anticholinergic actions leaves pupil under unopposed adrenergic influence

Uses: diagnostic procedures, acute iritis, uveitis

Side effects: tachycardia, blurred vision, photophobia, dry mouth

Nursing considerations:

  • Contraindicated with glaucoma
  • Apply pressure on lacrimal sac for 1 min
  • Wear dark glasses
24
Q

Narcotics

A

Examples: Morphine sulfate, Codeine, Demerol (meperidine), Dilaudid (hydromorphine), Percodan (oxycodone)

Action: acts on CNS receptor cells

Uses: moderate to severe pain, preoperative, postoperative

Side effects: dizziness, sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension, constipation

Nursing considerations:

  • Safety precautions
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Monitor vital signs
  • Use narcotic antagonist if necessary (Narcan)
25
Q

Antianginals

A

Examples: Nitroglycerine, Isordil (isosorbide)

Action: relaxes smooth muscle, decreases venous return

Uses: angina, peri-operative hypertension, HF

Side effects: hypotension, tachycardia, headache, dizziness

Nursing considerations:

  • Check expiration date
  • Teach when to take medication
  • May take q 5 min x 3 doses
  • Wet with saliva and place under tongue
26
Q

NSAIDs

A

Examples: Motrin (ibuprofen), Indocin (indomethacin), Naprosyn

Action: inhibits prostaglandin synthesis

Uses: arthritis, mild to moderate pain, fever

Side effects: GI upset, dizziness, headache, bleeding, fluid retention

Nursing considerations:

  • Take with food or after meals
  • Monitor liver and renal function
  • Use cautiously with aspirin allergy
  • Check for bleeding
27
Q

Thrombolytics

A

Examples: Streptokinase, Urokinase, Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Action: dissolved or lyses blood clots

Uses: acute pulmonary emboli, thrombosis, MI

Side Effects: bleeding, bradycardia, dysrhythmias

Nursing considerations:

  • Monitor for bleeding
  • Have amino caproic acid available
  • Check pulse, color,, sensation of extremities
  • Monitor EKG
28
Q

H2-Receptor blockers

A

Examples: Tagamet, Zantac

Action: inhibits action of histamine and gastric acid secretion

Uses: ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux

Side effects: dizziness, confusion, hypotension, impotence

Nursing considerations:

  • Take with meals and hs
  • Smoking decreases effectiveness
  • Monitor liver function and CBC
  • may cause false-negative results on allergy skin testing; client should avoid medication for 24 hours before testing
  • should avoid NSAIDs because of increased gastric irritation
  • should avoid alcohol because it may increase GI irritation
29
Q

Vitamins

A

Examples: Cyanocobalamin, Folic Acid

Action: coenzyme that speeds up metabolic processes

Uses: vitamin deficiencies

Side effects: urticaria, bronchospasm, some are toxic at high levels (i.e. B12 carries risk of anaphylactic shock)

Nursing considerations:

  • monitor levels
  • don’t mix with other medications
30
Q

Oral contraceptives

A

Uses: prevent pregnancy, hormone control

Side effects: HA, dizziness, nausea, breakthrough bleeding

Nursing considerations: No smoking, condom use, if missed dose take as soon as possible, use protection, same time each day

31
Q

Estrogens

A

Examples: Estrace (estradiol), Premarin (estrogen)

Uses: treat menopausal symptoms, cancers, osteoporosis

Side effects: nausea, gynecomastia, contact lens difficulty

Nursing considerations: call PCP for

  • breast lumps
  • vaginal bleeding
  • edema
  • dark urine
  • blurred vision
  • chest pain
32
Q

Alpha 1 adrenergic blockers (men’s health)

A

Examples: Terazosin (hytrin), Tamsulosin (Flomax)

Uses: decrease urinary urgency, hesitancy, nocturnal, prostatic hyperplasia

Side effects: HA, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension

Nursing considerations:

  • watch position changes
  • avoid alcohol
  • CNS depressants
  • give at bedtime
33
Q

Echinacea

A

Action: immunostimulant

Uses: prevent and treat colds/flu/UTI and wound healing

Side effects: allergic reaction, N/V, tingling of tongue

Nursing considerations:

  • decreases effectiveness of immunosuppressant
  • Avoid if allergic to ragweed or daisies
34
Q

Garlic

A

Uses: anti microbial, antilipidemic, antithrombotic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory

Side effects: flatulence; irritation of mouth, esophagus and stomach; allergic reaction

Nursing considerations:

  • May potentiate anticoagulant and antiplatelets, antihyperlipidemics, antihypertensives, antidiabetics
  • May decrease effectiveness oral contraceptives
35
Q

Chrondoitin

A

An herbal

Use: collagen synthesis

Side effects: dyspepsia, nausea

Nursing considerations:
- May potentiate anticoagulants

36
Q

Glucosamine

A

An herbal

Use: collagen synthesis

Side effects: dyspepsia, nausea

Nursing considerations:
- Impedes insulin secretion or increase insulin resistance

37
Q

Capsicum/cayenne pepper

A

An herbal

Uses: analgesia, circulation,nerve pain, PVD

Side effects: GI discomfort; burning pain in eyes, nose, mouth; bronchospasm

Nursing considerations:

  • May decrease effectiveness of antihypertensives
  • Increase risk of cough with ACE inhibitors,
  • Potentiate antiplatelets
  • Hypertensive crisis on MAOI
  • Increase theophylline absorption
38
Q

St. John’s Wart

A

An herbal

Uses: antidepressant, sedative, antiviral, antimocrobial

Side effects: photosensitivity, fatigue, allergic reaction, restlessness

Nursing considerations:
- Decreases effectiveness of digoxin, antineoplastics, Antivirals, AIDS medications, antirejection medications, theophylline, Coumadin, oral contraceptives

39
Q

Beta-blockers

A

Class II antidysrhythmics

Suffix “-lol”

Use: antihypertensive

Side effects: BRONCHOSPASMS

40
Q

Anticonvulsant medications

A

Action: decreases flow of calcium and sodium across neuronal membranes

Uses: seizures

Side effects: respiratory depression, aplastic anemia, gingival hypertrophy, ataxia (dizziness)

Nursing considerations:

  • Don’t discontinue abruptly
  • Monitor I & O
  • Caution with use of medications that lower seizure threshold
  • Non-hormonal contraceptives should be used
41
Q

Therapeutic level of lithium

A

1 - 1.5 mEq/L

42
Q

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)

Cross sensitivity with:

A

Tartrazine

43
Q

Epoetin alpha (Procrit)

A

A biologic response modifier used to stimulate red blood cell production

Uses: treat anemia due to chronic renal failure, AZT therapy, chemotherapy

Side effects: flu-like symptoms at beginning of therapy, arthralgia, nausea, edema, reaction at injection site

Nursing considerations:

  • Contraindicated if client diagnosed with uncontrolled hypertension
  • Monitor Hct: likelihood of hypertension and seizures increases if hematocrit increases by more than 4 points in 2 weeks
44
Q

Light-sensitive IV solutions

A

Nitroprusside
Amphotericin B
Nitroglycerin

45
Q

MAOIs

A

Action: inhibits monoamine oxidase enzyme, preventing destruction of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin

Uses: antidepressant

Nursing considerations:
- avoid ingestion of tyramine (found in bananas and avocados); can cause a hypertensive crisis

46
Q

Albumin

A

Uses: given to pull fluid back into the blood vessels (as in ascites)

47
Q

Ginkgo

Contraindication?

A

Uses: antiplatelet agent and CNS stimulant given for dementia syndromes

Nursing considerations:
- increases risk of bleeding when given with NSAIDs

NCLEX (1 decks)

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