Download Pharmacology Study Guide: Key Drugs, Actions, and Nursing Considerations and more Exercises Biology in PDF only on Docsity!
Pharmacological Principles and
Therapeutic Applications
Pharmacology (Chamberlain University)
StuDocu
Senna
When administering the drug senna to a patient, a health care provider must inform the patient of the following:
This drug is not intended for long-term use. The patient must limit their fiber intake. Advise the patient to change positions slowly to limit the risk of orthostatic hypotension.
Digoxin
When giving digoxin (Lanoxin) to a patient, the health care provider notices various signs and symptoms of an overdose. The health care provider knows to give Digibind to reverse digoxin toxicity.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
The action of an ACE inhibitor is to lower blood pressure by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to vasoconstrictor angiotensin II.
Insulin
The "long-acting" type of insulin is Glargine (Lantus).
Metformin
The therapeutic use of metformin is to maintain a person's blood glucose.
Drug Absorption
The correct definition for absorption of a drug is the movement of the drug from the site of administration to various tissues of the body.
Valproate
When assessing a patient on Valproate, the healthcare provider should monitor for suicidal thoughts, seizures, and bipolar disorder.
Food and Drug Precautions
Certain combinations of food and drugs can cause adverse reactions. Precautions may require limiting certain types of food or concurrent drugs rather than restricting the drug itself. When one drug changes the way another drug affects that drug.
ACE Inhibitors
ACE Inhibitors are used in the treatment of hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy, but not hypotension.
Migraine Headaches
Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are used to treat migraine headaches.
Serotonin Antagonists
When administering a Serotonin Antagonist, it is important to monitor for mental status changes.
Heparin Antidote
The antidote for Heparin is Protamine sulfate.
Opioid Toxicity
If a patient has taken an overdose of the opioid analgesic hydrocodone, the antidote is Naloxone.
Levothyroxine
When educating a patient on taking levothyroxine, the healthcare provider should instruct the patient to take it at the same time every day.
Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Alprazolam (Xanax) may be helpful for a patient experiencing anxiety and panic attacks.
Opioids and NSAIDs
Acetaminophen is not an opioid or NSAID.
ACE Inhibitors and Monitoring
When using ACE inhibitors, it is important to monitor the patient's ins and outs to assess for potential renal impairment.
Antiulcer Agents
When administering Antiulcer Agents, the healthcare provider should be more cautious when giving them to elderly patients and patients with renal failure.
Nitroglycerine
The common side effect that is normal with the initial therapy of Nitroglycerine due to increased vasodilation is headache.
Warfarin Monitoring
Two tests that should be monitored for a patient on Warfarin are PT and INR.
Diuretics
The diuretic that inhibits sodium reabsorption in the kidneys while saving K+ and Hydrogen ions is Spironolactone.
Propranolol Administration
If a patient's apical pulse is documented as 58 bpm, the nurse should withhold administration of Propranolol and notify the physician.
Diuretic Monitoring
When a patient is taking diuretics, the nurse should monitor their daily weight, intake and output, and amount and location of edema.
Digoxin
Digoxin has a therapeutic effect that increases cardiac output and slows heart rate.
Warfarin Antidote
The antidote for Warfarin is Vitamin K.
Transdermal Patch Instructions
The nurse should instruct the client to rotate the application sites weekly when using transdermal patches.
Prednisone Adverse Effects
The nurse should instruct the client taking long-term oral prednisone for chronic asthma to monitor for weight gain as an adverse effect.
Digoxin Adverse Effects
The nurse should instruct the patient taking Digoxin to monitor and report fatigue, anorexia, and diplopia as adverse effects.
Heparin Antidote
The antidote for Heparin is Protamine.
Phenytoin
Phenytoin has an unlabeled use for neuropathic pain.
Digoxin Toxicity
Low levels of potassium can cause toxicity when taking Digoxin.
Valproate
Valproate is an anticonvulsant and vascular headache suppressant.
Nitroglycerine
When taking Nitroglycerine (transdermal), you should have 10-12 hours nitrate free each day.
Phenytoin Monitoring
When administering Phenytoin, the nurse should monitor the patient's behavior, therapeutic blood levels, and for Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Angiotensin II Receptor Agents
Angiotensin II receptor agents medications usually end in "-sartan".
Lithium Therapeutic Effects
The therapeutic effects of Lithium are to prevent/decrease the incidence of acute manic episodes.
Metformin Action
The action of Metformin is to decrease intestinal glucose absorption and increase sensitivity to insulin.
Propranolol Effectiveness
Propranolol is effective in decreasing blood pressure and preventing myocardial infarction.
Examples of antiemetic drugs include ondansetron, metoclopramide, and prochlorperazine.
Antiulcer Agents
Antiulcer agents are used to treat and prevent gastric and duodenal ulcers. They work by reducing stomach acid production or protecting the stomach lining. Examples of antiulcer agents include proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) and H2-receptor antagonists (e.g., ranitidine).
Antithrombotic Drugs
Antithrombotic drugs are used to prevent or treat thromboembolic events, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. They work by interfering with the blood clotting process. Examples of antithrombotic drugs include warfarin, heparin, and clopidogrel.
Iron Supplements
Iron supplements are used to treat and prevent iron deficiency anemia. They should be taken one hour before or two hours after meals, with a full glass of water or juice, and without caffeine.
Valproate
Valproate is an anticonvulsant drug used primarily to treat seizure disorders, such as epilepsy. It works by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain, preventing seizure activity.
Digoxin
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used to treat heart failure and certain types of arrhythmias. Before administering digoxin, the nurse should count the patient's apical pulse for one minute to ensure it is within the appropriate range.
Heparin Overdose
In the case of a heparin overdose, the antidote is protamine sulfate, which neutralizes the anticoagulant effects of heparin.
Loop Diuretics (Furosemide)
The serious adverse reaction associated with the loop diuretic furosemide is Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a severe skin reaction.
ACE Inhibitors
If a patient is taking an ACE inhibitor, the nurse should monitor for signs of angioedema, which include difficulty breathing.
Propranolol
Propranolol, a beta-blocker, is used off-label (unlabeled use) for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Medication Naming Conventions
Drugs with the suffix "-ale" are typically antihypertensive agents. Drugs with the suffix "-olol" are typically beta-blockers. Drugs with the suffix "-pril" are typically ACE inhibitors. Drugs with the suffix "-ide" are typically diuretics.
Phenytoin
A common side effect of the anticonvulsant drug phenytoin is tremors.
Lithium
The therapeutic use of lithium is to decrease the incidence of acute manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder.
Opioid Overdose
Naloxone is the drug used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
NSAID Use
Patients with peptic ulcers should stop taking NSAIDs, as they can exacerbate the condition.
Medication Administration Rights
The seven rights of medication administration are: right patient, right drug, right dose, right route, right time, right reason, and right documentation.
Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is classified as a non-opioid analgesic, used for pain relief and fever reduction.
Lithium Side Effects
The major side effect to monitor for in patients taking lithium for bipolar disorder is seizures.
Orthostatic Hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, diuretics, and antidiarrheals.
Beta-Blocker Effects
Beta-blockers decrease blood pressure and heart rate, thereby relieving symptoms associated with conditions like hypertension and angina.
Medication Naming Conventions
The suffix "-olol" indicates a beta-blocker. The suffix "-pril" indicates an ACE inhibitor. The suffix "-statin" indicates a lipid-lowering agent. The suffix "-ide" indicates a diuretic.
Digoxin Therapeutic Levels
The therapeutic range for digoxin is 0.5 - 2 ng/mL.
Montelukast Therapeutic Effect
Montelukast, a leukotriene antagonist, decreases the frequency and severity of acute asthma attacks.
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitor
Clopidogrel is a platelet aggregation inhibitor used to prevent thromboembolic events.
Sennosides Side Effects
Common side effects of the laxative sennosides include cramping and diarrhea.
Amlodipine Therapeutic Use
Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to manage hypertension and angina.
Insulin Glargine Route
Insulin glargine is administered subcutaneously.
Heparin Classification
Heparin is classified as an anticoagulant.
Furosemide Therapeutic Effects
Furosemide, a loop diuretic, has the therapeutic effects of increasing urine output and decreasing blood pressure.
Metformin Other Names
Metformin is also known by the brand name Glucophage.
Albuterol Therapeutic Effect
Albuterol is a bronchodilator used to manage asthma and other respiratory conditions.
ACE Inhibitor Examples
Captopril is an example of an ACE inhibitor.
Propranolol Pharmacological Action
Propranolol is a beta-blocker, which means it blocks the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.
Bowel Regulation
Increasing fiber intake, increasing activity, and increasing fluid intake can all help improve bowel regulation.
Montelukast Pharmacologic Category
Montelukast is a leukotriene antagonist, used to manage asthma and other respiratory conditions.
Digoxin Blood Pressure Threshold
Digoxin should be held if the patient's blood pressure is less than 80 mmHg.
Propranolol IV Administration
Before administering propranolol intravenously, a second practitioner should check the original order, calculations, and infusion pump.
Levothyroxine Missed Dose
If a patient misses a dose of levothyroxine, they should take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose.
Levothyroxine Therapeutic Use
Levothyroxine is used to replace thyroid hormone in patients with hypothyroidism, restoring normal hormonal balance.
Levothyroxine Administration Considerations
Before administering levothyroxine, the nurse should assess the patient's weight and mental status.
Albuterol Side Effects
Potential side effects of the bronchodilator albuterol include chest pain and tremors.
Lithium Pharmacologic Classification
Lithium is classified as a mood stabilizer, used to treat bipolar disorder.
Montelukast Patient Education
Patients should be instructed not to skip doses of montelukast, even if they do not feel asthma symptoms.
Lithium Toxicity
The most serious side effect of lithium is seizures, which can occur with lithium toxicity.
Regular Insulin Administration
When administering regular insulin, the nurse should instruct the patient to inject the insulin subcutaneously, as the solution should not be shaken and will appear clear.
Acetaminophen Overdose Treatment
Acetylcysteine is the medication administered to treat an acetaminophen overdose.
Early Lithium Toxicity Manifestations
Early signs of lithium toxicity include nausea, muscle weakness, and renal failure.
Receptor Agonist Action
A receptor agonist activates the receptor, leading to a physiological response.
Pharmacology Concepts
Potency, Agonist, Efficacy, and Bioavailability
The maximal response a drug can produce is known as its efficacy. Efficacy refers to the maximum effect a drug can have, regardless of the dose. In contrast, potency refers to the amount of a drug required to produce a given effect. An agonist is a drug that binds to a receptor and produces a biological response, while bioavailability is the fraction of an administered dose of a drug that reaches the systemic circulation.
Adverse Effects of Regular Insulin
The major adverse/side effects of regular insulin include: - Hypoglycemia - Hypokalemia - Anaphylaxis
Drugs for Seizures and Migraines
The drug valproate can suppress seizure activity and decrease the frequency of migraine headaches.
Pharmacological Classification of Metformin
Metformin is classified as a biguanide , which is a type of antidiabetic medication.
Types of Insulin
The only type of insulin that can be given intravenously (IV) is regular insulin.
Therapeutic Range for Lithium
The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.5-2.0 mEq/L.
Antidote for Alprazolam
The antidote for Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, is flumazenil.
Classification of Valproate
Valproate is classified as an anticonvulsant.
Adverse Effect of Warfarin
A severe adverse effect of warfarin, an anticoagulant, is bleeding.
Timing of Omeprazole Administration
Omeprazole should be administered in the morning on an empty stomach.
Medication Requiring Pulse Monitoring
The medication that requires the nurse to teach the patient to take their own pulse is digoxin.
Pharmacological Classification of Thyroid Preparations
Thyroid preparations are classified as thyroid preparations.
Serious Adverse Reaction to Penicillin
A serious adverse reaction to penicillin is anaphylaxis.
Therapeutic Action of Phenytoin
The therapeutic action of phenytoin is as an anticonvulsant.
Dietary Considerations with ACE Inhibitors
Patients taking ACE inhibitors should avoid foods high in potassium.
Antidote for Opioid Overdose
The antidote for an opioid overdose is naloxone.
Serious Adverse Reaction to Omeprazole
The most life-threatening adverse reaction to omeprazole is acute interstitial nephritis.
Symptom Requiring Holding Albuterol
The symptom that would alert the nurse to hold albuterol and notify a healthcare professional immediately is paradoxical bronchospasm.
Therapeutic Use of Nitroglycerin
One therapeutic use of nitroglycerin is for the relief or prevention of anginal attacks.
Classification of Penicillin
Penicillin is classified as an anti-infective.
Therapeutic Uses of Valproate
One of the therapeutic uses of valproate is for the suppression of seizure activity.
Peak Range of Regular Insulin
The peak range of regular insulin is 1 - 3 hours.
Definition of Pharmacodynamics
Pharmacodynamics refers to the drugs' actions at receptor sites and the physiological, chemical, and behavioral effects produced by these actions.
Mechanism of ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II.
Mechanism of Warfarin
Warfarin is an anticoagulant that prevents the structure of blood clots from being formed.
Route of Administration Options
The routes of administration options include IV, IM, PO, and sublingual.
Therapeutic Effect of Warfarin
The therapeutic effect of warfarin is to prevent thromboembolic events.
Expected Pharmacological Action of Propranolol
The expected pharmacological action of propranolol is to block stimulation of beta1 and beta.
Interactions with Warfarin
Medications that can interact with warfarin include antacids.
Monitoring for Clopidogrel
When giving a patient clopidogrel, the nurse should monitor for signs of thrombotic thrombolytic purpura, bleeding during therapy, and CBC with differential and platelet count.
Inhaler Preparation Instructions
When teaching a patient how to prepare an inhaler, the nurse should instruct them to shake the inhaler for 5 seconds.
Therapeutic Effect of Montelukast
Montelukast does not have a therapeutic effect of decreasing anxiety attacks.
Timing of Antacids/Antidiarrheals with Digoxin
Patients should avoid taking antacids or antidiarrheals for 2 hours after taking digoxin.
Peak Time for Atropine IM Injection
The peak time for atropine with IM injection is 15-50 minutes.
Therapeutic Range for Digoxin
The serum therapeutic range for digoxin is 0.5 to 2.0 ng/mL.
Instructions for Discontinuing Beta Blockers
When discontinuing a beta blocker, the nurse should instruct the patient that the beta blocker should NOT be abruptly stopped; the dose should be tapered down.
First-Line Drug for Hypertension
The first-line drug for treating hypertension might be an ACE inhibitor.
Concept of Drug Tolerance
The client is experiencing drug tolerance , which is when the client does not get the same relief as they used to with the pain medication.
Classification of Lithium
Lithium is classified as a mood stabilizer.
Therapeutic Use of Digoxin
The therapeutic use of digoxin is to increase cardiac output and slow the heart rate.
Route of Administration for Insulin
Insulin can be administered IV, IM, PO, and SubQ.
Adverse Reaction to Montelukast
Potential adverse reactions to montelukast include Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.
Pharmacological Classification of Metformin
Metformin is classified as an antidiabetic medication.
Side Effects of Alprazolam
A side effect of alprazolam that is not common is insomnia.
Antidote for Warfarin
The antidote for warfarin is vitamin K.
Therapeutic Effect of Ondansetron
The therapeutic effect of ondansetron is to decrease the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting.
Therapeutic Serum Digoxin Level Range
The normal therapeutic serum digoxin level range is 0.5-2 ng/mL.
Most Common Side Effect of Insulin
The most common side effect of insulin is hypoglycemia.
Classification of Lithium
Lithium is classified as a mood stabilizer.
Routes of Administration
The routes of administration for medications include PO, IV, Rectal, and IM.
Therapeutic Range for Lithium
The therapeutic range for lithium is 0.6-1 mEq/L.
