click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Pharmacology ati
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 mg = | 1000 mcg |
| 1 g = | 1000 mg |
| 1 kg = | 1000 mL |
| 1 oz = | 30 mL |
| 1 L = | 1000 mL |
| 1 tsp = | 5 mL |
| 1 Tbsp = | 15 mL and 3 tsp |
| 1 kg = | 2.2 lbs |
| What are benzodiazepines used for? | Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder |
| Examples of benzodiazepines | Alprazolam (Xanax) Diazepam Lorazepam Clonazepam Chlordiazepoxide Clorazepate Oxazepam |
| Other uses for benzothiazines | Seizure disorders, insomnia, ptsd, muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, |
| Why are benzodiazepines recommended for short-term use only? | They have a high potential for dependence and tolerance. |
| What are the complications/adverse effects of benzodiazepines? | CNS depression (sedation, lightheadedness, ataxia, decreased cognitive function), anterograde amnesia, paradoxical response, withdrawal effects, and toxicity. |
| What are symptoms of benzodiazepine toxicity? | Oral: drowsiness, lethargy, confusion. IV: respiratory depression, hypotension, cardiac/respiratory arrest. |
| What is the antidote for benzodiazepine toxicity? | Flumazenil |
| What client education should be included for benzodiazepines? | Avoid alcohol/CNS depressants, don’t drive, avoid grapefruit juice, don’t stop suddenly, take with food if GI upset, store securely. |
| What are contraindications for benzodiazepines? | Pregnancy/lactation, sleep apnea, respiratory depression, glaucoma, severe liver/kidney disease, history of substance use. |
| Which finding is priority to report in suspected benzodiazepine toxicity? | Hypotension |
| What drug class is Buspirone and why is it given? | atypical anxiolytic medication for GAD |
| Advantage and disadvantage of buspirone | advantage- low risk dependency Disadvantage- slow onset |
| Why must buspirone NOT be taken with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping them? | Risk of hypertensive crisis. |
| Who should use buspirone cautiously? | Pregnant/lactating clients and those with liver or kidney dysfunction |
| What substances increase buspirone levels (dangerous interaction)? | Grapefruit juice, erythromycin, ketoconazole, St. John’s wort, SAMe. |
| What should clients be taught about herbal supplements with buspirone? | Avoid St. John’s wort and SAMe (↑ serotonin syndrome risk). |
| Examples SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) meds | Paroxetine Sertraline Citalopram Escitalopram Fluoxetine Fluvoxamine |
| How long does it take SSRIs to reach therapeutic levels? | up to 4 weeks |
| Why are SSRIs considered first-line treatment for anxiety disorders? | They are effective with fewer side effects and lower risk of dependence compared to benzodiazepines. |
| What disorders are treated with paroxetine? | GAD, panic disorder, OCD, social anxiety, trauma/stressor-related disorders, dissociative disorders, depressive disorders, and adjustment disorders. |
| Which SSRI is indicated for panic disorder, OCD, social anxiety, and PTSD? | Sertraline |
| Which SSRI treats GAD and OCD? | Escitalopram |
| Which SSRI is used for panic disorder, OCD, and PTSD? | Fluoxetine |
| Which SSRI is used for OCD and social anxiety? | Fluvoxamine. |
| What are early SSRI side effects (first few days/weeks)? | Nausea, sweating, tremor, fatigue, and drowsiness. |
| What are later SSRI side effects (after 5–6 weeks)? | Insomnia, headache, and sexual dysfunction. |
| What should nurses monitor in older adults or those taking diuretics? | Sodium levels (risk for hyponatremia). |
| What is serotonin syndrome? | A life-threatening condition caused by excess serotonin. |
| What are the signs of serotonin syndrome? | Agitation, confusion, tremor, hyperreflexia, fever, sweating, diarrhea, hallucinations, tachycardia, seizures. |
| Q: When does serotonin syndrome usually begin after starting SSRIs? | Within 2–72 hours. |
| What to do when serotonin syndrome is suspected | Stop medication and contact the provider immediately. |
| What are possible nursing interventions for bruxism? | Add low-dose buspirone, use a mouth guard, or switch medications. |
| How should SSRIs be discontinued? | Taper slowly — do not stop abruptly. |
| What interactions can cause serotonin syndrome? | MAOIs, TCAs, St. John’s wort, SAMe. |
| What are the main SNRI medications? | Venlafaxine, Duloxetine, Desvenlafaxine, Levomilnacipran. |
| What are SNRIs used to treat? | Major depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and pain due to fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, or chronic musculoskeletal conditions. |
| What are common adverse effects of SNRIs? | Nausea, anorexia, weight loss, headache, insomnia, anxiety, hypertension, tachycardia, dizziness, blurred vision, and withdrawal syndrome. |
| What should nurses monitor regarding blood pressure in patients taking SNRIs? | Monitor for hypertension and tachycardia; report sustained increases. |
| How should clients avoid withdrawal syndrome when discontinuing SNRIs? | Taper the dose gradually; do not stop abruptly. |
| What can occur if SNRIs are taken with St. John’s Wort or SSRIs? | Serotonin syndrome. |
| Which medications are contraindicated with SNRIs? | MAOIs (must stop MAOI at least 14 days before starting an SNRI). |
| What are common atypical antidepressant medications? | Bupropion, Vilazodone, Mirtazapine, Reboxetine, and Trazodone. |
| What are atypical antidepressants used for? | Major depressive disorder, smoking cessation, seasonal depression, and as an alternative for clients with sexual dysfunction from SSRIs. |
| What serious adverse effect can bupropion cause? | Seizures (especially at high doses). |
| What are the anticholinergic effects of atypical antidepressants? | Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, and tachycardia |
| What are signs of toxicity or overdose with bupropion? | Seizures and hallucinations. |
| Who should not take bupropion? | Clients with seizure disorders, eating disorders (bulimia or anorexia), or those taking MAOIs |
| What should clients avoid while taking bupropion? | Alcohol, as it increases risk for seizures. |
| Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) meds | Amitriptyline Imipramine Nortriptyline Doxepin Amoxapine Trimipramine Desipramine Clomipramine |
| What are TCAs used to treat? | Depression, bipolar disorder, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, anxiety, insomnia, and OCD. |
| what is hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) used for | treat autoimmune conditions and malaria. adverse effect is change in vision |
| Theophylline | used primarily as a second-line treatment for chronic lung diseases such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). |
| alosetron (lotronex) | a prescription medication used only for women with severe diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome |
| patient receiving pca | should ambulate |
| rifampin | adverse effect orange urine |
| insulin glusinine | short acting for 15 mins |