Introduction to Pharmacology – Part 2

Question-and-Answer flashcards covering drug actions, side/adverse effects, interactions, special considerations, and client education from the lecture notes.

What distinguishes an expected pharmacologic action from a therapeutic use?

Expected pharmacologic action is the drug’s mechanism of action at the cellular/biochemical level, whereas therapeutic use is the clinical purpose or desired benefit for the patient (the condition it treats).

How does a side effect differ from an adverse drug reaction?

A side effect is a secondary, often predictable effect such as nausea or headache; an adverse drug reaction is an unintended, harmful response like heart damage or severe bleeding.

Name at least four common categories of adverse drug effects.

Central nervous system, gastrointestinal, hematologic, toxicity, hypersensitivity, electrolyte imbalances, altered glucose metabolism, teratogenic effects.

What is anaphylactic shock in the context of drug therapy?

A life-threatening, systemic hypersensitivity reaction characterized by airway constriction, hypotension, and potential cardiovascular collapse requiring immediate treatment (e.g., epinephrine).

Define drug tolerance.

A decreased response to a drug over time, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.

What is a cumulative drug effect?

The increased effect that occurs when a drug accumulates faster than it is excreted, often due to repeated dosing.

Explain drug toxicity.

A harmful, potentially life-threatening effect that occurs when drug levels exceed the therapeutic range.

Differentiate a precaution from a contraindication.

A precaution signals the need for careful assessment or dose adjustment; a contraindication indicates a situation where the drug should not be used because the risk clearly outweighs any benefit.

List three possible outcomes of a drug-drug interaction.

1) Decreased action of one or more drugs, 2) increased action/potentiation, 3) production of new or more severe adverse effects.

How can insulin or other oral diabetic agents interact with alcohol?

Alcohol can enhance the glucose-lowering effect, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.

Why should patients taking statins avoid grapefruit?

Grapefruit inhibits CYP3A4 metabolism, increasing statin levels and the risk of muscle toxicity and rhabdomyolysis.

Explain the interaction between calcium channel blockers and grapefruit.

Grapefruit can raise calcium channel blocker concentrations, leading to excessive hypotension or bradycardia.

Why is grapefruit contraindicated with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (erectile dysfunction drugs)?

It increases drug levels, heightening the risk of severe hypotension and dizziness.

How do foods rich in vitamin K affect warfarin therapy?

Vitamin K decreases warfarin’s anticoagulant effect, increasing clotting risk.

What is the effect of high-fiber diets or certain herbs on digoxin?

They can decrease digoxin absorption, reducing its therapeutic effect.

Why should tetracyclines or ciprofloxacin not be taken with milk, yogurt, or cheese?

Calcium binds the antibiotics, lowering absorption and diminishing antibacterial effectiveness.

Describe the risk of combining acetaminophen with alcohol.

The combination increases hepatotoxicity, potentially leading to severe liver damage.

What can happen when monoamine oxidase inhibitors are taken with tyramine-rich foods?

A hypertensive crisis may occur due to excessive norepinephrine release.

When should nurses begin instructing clients about their medications?

As soon as possible after admission.

List key elements to include when teaching clients about medications.

Purpose of the drug, generic and brand names, dosing schedule and technique, potential adverse effects/precautions, consideration of the client’s cognitive level and language.

How can a nurse evaluate a client’s understanding of medication instructions?

Ask specific questions, identify misunderstandings, and request return demonstrations or that the client repeat the information.