Med Surg Exam #2 Exemplars and Medications

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

A progressive lung disease characterized by difficulty in breathing due to airflow obstruction, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

A condition involving repeated episodes of upper airway blockage during sleep, leading to decreased oxygen levels and fragmented sleep.

Asthma

A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, and chest tightness.

Bronchodilators

Medications that relax the muscles around the airways to improve airflow and ease breathing.

Short-acting beta agonist (SABA)

Medications that act quickly to relax airway muscles providing rapid relief of acute bronchospasm.

Albuterol

A common SABA used to relieve sudden asthma symptoms or COPD flare-ups.

Long-acting beta agonist (LABA)

Medications that work over a longer period to keep airways open and prevent symptoms.

Salmeterol

A LABA used for long-term control of asthma and COPD symptoms.

Cholinergic antagonist

Medications that block the action of acetylcholine, preventing airway muscle contraction.

Ipratropium

A short-acting cholinergic antagonist used to relax airways in COPD treatment.

Anti-inflammatories

Drugs that reduce inflammation in the airways, crucial for treating asthma and respiratory diseases.

Corticosteroids

Powerful anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways.

Prednisone

An oral corticosteroid used for short-term control of severe inflammation.

Fluticasone

An inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term control of airway inflammation.

Mast Cell Stabilizers (Cromones)

Medications that prevent the release of inflammatory substances from mast cells.

Cromolyn

A mast cell stabilizer used to prevent asthma attacks by reducing airway inflammation.

Leukotriene Modifiers

Drugs that block leukotrienes, chemicals that cause airway inflammation and constriction.

Montelukast

A leukotriene modifier used to prevent asthma symptoms and manage allergies.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Targeted therapies that block specific molecules involved in allergic and inflammatory responses.

Xolair (Omalizumab)

A monoclonal antibody used to treat severe allergic asthma by blocking IgE antibodies.

Xanthine

A class of bronchodilators that relax airway muscles and reduce inflammation.

Theophylline

A xanthine drug used to improve breathing in asthma and COPD by relaxing airway muscles.

Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)

A condition characterized by open sores on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

A chronic condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation.

H2 blockers

Medications like Famotidine that block histamine receptors in stomach lining cells to reduce acid production.

Antacids

Substances like Magnesium Hydroxide with Aluminum Hydroxide that neutralize existing stomach acid for quick relief.

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

Medications such as Omeprazole that inhibit proton pumps in stomach lining cells, significantly reducing acid secretion.

Cytoprotectives

Medications like Sucralfate (Carafate) that form a protective barrier over ulcers and promote healing.

Antimicrobials

Drugs such as Metronidazole and Amoxicillin used to eradicate Helicobacter pylori infection, a primary cause of PUD.

Helicobacter pylori

A bacteria often responsible for PUD, requiring treatment with antimicrobials.

NSAIDs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that can exacerbate PUD when used for prolonged periods.

Heartburn

A symptom of GERD caused by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.

Preoperative Phase

The period before surgery when the patient is prepared for the operation, involving assessments, education, obtaining consent, and physical and psychological preparation.

Postoperative Phase

The period after surgery during which the patient recovers, including monitoring vital signs, managing pain, preventing complications, and supporting healing and rehabilitation.

Assessments

Evaluations conducted to understand the patient's health status before surgery.

Consent

The process of obtaining permission from the patient to proceed with the surgical procedure after informing them of risks and benefits.

Monitoring Vital Signs

Regular checks of a patient's heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and respiratory rate following surgery.

Pain Management

Strategies and medications used to alleviate discomfort after surgery.

Preventing Complications

Measures taken to avoid potential issues that may arise during the recovery phase.

Supporting Healing and Rehabilitation

Providing care and interventions to help the patient recover and regain normal function after surgery.