MBLEX defs:U3: Chemistry

Adverse reaction (to medications)

Side effects that are extreme, unusual, and/or place the client at serious risk, including an allergic reaction to a medication.

Anti-Parkinson medications

Medications that include anticholinergic medications that reduce the tremors associated with Parkinson's disease, and dopaminergic medications that improve motor function through dopamine concentration and neurotransmission in the brain. Side effects include agitation, confusion, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, heart palpitations, hypotension, insomnia, nausea, and restlessness.

Anticholinergic medications

Medications that reduce the tremors associated with Parkinson's disease.

Dopaminergic medications

Medications that improve motor function through dopamine concentration and neurotransmission in the brain.

Anti-infective medications

Medications that include antibacterial, antiviral, antitubercular, and antifungal medications that eliminate microorganisms or disrupt microorganism life cycles to prevent or treat infections. Side effects include nausea.

Antianginal medications

Medications that increase the supply of oxygen to the heart and may cause side effects including dizziness, fatigue, flushing, headache, hypotension, and weakness.

Antianxiety medications

Medications (also called sedatives) that reduce anxiety or induce sleep in conditions like insomnia. Barbiturate sedatives depress the central nervous system and cause dependence and so are used for short periods of time only when a condition is severe. Side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, gastric irritation, headache, hypotension, muscle weakness, nausea, palpitations, vertigo, and vomiting.

Barbiturate sedatives

Sedatives that depress the central nervous system and cause dependence, which are used for short periods of time only when a condition is severe.

Antiarrhythmic medications

Medications that normalize irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) and may cause side effects including anxiety, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, hypotension, insomnia, peripheral neuropathy, tremor, and weakness. Avoid stimulating techniques like tapotement or rhythmic compressions for clients taking these medications.

Anticoagulant medications

Medications that reduce the ability of the blood to clot that are often used in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis, stroke, and heart disease, and to prevent the movement of a blood clot. Side effects include easy bruising and bleeding.

Anticonvulsant medications

Medications that control seizures associated with epilepsy, or for short-term use to control seizures after brain surgery or brain trauma. Side effects include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, hair loss, headache, hypotension, indigestion, irritability, restlessness, sweating, and tremor.

Antidepressant medications

Medications that reduce depression or the symptoms of affective disorders (disturbances in mood) and used to treat phobias, neurodermatitis (nervous skin disorders), and other behavioral symptoms. Often antidepressants are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Side effects include anorexia, blurred vision, constipation, decreased sex drive, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, edema, hair loss, hypertension, insomnia, lethargy, joint pain, muscle weakness, nausea, photosensitivity, rash, sudden blood pressure drop, and vomiting.

Antidiabetic medications

Medications including insulin and oral anti-diabetic drugs that lower blood glucose levels and glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels. Side effects include bruising or scar tissue formation at the injection site, diarrhea, fatigue, flatulence, flushing, funny taste in mouth, heartburn, headache, hypoglycemia, nausea, photosensitivity, and vomiting.

Affective disorders

Disturbances in mood whose symptoms can be reduced using antidepressant medications.

Neurodermatitis

Nervous skin disorders treated with antidepressant medications.

Glucagon

An agent mentioned under antidiabetic medications that raises blood glucose levels.

Antidiarrheal medications

Medications that decrease the peristaltic movement of the intestines and soothe the intestinal mucosa. Side effects include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

Antihistamine medications

Medications that block histamine to combat allergic reactions. Side effects include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, hypertension, hypotension, increased heart rate, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, nausea, and vomiting.

Antihypertensive medications

Medications that reduce blood pressure and are used to treat hypertension (may include vasodilators and diuretics). Side effects include depression, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, hypotension, numbness and tingling in the periphery, and weight gain.

Antilipemic medications

Medications that lower cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid levels to treat atherosclerosis and to lower the risk of developing coronary artery disease. Side effects include constipation, fatigue, flatulence, headache, and nausea.

Antipsychotic medications

Medications that reduce or control symptoms like delusions and hallucinations in conditions like schizophrenia or extreme agitation. Side effects, if they occur, are usually adverse and require medical intervention.

Antitussive medications

Medications that suppress coughing. Side effects include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and nasal congestion.

Antiulcer medications

Medications that eliminate Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial infection that causes peptic ulcers, or medications that balance acid and pepsin secretions and soothe mucosal membranes in the lower esophagus, stomach, and/or small intestine. Side effects include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, flatulence, headache, and nausea.

Anxiety (side effect)

A side effect of many medications that includes sensations of apprehension, uneasiness of mind, or fear that is characterized by physiological signs such as sweating and increased heart rate and breathing patterns. Massage is indicated for this side effect.

Cancer medications

A variety of medications that are used to combat many different forms of cancer. Side effects of cancer medications are serious and include fatigue, hair loss, low red and white blood cell count, low platelet count, nausea, and vomiting.

Cardiac glycosides

Medications that strengthen heart contractions, reduce heart rate, and regulate heart rate. Side effects include dizziness, hypotension, muscle weakness, and fatigue.

Chemotherapy

The use of chemical agents to stop cancer cells from growing; over 50% of people diagnosed with cancer receive chemotherapy. Other related drugs help people remain on their chemotherapy regime.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) medications

Medications that reduce bronchial spasm, increase sensitivity to carbon dioxide in the brain's respiratory centers to stimulate respiration, and decrease fatigue on the diaphragm. These medications are used to treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Side effects include anxiety, cough, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, and tremors. Tapotement or rapid compression techniques are contraindicated for clients on these medications.

Constipation (side effect)

A side effect of many medications in which bowel movements occur less often than usual or consist of hard, dry stools that are painful or difficult to pass. Gentle abdominal massage is indicated for this side effect.

Decongestant medications

Medications that constrict blood vessels in the nose and sinuses to open blocked air passages. Side effects include anxiety, dry mucus membranes in the nose, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, and restlessness.

Diuretic medications

Medications that increase the excretion of water and electrolytes by the kidneys in the treatment of hypertension. Side effects include breast soreness, drowsiness, headache, hypotension, and muscle cramps.

Dizziness (side effect)

A side effect of many medications that includes sensations of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, and vertigo. Clients experiencing this side effect will need support as they get on and off the massage table.

Drug

A general term for a medication prescribed by a physician to treat a particular condition, purchased over-the-counter without a prescription to treat a particular condition, or categorized as an illegal substance such as cocaine or heroin. Alcohol and cigarettes have active substances that classify them as drugs.

Drug reference

A book, such as the Nursing Drug Handbook, that lists the names of medications, describes their effects, and lists their side effects and adverse effects.

Easy bruising (side effect)

A common side effect of anticoagulant medications that contraindicates the use of deep massage work, compression techniques, friction, or tapotement strokes.

Expectorant medications

Medications that thin mucus so that it is easier for the body to clear them from the respiratory system and also soothing for mucus membranes for conditions including coughs and bronchial irritation. Side effects include drowsiness.

Fatigue (side effect)

A side effect of many medications that includes sensations of physical or mental exhaustion. Massage may increase sensations of fatigue; stimulating strokes may be indicated at the conclusion of the massage to counteract this side effect.

Hair loss (side effect)

A side effect of some anticonvulsant medications, antidepressant medications (particularly lithium), and chemotherapy, where hair thins and falls out on the scalp. Massage of the scalp is contraindicated.

Hypertension (side effect)

A side effect of many medications where blood pressure is increased. Mild hypertension does not contraindicate massage. Moderate hypertension requires a physician's release. Severe hypertension contraindicates massage.

Hypoglycemia (side effect)

A side effect of antidiabetic medications in which glucose in the blood becomes too low (as a result of the client taking their medication but not eating properly, or the dosage of the medication is too high). Massage increases the use of glucose and insulin in the body, which can lead to hypoglycemic reactions. Keep some form of sugar available, such as orange juice, in the event the client experiences a hypoglycemic reaction.

Hypotension (side effect)

A side effect of many medications where blood pressure is mildly decreased, leading to dizziness. Support clients when they get on and off the massage table to prevent falling accidents.

Injection site

The location on the body where a medication has been injected into the tissue, sometimes causing soreness, bruising, or scar tissue. Massage is a local contraindication at recent injection sites.

Insulin shock

Severe hypoglycemia that is associated with the presence of excessive insulin in the system. If left untreated, it may result in convulsions and progressive development of coma.

Laxative medications

Medications that draw water into the intestine to promote bowel distention and peristalsis, soften stools, and promote defecation. Side effects include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, flatulence, a funny taste in the mouth, irritated rectum, sore throat, and weakness.

Muscle relaxant medications

Medications that reduce muscle spasms, and reduce muscle pain to treat acute, painful muscle conditions. Because the protective stretch reflex is inhibited under many of these drugs, practitioners should avoid vigorous stretching or range of motion exercises. Side effects include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, heartburn, hypotension, and nausea.

Narcotic analgesic medications

Medications that are used to reduce severe pain in acute illness, some chronic conditions, and terminal illness, or for use to reduce anxiety before anesthesia. Side effects include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, euphoria, flushing, hypotension, and pupil constriction.

Nausea (side effect)

A side effect of many medications in which a person experiences unease and discomfort in the upper stomach, with a mild, involuntary urge to vomit. Mild nausea without vomiting does not contraindicate the massage so long as the client wishes to proceed. Nausea that includes vomiting is contraindicated.

Non-narcotic analgesic medications

Medications used to reduce pain, fever, and in some cases inflammation. Side effects include dizziness and mild stomach upset.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)

Medications that reduce inflammation and pain. Side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and nausea.

Over-the-counter medications

Usually a synthesized chemical that is purchased by a consumer to treat a particular condition that does not require a physician's prescription.

Peripheral neuropathy (side effect)

A side effect of some medications that includes numbness, weakness, tingling, or burning pain in the nerves of the extremities. Deep massage work and hydrotherapy are contraindicated due to decreased sensation.

Pharmacology

The science and study of drugs including their sources, chemistry, production, and use in treating diseases.

Physician's release

A written document produced by a physician clearing a client to receive a treatment like massage.

Prescription medications

Usually a synthesized chemical that is prescribed by a physician to treat a particular condition.

Radiation

The use of particles or waves to kill cancer cells or to shrink tumors. Side effects are serious and include dental problems, bladder and fertility problems, high levels of stress, and emotional disturbances.

Radioactive iodine

An isotope of the chemical element iodine that is radioactive and used in some treatments for hyperthyroid conditions. A physician's release is required for anyone using radioactive iodine within the last 12 weeks.

Reduced pain sensitivity (medications)

A side effect of antidepressant, muscle relaxants, narcotic analgesic, non-narcotic analgesic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory, and steroid medications. Deep massage work is contraindicated. The use of narcotic analgesics indicates a serious condition and requires a physician's release for massage.

Sex-hormone medications

Estrogen is used in hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms, as well as for ovarian dysfunction or the removal of ovaries. It is also used in birth control medications. Progesterone is used for menopausal symptoms, pre-menstrual syndrome, and in combination with estrogen for birth control. Side effects may be extensive and include breast swelling, bleeding between menstrual cycles, bloating, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and weight gain.

Side effects (of medications)

A secondary effect of a medication that goes beyond the desired effect, or causes unwanted responses in addition to the therapeutic effect. Elderly people often experience greater side effects from medications than younger people.

Steroid medications

Medications that suppress immune responses and decrease inflammation to treat inflammatory disorders like arthritis. They may also be applied topically for skin conditions. Side effects include hypertension, fluid retention, insomnia, and suppressed immunity. Long-term use can lead to weakened connective tissue, muscle wasting, and decreased bone density.

Tachycardia (side effect)

A side effect of many medications that causes a heart rhythm disorder when the heart beats too fast; usually defined as greater than 100 beats per minute.

Thyroid medications

Medications that reduce or increase thyroid hormones for conditions of thyroid deficiency (hypothyroidism) or thyroid excess (hyperthyroidism). Side effects include abdominal cramps, angina, anxiety, arrhythmias, diarrhea, fever, headache, hypertension, increased body temperature, insomnia, menstrual changes, palpitations, rapid heart rate, weight loss, and others.

Vasodilators

Medications that dilate veins, arteries, or both to treat hypertension. Side effects include headache, hypotension, and fatigue.

Vertigo (side effect)

A side effect of many medications that causes sensations of motion in which a person's surroundings seem to whirl. Provide support to a client as he or she gets on or off the massage table to prevent falling accidents.

Vomiting (side effect)

A side effect of many medications in which food and liquid are involuntarily disgorged from the stomach through the mouth. Vomiting contraindicates massage.

Weakened connective tissue (side effect)

A side effect related to long-term use of steroids, which is often accompanied by muscle wasting and decreased bone density. Avoid deep massage work, compression strokes, myofascial techniques, and stretching techniques.

Adverse reaction (to medications)

Side effects that are extreme, unusual, and/or place the client at serious risk, including an allergic reaction to a medication.

Anti-Parkinson medications

Medications that include anticholinergic medications that reduce the tremors associated with Parkinson's disease, and dopaminergic medications that improve motor function through dopamine concentration and neurotransmission in the brain. Side effects include agitation, confusion, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, heart palpitations, hypotension, insomnia, nausea, and restlessness.

Anticholinergic medications

Medications that reduce the tremors associated with Parkinson's disease.

Dopaminergic medications

Medications that improve motor function through dopamine concentration and neurotransmission in the brain.

Anti-infective medications

Medications that include antibacterial, antiviral, antitubercular, and antifungal medications that eliminate microorganisms or disrupt microorganism life cycles to prevent or treat infections. Side effects include nausea.

Antianginal medications

Medications that increase the supply of oxygen to the heart and may cause side effects including dizziness, fatigue, flushing, headache, hypotension, and weakness.

Antianxiety medications

Medications (also called sedatives) that reduce anxiety or induce sleep in conditions like insomnia. Barbiturate sedatives depress the central nervous system and cause dependence and so are used for short periods of time only when a condition is severe. Side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, gastric irritation, headache, hypotension, muscle weakness, nausea, palpitations, vertigo, and vomiting.

Barbiturate sedatives

Sedatives that depress the central nervous system and cause dependence, which are used for short periods of time only when a condition is severe.

Antiarrhythmic medications

Medications that normalize irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia) and may cause side effects including anxiety, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, hypotension, insomnia, peripheral neuropathy, tremor, and weakness. Avoid stimulating techniques like tapotement or rhythmic compressions for clients taking these medications.

Anticoagulant medications

Medications that reduce the ability of the blood to clot that are often used in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis, stroke, and heart disease, and to prevent the movement of a blood clot. Side effects include easy bruising and bleeding.

Anticonvulsant medications

Medications that control seizures associated with epilepsy, or for short-term use to control seizures after brain surgery or brain trauma. Side effects include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, hair loss, headache, hypotension, indigestion, irritability, restlessness, sweating, and tremor.

Antidepressant medications

Medications that reduce depression or the symptoms of affective disorders (disturbances in mood) and used to treat phobias, neurodermatitis (nervous skin disorders), and other behavioral symptoms. Often antidepressants are known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Side effects include anorexia, blurred vision, constipation, decreased sex drive, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, edema, hair loss, hypertension, insomnia, lethargy, joint pain, muscle weakness, nausea, photosensitivity, rash, sudden blood pressure drop, and vomiting.

Antidiabetic medications

Medications including insulin and oral anti-diabetic drugs that lower blood glucose levels and glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels. Side effects include bruising or scar tissue formation at the injection site, diarrhea, fatigue, flatulence, flushing, funny taste in mouth, heartburn, headache, hypoglycemia, nausea, photosensitivity, and vomiting.

Affective disorders

Disturbances in mood whose symptoms can be reduced using antidepressant medications.

Neurodermatitis

Nervous skin disorders treated with antidepressant medications.

Glucagon

An agent mentioned under antidiabetic medications that raises blood glucose levels.

Antidiarrheal medications

Medications that decrease the peristaltic movement of the intestines and soothe the intestinal mucosa. Side effects include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.

Antihistamine medications

Medications that block histamine to combat allergic reactions. Side effects include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, hypertension, hypotension, increased heart rate, loss of appetite, muscle weakness, nausea, and vomiting.

Antihypertensive medications

Medications that reduce blood pressure and are used to treat hypertension (may include vasodilators and diuretics). Side effects include depression, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, hypotension, numbness and tingling in the periphery, and weight gain.

Antilipemic medications

Medications that lower cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid levels to treat atherosclerosis and to lower the risk of developing coronary artery disease. Side effects include constipation, fatigue, flatulence, headache, and nausea.

Antipsychotic medications

Medications that reduce or control symptoms like delusions and hallucinations in conditions like schizophrenia or extreme agitation. Side effects, if they occur, are usually adverse and require medical intervention.

Antitussive medications

Medications that suppress coughing. Side effects include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, and nasal congestion.

Antiulcer medications

Medications that eliminate Helicobacter pylori, a bacterial infection that causes peptic ulcers, or medications that balance acid and pepsin secretions and soothe mucosal membranes in the lower esophagus, stomach, and/or small intestine. Side effects include constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, flatulence, headache, and nausea.

Anxiety (side effect)

A side effect of many medications that includes sensations of apprehension, uneasiness of mind, or fear that is characterized by physiological signs such as sweating and increased heart rate and breathing patterns. Massage is indicated for this side effect.

Cancer medications

A variety of medications that are used to combat many different forms of cancer. Side effects of cancer medications are serious and include fatigue, hair loss, low red and white blood cell count, low platelet count, nausea, and vomiting.

Cardiac glycosides

Medications that strengthen heart contractions, reduce heart rate, and regulate heart rate. Side effects include dizziness, hypotension, muscle weakness, and fatigue.