Gastrointestinal and Urinary Medications Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to gastrointestinal and urinary medications, including mechanisms of action, nursing considerations, and potential side effects.

What are H2 Receptor Antagonists used for?

They reduce gastric acid secretion and are used to treat conditions like heartburn.

What are the nursing considerations for Proton Pump Inhibitors?

Monitor for renal failure, avoid long-term use, and assess for drug interactions.

What is the mechanism of action of Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)?

It acts as a local anesthetic for the lining of the urinary tract.

What potential side effect can Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) cause?

It may turn urine orange/red.

What is the primary use for Desmopressin?

It is used as an antidiuretic for diabetes insipidus and bedwetting.

What should be monitored when a patient is taking Tamsulosin (Flomax)?

Monitor intake and output, daily weight, and blood pressure.

What are the three types of Antidiarrheals?

Adsorbents, Antimotility agents, and Probiotics.

What are the nursing considerations for taking Laxatives?

They may affect calcium absorption, should be taken 2 hours before other medications, and can start with one dose per day.

What effect do Stimulant Laxatives have on the intestines?

They stimulate contractions of the intestines to promote stool movement.

What are the side effects of Antispasmodics?

They may cause constipation, blurred vision, and are especially concerning in older adults.

What are H2 Receptor Antagonists used for?

They reduce gastric acid secretion and are used to treat conditions like heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and peptic ulcers.

What are the nursing considerations for Proton Pump Inhibitors?

Monitor for renal failure, avoid long-term use, and assess for drug interactions. Additionally, watch for symptoms of Clostridium difficile infection due to altered gut flora.

What is the mechanism of action of Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)?

It acts as a local anesthetic for the lining of the urinary tract, providing relief from burning and pain associated with urinary tract infections.

What potential side effect can Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) cause?

It may turn urine orange/red. This discoloration is harmless but can stain clothing and contact lenses.

What is the primary use for Desmopressin?

It is used as an antidiuretic for diabetes insipidus and bedwetting. It helps the kidneys manage the amount of water in the body.

What should be monitored when a patient is taking Tamsulosin (Flomax)?

Monitor intake and output, daily weight, and blood pressure. Be aware it may cause orthostatic hypotension and dizziness upon standing.

What are the three types of Antidiarrheals?

Adsorbents, Antimotility agents, and Probiotics. Adsorbents work by binding substances in the gut, antimotility agents slow gut movement, and probiotics help restore healthy gut flora.

What are the nursing considerations for taking Laxatives?

They may affect calcium absorption, should be taken 2 hours before other medications, and can start with one dose per day. Patients should also be advised to increase fluid intake.

What effect do Stimulant Laxatives have on the intestines?

They stimulate contractions of the intestines to promote stool movement, often providing quicker relief from constipation.

What are the side effects of Antispasmodics?

They may cause constipation, blurred vision, dry mouth, and are especially concerning in older adults due to the risk of urinary retention and confusion.

What are H2 Receptor Antagonists used for?

They reduce gastric acid secretion and are used to treat conditions like heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and peptic ulcers. Common examples include ranitidine and famotidine.

What are the nursing considerations for Proton Pump Inhibitors?

Monitor for renal failure, avoid long-term use, and assess for drug interactions. Additionally, watch for symptoms of Clostridium difficile infection due to altered gut flora. Educate patients on the importance of taking them before meals for best results.

What is the mechanism of action of Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)?

It acts as a local anesthetic for the lining of the urinary tract, providing relief from burning and pain associated with urinary tract infections. It does not treat the infection but alleviates symptoms.

What potential side effect can Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) cause?

It may turn urine orange/red. This discoloration is harmless but can stain clothing and contact lenses. Patients should be informed about this effect to avoid unnecessary alarm.

What is the primary use for Desmopressin?

It is used as an antidiuretic for diabetes insipidus and bedwetting. It helps the kidneys manage the amount of water in the body and can also have uses in treating certain bleeding disorders.

What should be monitored when a patient is taking Tamsulosin (Flomax)?

Monitor intake and output, daily weight, and blood pressure. Be aware it may cause orthostatic hypotension and dizziness upon standing. Educate patients on the importance of rising slowly from sitting or lying positions.

What are the three types of Antidiarrheals?

Adsorbents, Antimotility agents, and Probiotics. Adsorbents work by binding substances in the gut, antimotility agents slow gut movement, and probiotics help restore healthy gut flora. Common antimotility agents include loperamide and diphenoxylate.

What are the nursing considerations for taking Laxatives?

They may affect calcium absorption, should be taken 2 hours before other medications, and can start with one dose per day. Patients should also be advised to increase fluid intake. Monitor for signs of dependence on laxatives.

What effect do Stimulant Laxatives have on the intestines?

They stimulate contractions of the intestines to promote stool movement, often providing quicker relief from constipation. Examples include bisacodyl and senna.

What are the side effects of Antispasmodics?

They may cause constipation, blurred vision, dry mouth, and are especially concerning in older adults due to the risk of urinary retention and confusion. Caution should be exercised when prescribing these medications.

What are H2 Receptor Antagonists used for?

They reduce gastric acid secretion and are used to treat conditions like heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and peptic ulcers. Common examples include ranitidine and famotidine. They work by blocking H2 receptors in the stomach lining, leading to decreased acid production.

What are the nursing considerations for Proton Pump Inhibitors?

Monitor for renal failure, avoid long-term use, and assess for drug interactions. Additionally, watch for symptoms of Clostridium difficile infection due to altered gut flora. Educate patients on the importance of taking them before meals for best results, and monitor magnesium levels as low levels may result from long-term use.

What is the mechanism of action of Phenazopyridine (Pyridium)?

It acts as a local anesthetic for the lining of the urinary tract, providing relief from burning and pain associated with urinary tract infections. It does not treat the infection but alleviates symptoms. It is important to note that it is typically used short-term.

What potential side effect can Phenazopyridine (Pyridium) cause?

It may turn urine orange/red. This discoloration is harmless but can stain clothing and contact lenses. Patients should be informed about this effect to avoid unnecessary alarm and understand that it can mask other urinary symptoms.

What is the primary use for Desmopressin?

It is used as an antidiuretic for diabetes insipidus and bedwetting. It helps the kidneys manage the amount of water in the body and can also have uses in treating certain bleeding disorders. Desmopressin can be taken as a nasal spray, injection, or oral tablet.

What should be monitored when a patient is taking Tamsulosin (Flomax)?

Monitor intake and output, daily weight, and blood pressure. Be aware it may cause orthostatic hypotension and dizziness upon standing. Educate patients on the importance of rising slowly from sitting or lying positions and monitoring for any new urinary symptoms.

What are the three types of Antidiarrheals?

Adsorbents, Antimotility agents, and Probiotics. Adsorbents work by binding substances in the gut, antimotility agents slow gut movement, and probiotics help restore healthy gut flora. Common antimotility agents include loperamide and diphenoxylate. Proper hydration should be encouraged in patients with diarrhea.

What are the nursing considerations for taking Laxatives?

They may affect calcium absorption, should be taken 2 hours before other medications, and can start with one dose per day. Patients should also be advised to increase fluid intake. Monitor for signs of dependence on laxatives and educate patients about the potential for electrolyte imbalances.

What effect do Stimulant Laxatives have on the intestines?

They stimulate contractions of the intestines to promote stool movement, often providing quicker relief from constipation. Examples include bisacodyl and senna. Use should be limited as long-term use can lead to decreased bowel function.

What are the side effects of Antispasmodics?

They may cause constipation, blurred vision, dry mouth, and are especially concerning in older adults due to the risk of urinary retention and confusion. Caution should be exercised when prescribing these medications, and patients should be monitored for any worsening of symptoms.