pharm exam 1

What is the role of Vitamin K in coagulation?

Vitamin K is necessary for the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver.

What is the primary consequence of clot dissolution?

Loss of blood flow leads to loss of perfusion, which causes tissue hypoxia and cell death.

What condition is marked by inappropriate clotting?

Thrombosis is marked by hypoxia, anoxia, and localized necrosis.

What is hemophilia?

A medical condition characterized by the inability to clot, marked by excessive bleeding.

What are antiplatelet agents used for?

They decrease the formation of the platelet plug by blocking receptor sites on the platelet membrane.

Name an example of an antiplatelet agent.

Aspirin is an example of an antiplatelet agent.

What should be avoided when using antiplatelet agents?

They should not be used in patients with known bleeding disorders or recent surgeries.

What do anticoagulants do?

Anticoagulants interfere with the normal coagulation process and the clotting cascade.

Provide an example of an anticoagulant.

Heparin is an example of an anticoagulant.

What is the onset time for Heparin?

Heparin has an immediate onset of action.

What are thrombolytic agents used for?

They are used to break down already formed clots.

Name a thrombolytic agent.

Alteplase, also known as Activase or TPA, is a thrombolytic agent.

What is a common adverse effect of anticoagulants?

Bleeding is a common adverse effect of anticoagulants.

What happens in the case of Heparin overdose?

Protamine sulfate is used to reverse Heparin overdose.

What additional monitoring is required for Warfarin therapy?

Frequent blood tests to monitor INR levels are required for Warfarin therapy.

What dietary considerations should a patient on Warfarin be aware of?

Patients should be cautious with foods high in Vitamin K as they can affect clotting factor synthesis.

What can cause dehydration?

Dehydration can be caused by vigorous exercise, inadequate fluid intake, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, and medications.

What is the function of crystalloids in IV therapy?

Crystalloids contain mineral salts and/or water soluble molecules that flow easily through semi-permeable membranes.

What is the difference between isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic solutions?

Isotonic solutions have equal salt and water, hypotonic solutions have less salt and more water (swell cells), while hypertonic solutions have more salt and less water (shrink cells).

What is Lactated Ringer’s solution commonly used for?

Lactated Ringer’s solution is used for acidosis and to prevent the development of lactic acid.

What types of fluids are classified as colloids?

Colloids contain larger molecules used to expand plasma.

What are the risks associated with excessive fluid administration?

Excessive fluid can cause fluid overload, leading to edema, hypertension, and potential circulatory overload.

What type of reaction can occur with blood transfusions?

Adverse reactions can include hemolytic reactions, allergic reactions, and febrile reactions.

What is the significance of the first pass effect in pharmacology?

The first pass effect refers to the metabolism of a drug in the liver before it enters systemic circulation.

What are the common side effects of anticoagulants?

Common side effects include bleeding, bruising, nausea, and headache.

What medications can increase the effect of Warfarin?

Medications such as Heparin, ASA, and certain antibiotics can increase the effect of Warfarin.

What is the primary use of packed red blood cells (PRBCs)?

PRBCs are used to increase the number of red blood cells in symptomatic anemia and blood loss.

What does RhD positive mean?

RhD positive means the presence of the D antigen on red blood cells.

What is the function of glucagon during stress?

Glucagon increases blood sugar levels by signaling the liver to break down glycogen.

What action does the β2 receptor have in the lungs?

Activation of the β2 receptor dilates bronchi, increasing airflow and oxygen.

What effect does α1 receptor activation have on blood vessels?

Activation of α1 receptors causes vasoconstriction, increasing systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure.

What is a scoring feature on tablets?

A scoring feature allows for easy splitting of tablets for dose adjustments.

What are the potential adverse effects of thrombolytic agents?

Adverse effects include significant bleeding risks, gastrointestinal bleeding, and cardiac arrhythmias.

What types of fluid are considered hypertonic?

Hypertonic fluids include solutions like 3% NaCl, which can be used to treat cerebral edema.

What is the role of albumin in IV therapy?

Albumin increases plasma volume using oncotic pressure and is used in treating hypovolemic conditions.

How is pain managed post-operatively?

Pain management often involves the use of analgesics, including opioids and non-opioids.

What is the significance of risk evaluation in fluid therapy?

Risk evaluation helps identify patients who may experience complications from fluid overload or dehydration.

Why is careful monitoring important when administering blood?

Careful monitoring is essential to quickly identify and manage any transfusion reactions.

What is the purpose of the blood brain barrier?

The blood brain barrier selectively allows certain substances to enter the brain while blocking others.

What is the primary action of β1 agonists?

β1 agonists increase heart rate and contractility, improving cardiac output.

What is the primary use of anticoagulants?

Anticoagulants are primarily used to prevent blood clots in conditions such as DVT and PE.

Why should patients on anticoagulants avoid certain medications?

Patients on anticoagulants should avoid drugs that increase bleeding risk without medical supervision.

What are signs of dehydration?

Signs of dehydration include thirst, dark urine, fatigue, and lightheadedness.

What is a potential complication of hypotonic solutions?

Hypotonic solutions can lead to decreased circulatory volume and potentially compromise blood flow.

What type of solution should be used for DKA?

Hypotonic solutions such as 0.45 NaCl may be used for treating dehydration in DKA.

What happens to a cell in a hypertonic solution?

In a hypertonic solution, water moves out of the cell causing it to shrink.

What are the nursing considerations during blood transfusion?

Nursing considerations include monitoring vital signs, identifying transfusion reactions, and managing patient comfort.

What is the purpose of fresh frozen plasma (FFP)?

FFP is used to replace clotting factors in extensive bleeding conditions.

How can drug interactions influence Warfarin therapy?

Certain drugs can either increase or decrease Warfarin's effectiveness by affecting its metabolism.

What should be done if a transfusion reaction occurs?

The transfusion should be stopped immediately, and medical staff should be notified.

What does blood type O signify?

Blood type O has no antigens on the surface of red blood cells and is considered the universal donor.

What adverse effect requires monitoring for patients on Heparin?

Patients on Heparin require monitoring for signs of bleeding and changes in platelet counts.

What are the major differences between crystalloid and colloid solutions?

Crystalloids contain smaller particles and readily pass through membranes, while colloids have larger particles and remain in the vascular compartment.

What is the significance of the D antigen in pregnancy?

The presence of the D antigen indicates Rh positive status; Rh negative women may require RhoGAM during pregnancy to prevent complications.

What types of medications are included under opioid analgesics?

Medications like morphine and fentanyl are classified as opioid analgesics used for pain management.

What are the uses of D5W in clinical practice?

D5W is used initially as an isotonic solution and later acts as a hypotonic solution in the body.

How can you differentiate between a hemolytic and febrile transfusion reaction?

Hemolytic reactions are characterized by chest pain and low back pain, while febrile reactions include fever and chills.

What is the purpose of protamine sulfate administration?

Protamine sulfate reverses the effects of Heparin in cases of overdose.

What role does the kidneys play in pharmacology?

Kidneys are responsible for the excretion of drugs, and impairment can lead to drug accumulation and toxicity.

What is one of the effects of α2 receptor agonists?

α2 receptor agonists can decrease blood pressure and induce sedation.

What is the action of the drug acetaminophen in relation to Warfarin?

Acetaminophen can interfere with Warfarin metabolism, especially with long-term use, leading to increased INR.

What does the term 'octet rule' refer to in pharmacology?

In pharmacology, the concept of the octet rule relates to drug interactions and the stability of drug-binding affinities.

What evidence points to a drug being protein-bound?

Highly protein-bound drugs have less free drug available, thus they may interact with other medications.

What physiological changes occur in response to anaphylaxis?

During anaphylaxis, blood pressure drops, airways constrict, and swelling can lead to respiratory distress.

What types of solutions should not be mixed with blood products?

Do not administer medications other than normal saline with blood products.

What is a potential risk of receiving O type blood in a transfusion?

O type blood can cause an antibody response in individuals with a different blood type if compatibility is not ensured.

What organ's damage influences drug metabolism the most?

Liver damage significantly affects drug metabolism due to impaired function.

What is the effect of α1 adrenergic activation on urinary function?

α1 activation constricts the urinary sphincter, affecting urinary retention and flow.

What does it mean if a drug is highly lipid-soluble?

Lipid-soluble drugs can easily cross cell membranes, including the blood-brain barrier and placental barrier.

What is the treatment for hypotonic fluid overload?

Management may include diuretics and monitoring for signs of fluid overload.

What is the key characteristic of a scored tablet?

A scored tablet has a line that allows it to be easily split for dosing adjustments.

What is the primary use for blood products in medical settings?

Blood products are used for volume replacement, anemia, bleeding disorders, and improving oxygen-carrying capacity.

What should be monitored when administering D5W?

Monitor for signs of hyperglycemia once the dextrose is metabolized.

What is one responsibility of a nurse during blood administration?

Confirm patient identity prior to administering blood products.

What characterizes a colloid solution?

A colloid solution contains larger molecules that help expand plasma volume without excessive fluid.

What type of fluid is best for treating dehydration in patients with diabetes?

Hypotonic solutions such as 0.45% saline may be appropriate.

What is the action of DA at a low dose?

At a low dose, DA increases renal perfusion to improve urine output.

What are blood products used for in surgical patients?

Blood products are used for volume replacement, clotting factor replacement, and treating significant blood loss during surgery.

What action does a β2 agonist have on the uterus during pregnancy?

β2 agonists can relax the uterus and decrease contractions, used in cases of preterm labor.

When is fresh frozen plasma indicated?

Fresh frozen plasma is indicated for extensive hemorrhage and conditions needing clotting factor replacement.

What does the term 'systemic vascular resistance' mean?

Systemic vascular resistance refers to the resistance to blood flow within the systemic circulation.

What is the role of stents in managing vascular conditions?

Stents are used to keep blood vessels open, especially after angioplasty, to improve blood flow.

What does 'anaphylactic' specifically mean in a medical context?

Anaphylactic refers to a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction causing difficulty breathing and shock.

Why should you avoid using 0.45% NaCl in patients with head injuries?

0.45% NaCl can lead to cerebral swelling, exacerbating intracranial pressure and conditions.

What happens to drug metabolism in states of liver dysfunction?

Drug metabolism is typically reduced in liver dysfunction, which can lead to increased levels and toxicity.