Pharm

What is sickle cell anemia?

A genetic disorder where red blood cells are abnormally shaped, leading to blockages, pain, and anemia.

What is iron deficiency anemia?

A condition caused by insufficient iron, leading to reduced hemoglobin production and oxygen transport.

What is pernicious anemia?

A type of anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency due to lack of intrinsic factor in the stomach.

What is hemolytic anemia?

A condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are produced.

What are the side effects of amiodarone?

Pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, liver damage, and photosensitivity.

What are the side effects of metoprolol?

Bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, and dizziness.

What are the side effects of niacin?

Flushing, itching, gastrointestinal upset, and liver damage.

What are the side effects of ACE inhibitors?

Dry cough, hyperkalemia, angioedema, and hypotension.

What are the side effects of milrinone?

Hypotension, arrhythmias, and headache.

What are the side effects of beta blockers?

Bradycardia, fatigue, depression, and sexual dysfunction.

What are the side effects of IV Lasix?

Hypokalemia, dehydration, ototoxicity, and hypotension.

How does mannitol work?

It is an osmotic diuretic that increases urine output by pulling water into renal tubules.

How does sildenafil work?

It inhibits PDE-5, enhancing blood flow by relaxing blood vessels.

How does adenosine work?

It slows conduction through the AV node, restoring normal heart rhythm in tachycardia.

How does epoetin alfa work?

It stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow.

How does nicotinic acid (niacin) work?

It reduces triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL.

How does iron dextran work?

It replenishes iron stores for hemoglobin production.

How does atorvastatin work?

It inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cholesterol synthesis in the liver.

How does calcium chloride work?

It restores calcium levels and stabilizes cardiac membranes in hyperkalemia.

What is a nursing priority for taking a loop diuretic?

Monitor electrolytes, especially potassium, and assess for dehydration.

What should you assess prior to administering digoxin?

Check the apical pulse; hold if below 60 bpm.

What would a nurse expect in a client taking hydrochlorothiazide?

Increased urination and potential hypokalemia.

What is client education for taking calcium channel blockers?

Avoid grapefruit juice and monitor for dizziness or swelling.

What drug is given for a patient in renal failure with low RBCs?

Epoetin alfa.

What precautions are necessary when administering liquid iron?

Use a straw to prevent staining teeth and take with vitamin C for absorption.

What are plasma volume expanders, and how are they used?

Examples include albumin and dextran, used to increase intravascular volume in hypovolemic states.

What is the difference between isotonic, hypertonic, osmotic, and hypotonic fluids?

Isotonic restores fluid balance (e.g., NS); hypertonic pulls water into vessels (e.g., 3% saline); osmotic increases diuresis (e.g., mannitol); hypotonic moves fluid into cells (e.g., 0.45% saline).

How to care for a patient with clotting disorders?

Administer anticoagulants like heparin or warfarin as prescribed.

What is client education regarding nitroglycerin patches?

Apply to clean, hairless skin; rotate sites; remove at night to prevent tolerance.

What medications cause postural hypotension?

Antihypertensives, diuretics, and vasodilators.

When to give heparin vs. warfarin?

Heparin is for immediate anticoagulation (IV or SC), while warfarin is for long-term anticoagulation (oral).

How to care for a patient with hyperkalemia?

Administer calcium gluconate, insulin with glucose, or sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

When do we use epinephrine?

For anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, or severe asthma attacks.

How do calcium channel blockers work?

They relax blood vessel walls, reducing blood pressure and workload on the heart.

How do ACE inhibitors work?

They block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, lowering blood pressure.