MOD 3 - Pharmaceuticals in Medical Imaging

Flashcards about pharmaceuticals used in medical imaging.

Why are pharmaceuticals often used in medical imaging procedures like fluoroscopy, CT, and IR?

To manage patient conditions and support procedures that may cause discomfort or require sedation.

What role do medical radiation technologists play with pharmaceuticals?

They monitor patients and may administer certain drugs with advanced training and directives.

Why is pharmaceutical knowledge important for technologists?

It helps them understand patient needs, neurological state, and appropriate aftercare.

What are adrenergic drugs used to treat?

Life-threatening conditions such as cardiac arrest, shock, asthma attacks, and allergic reactions.

What is the mechanism of adrenergic drugs like epinephrine?

They bind to adrenergic receptors and mimic or stimulate epinephrine/norepinephrine.

What are the effects of adrenergic drugs?

Increased blood pressure, vasoconstriction, bronchodilation, increased heart rate, and bleeding control.

What is the purpose of local anesthetics?

To block nerve conduction and eliminate sensation in a specific area.

What is often added to local anesthetics to increase their effect and duration?

Epinephrine, to constrict blood vessels.

Give examples of local anesthetics.

Lidocaine (Xylocaine), Ropivacaine (Naropin).

What do generic names of local anesthetics typically end in?

"-caine"

What is the main difference between local and general anesthesia?

General anesthesia induces unconsciousness and requires mechanical ventilation.

What is the purpose of pharmaceutical antagonists in imaging?

To reverse the effects of sedatives or narcotics.

What is Romazicon (Flumazenil) used for?

To reverse the effects of benzodiazepines like Valium, Ativan, and Versed.

How does Narcan (Naloxone) work?

Competes with opioids at receptors to reverse respiratory depression and sedation.

What are the side effects of Naloxone?

Nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, and nervousness.

How do anti-anxiety drugs like diazepam (Valium) work?

They enhance GABA activity to inhibit brain activity and reduce anxiety.

Name common anti-anxiety or sedative drugs used in imaging.

Valium, Ativan, Versed, phenobarbital, Dilantin, carbamazepine, Zarontin.

What are the common side effects of anti-anxiety medications?

Drowsiness, irritability, nausea, lack of coordination, and skin rash.

What’s the difference between thrombolytics and anticoagulants?

Thrombolytics break down existing clots; anticoagulants prevent new clots.

Give three examples of thrombolytic drugs.

tPA (Activase), streptokinase, tenecteplase.

When should Activase be given after stroke symptoms begin?

Within 3 hours.

What is the mechanism of Coumadin (Warfarin)?

Inhibits vitamin K absorption to prevent clotting factor formation.

How does Plavix (Clopidogrel) work?

Prevents platelet formation, protecting against heart attacks/strokes.

How long does Plavix's antiplatelet effect last?

8–9 days, until new platelets form.

What is the effect of Aspirin on platelets?

It irreversibly inactivates them for 7–10 days.

How is Heparin administered and what does it do?

IV or subcutaneously; inhibits thrombin to prevent clot formation.

What is the function of anticholinergics in imaging?

Reduce smooth muscle spasms and intestinal contractions during exams.

How do anticholinergics work?

They block the effects of acetylcholine.

Name two commonly used anticholinergics in fluoroscopy.

Buscopan (Hyoscine Butylbromide) and Glucagon.

Why is Glucagon contraindicated for diabetics?

It can affect blood glucose levels.

What are other uses for anticholinergics?

Reduce airway secretions, treat overactive bladder, manage Parkinson’s symptoms.

What is the main purpose of antidepressants?

To treat clinical depression by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels.

Name four common SSRIs.

Sertraline (Zoloft®), Paroxetine (Paxil®), Fluoxetine (Prozac®), Citalopram (Celexa®).

Which class of antidepressants includes venlafaxine and duloxetine?

SNRIs – Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors.

What are some examples of TCAs?

Nortriptyline (Pamelor®), Amitriptyline (Elavil®), Imipramine (Tofranil®).

What class of antidepressants does phenelzine belong to?

MAOIs – Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors.

What is bupropion (Wellbutrin®) classified as?

NDRI – Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor.

What is unique about Esketamine (Spravato®)?

It's a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist, used nasally under supervision for treatment-resistant depression.

What is the main difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 patients can't produce insulin; Type 2 patients produce insulin but can't use it effectively.

What medication is commonly prescribed for Type 2 diabetes?

Metformin (Glucophage).

Why must patients with renal dysfunction be cautious when taking Metformin?

They are at greater risk of lactic acidosis when given iodinated contrast media.

When are diabetic patients usually scheduled for imaging exams?

First thing in the morning.

What are signs of insulin reaction (hypoglycemia)?

Headache, hunger, clammy skin, tremors, tachycardia, impaired vision, personality change.

What are antihistamines used for in imaging?

To prevent or treat allergic reactions to iodinated contrast media.

What is the most common first-generation antihistamine?

Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®).

What is a commonly used second-generation antihistamine?

Fexofenadine (Allegra®).

What are beta-blockers used to treat?

Acute tachycardia or fibrillation.

What is the mechanism of action of propranolol?

Blocks norepinephrine’s effect on the heart to reduce irritability.

Name some side effects of beta-blockers.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, hallucinations.

What do bronchodilators do?

Relax bronchial muscles to improve breathing.

Name a common beta-2 agonist bronchodilator.

Ventolin (albuterol).

What do anticholinergic bronchodilators block?

Chemicals from nerves that cause bronchial muscle tightening.

What are cathartics commonly used for?

Pre-procedural prep for GI exams and surgeries.

What are diuretics commonly called?

Water pills.

What is the most common diuretic in imaging?

Furosemide (Lasix®).

What is a major side effect of Lasix?

Fluid and electrolyte imbalance.

What do NSAIDs treat?

Pain from inflammation.

Give examples of NSAIDs.

Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil), Naproxen, Indomethacin.

What are potential risks of long-term high-dose NSAID use?

Renal, cardiac, and liver damage.

What is the difference between narcotics and opiates?

Narcotics can be synthetic; opiates are natural derivatives of opium.

Name two narcotics used in imaging.

Morphine Sulphate, Meperidine (Demerol).

Why is respiratory monitoring crucial when administering fentanyl?

Because it can cause respiratory depression.

What is the purpose of sedatives in imaging?

To relieve pain, relax muscles, and reduce anxiety.

What is a common sedative used in imaging?

Midazolam (Versed®).

Name reversal agents used for sedation emergencies.

Naloxone and Flumazenil.

What equipment should be ready when conscious sedation is used?

Oxygen source, suction, airway gear, reversal drugs, cardiac monitoring.

What is the function of vasodilators?

To widen blood vessels and improve blood flow.

Name a common vasodilator used in cardiac imaging.

Nitroglycerin.

How can nitroglycerin be administered?

Sublingual spray or dermal patch.