Pharmacology and Drug Interactions: Key Concepts for Healthcare Students

What is the consequence of the drug-drug interaction between furosemide (Lasix) and digoxin (Lanoxin)?

Potassium loss leads to digoxin toxicity due to low potassium.

What recommendation should be made to a diabetic client prescribed prednisone (Deltasone)?

Monitor blood glucose due to risk of hyperglycemia.

What generation of beta blockers is most appropriate for a client with asthma?

Second-generation (cardioselective beta blockers).

Hand tremors in a client taking albuterol are due to activation of what receptor?

Beta-2 receptor activation.

What two medications are commonly used to treat C. diff infection?

Vancomycin and metronidazole (Flagyl).

What HIV medication causes fat pad redistribution?

Ritonavir

What pain medication is best for fever reduction?

Acetaminophen (Tylenol).

What type of IV fluid is given to a client with serum osmolality of 310?

Hypotonic solution.

What is the antidote for warfarin and for heparin?

Vitamin K (warfarin) and protamine sulfate (heparin).

What are the two greatest risks for clients receiving immunosuppressant drugs?

Infection and neoplasms (cancer).

What medication may cause dizziness, tinnitus, and headache?

Aspirin (salicylate toxicity).

A client allergic to penicillin may also be allergic to what two drug classes?

Cephalosporins and carbapenems.

Effective HIV treatment results in what changes?

Increased CD4 count and undetectable viral load.

What diuretic may cause hyperkalemia?

Spironolactone.

What three effects do beta blockers and calcium channel blockers share?

Decreased heart rate, decreased contractility, decreased conduction.

To prevent Red Man Syndrome, what is the minimum infusion time for vancomycin?

At least 1 hour.

What is the best nursing action if vancomycin trough level is high?

Hold/stop the medication and notify the provider.

When should Tamiflu be administered for best effect?

Within 48 hours of symptom onset.

What are the three hallmark signs of opioid overdose and the treatment?

Respiratory depression, pinpoint pupils, decreased LOC/coma; treat with naloxone (Narcan).

Does nitroprusside dilate veins, arteries, or both?

Both.

What are the therapeutic effects of guaifenesin and dextromethorphan?

Guaifenesin thins mucus; dextromethorphan suppresses cough.

What acid-base imbalances are treated with sodium bicarbonate?

Metabolic acidosis (and related acidotic states).

What intervention helps minimize abstinence syndrome in opioid dependence?

Gradual withdrawal (or methadone use).

Why is penicillin G given parenterally?

It is unstable in stomach acid.

Which TB medication causes reddish-orange body fluids?

Rifampin.

What interaction occurs between levothyroxine and warfarin?

Increased warfarin effect leading to increased bleeding risk.

What type of fluid is used for equal loss of solute and water?

Isotonic solution.

What is another use for losartan besides hypertension?

Slows progression of diabetic nephropathy.

What happens when penicillin and an aminoglycoside are mixed in the same IV bag?

Drug inactivation.

What is the mechanism of action of tobramycin and doxycycline?

Inhibit bacterial protein synthesis.