Pathophysiology + Pharmacology Exam 1 Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering hyperglycemic agents, insulins, oral antidiabetics, endocrine hormones, respiratory drugs, anticoagulants, and ocular/otic medications.

Dextrose $50\%$

A Hyperglycemic Agent used to rapidly increase blood glucose levels in cases of severe hypoglycemia; must be administered IV slowly.

Glucagon

A Hyperglycemic Agent that stimulates glycogen breakdown in the liver; nursing implications include turning the patient on their side after administration to prevent aspiration from vomiting.

Lispro & Aspart

Rapid-acting insulins with an onset of $10-30$ minutes, a peak of $1-2$ hours, and a duration of $3-5$ hours; must be administered with meals.

Regular Insulin (Humulin R)

Short-acting insulin and the only insulin safe for IV use; has an onset of $30-60$ minutes and peaks around $2.5$ hours.

NPH (Humulin N)

Intermediate-acting insulin with an onset of $1.5-4$ hours and duration of $12-18$ hours; the vial must be rolled gently before use.

Glargine Insulin

Long-acting insulin that provides a steady release over $24$ hours with no peak; it must not be mixed with other insulins.

Metformin

A Biguanide and first line of therapy for T2D that decreases liver glucose production; must be held for $48$ hours before and after radiologic contrast studies to prevent AKI.

Glipizide & Glimepiride

Sulfonylureas that stimulate insulin release from the pancreas; effectiveness may decrease with prolonged use.

Regalinide & Nateglinide

Meglitinides that stimulate rapid insulin release; nursing instructions include skipping the dose if a meal is skipped.

Acarbose (Precose)

An Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitor (starch blocker) that delays carbohydrate digestion; hypoglycemia must be treated with glucose rather than sucrose.

Thiazolidinediones Black Box Warning

Alert for Piglitazone and Rosiglitazone regarding an increased risk for MI, stroke, and exacerbation of heart failure.

Sitagliptin & Saxagliptin

DPP-4 Inhibitors that increase incretin levels to increase insulin release and slow incretin inactivation; nursing care includes assessing for pancreatitis.

Pramlintide

An Amylin Analog co-secreted with insulin that slows gastric emptying and increases satiety; used for both Type $1$ and Type $2$ diabetes.

Exenatide (Byetta)

A GLP-1 Receptor Agonist synthetic peptide that increases insulin secretion and slows gastric emptying; should not be used with insulin.

Beta-Adrenergic Blockers (Glycemic Influence)

Medications that can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia and prolong the hypoglycemic effects of insulin.

Thiazide/Loop Diuretics (Glycemic Influence)

Medications that can potentiate hyperglycemia by inducing potassium loss.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Anterior pituitary hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol to respond to stress and regulate metabolism.

Aqueous Vasopressin (Pitressin)

An ADH administered IM or IV that promotes water reabsorption and vasoconstriction; used for Diabetes Insipidus and vasodilatory shock.

Desmopressin (DDAVP)

An ADH Analog and the drug of choice for Diabetes Insipidus; can cause side effects like hyponatremia and water intoxication.

Ocreotide (Sandostatin)

A Somatostatin Analog that inhibits growth hormone; used for Acromegaly and esophageal varices.

Somatropin

A Recombinant Growth Hormone that mimics GH to stimulate growth; contraindicated in patients with active malignancy.

Methimazole

An Antithyroid Agent that inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis; contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Propylthiouracil

An Antithyroid Agent that blocks the conversion of $T_4 \rightarrow T_3$; it is the preferred antithyroid drug if the patient is pregnant.

Calcium Gluconate

Electrolyte replacement used to treat hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia; monitor EKG and calcium levels during IV use.

Lugol’s Solution

An Iodine Preparation that reduces thyroid hormone release and decreases gland vascularity before a thyroidectomy; should be diluted in juice or water.

Levothyroxine

Thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism; should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach.

Prednisone

A common corticosteroid used for asthma, COPD, and autoimmune diseases; should be taken between $6$ and $9$ am with food and must be tapered off slowly.

Acetylcysteine

A mucolytic that breaks down thick respiratory secretions; it is also the antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

An antiviral that inhibits influenza virus replication; treatment must start within $48$ hours of symptom onset.

Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine

A nasal vaccine containing weakened virus; contraindicated in patients who are pregnant, immunocompromised, or have asthma.

Oxymetazoline (Afrin)

A nasal decongestant that should not be used for more than $3$ days due to the risk of rebound congestion.

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

An oral and nasal decongestant that stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors; contraindicated in patients with severe hypertension or CAD.

Streptomycin

An Aminoglycoside antibiotic for TB; serious side effects include ototoxicity (ears ringing) and kidney toxicity.

Rifampin

An anti-tubercular antibiotic that inhibits RNA synthesis; famously causes orange-colored body fluids such as tears and sweat.

Isoniazid (INH)

An anti-tubercular agent that inhibits mycolic acid synthesis; nursing implications include administering vitamin $B_6$ (pyridoxine) to prevent peripheral neuropathy.

Ethambutol

An anti-tubercular agent that inhibits cell wall synthesis; patients must report vision changes immediately as it can cause optic neuritis and color blindness.

Heparin

An anticoagulant that inhibits thrombin and factor Xa; monitor aPTT and PTT levels; the antidote is protamine sulfate.

Warfarin

An oral anticoagulant that blocks vitamin K-dependent clotting factors; monitor PT/INR (therapeutic range $2-3$); the antidote is Vitamin K.

Enoxaparin (Lovenox)

A Low Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) administered only SUBQ; do not expel the air bubble from the syringe as it locks the injection into the fat.

Albuterol

A Short-Acting $B_2$-Adrenergic Agonist (SABA) used as a rescue inhaler for acute asthma attacks by causing rapid bronchodilation.

Salmeterol

A Long Acting $B_2$ Agonist (LABA) for asthma maintenance; it is not a rescue inhaler and must be used with an inhaled corticosteroid.

Theophylline

A Methylxanthine bronchodilator with a narrow therapeutic range; nursing care includes monitoring serum levels and avoiding caffeine.

Timolol

A Beta Adrenergic Blocker eye drop for glaucoma; nursing implications include applying pressure to the inner canthus to reduce systemic absorption.

Fluorescein

An Ophthalmic Diagnostic Dye used to stain corneal surfaces to identify abrasions; causes temporary yellow discoloration.

Cortisporin Otic

An Otic Antibiotic and Corticosteroid combination; contraindicated in patients with a perforated eardrum.