Pharm
Q: What is sickle cell anemia?
A: A genetic disorder where red blood cells are abnormally shaped, leading to blockages, pain, and anemia.
Q: What is iron deficiency anemia?
A: A condition caused by insufficient iron, leading to reduced hemoglobin production and oxygen transport.
Q: What is pernicious anemia?
A: A type of anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency due to lack of intrinsic factor in the stomach.
Q: What is hemolytic anemia?
A: A condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are produced.
Drug Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Q: What are the side effects of amiodarone?
A: Pulmonary toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, liver damage, and photosensitivity.
Q: What are the side effects of metoprolol?
A: Bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, and dizziness.
Q: What are the side effects of niacin?
A: Flushing, itching, gastrointestinal upset, and liver damage.
Q: What are the side effects of ACE inhibitors?
A: Dry cough, hyperkalemia, angioedema, and hypotension.
Q: What are the side effects of milrinone?
A: Hypotension, arrhythmias, and headache.
Q: What are the side effects of beta blockers?
A: Bradycardia, fatigue, depression, and sexual dysfunction.
Q: What are the side effects of IV Lasix?
A: Hypokalemia, dehydration, ototoxicity, and hypotension.
Drugs to Know How They Work
Q: How does mannitol work?
A: It is an osmotic diuretic that increases urine output by pulling water into renal tubules.
Q: How does sildenafil work?
A: It inhibits PDE-5, enhancing blood flow by relaxing blood vessels.
Q: How does adenosine work?
A: It slows conduction through the AV node, restoring normal heart rhythm in tachycardia.
Q: How does epoetin alfa work?
A: It stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
Q: How does nicotinic acid (niacin) work?
A: It reduces triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL.
Q: How does iron dextran work?
A: It replenishes iron stores for hemoglobin production.
Q: How does atorvastatin work?
A: It inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reducing cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
Q: How does calcium chloride work?
A: It restores calcium levels and stabilizes cardiac membranes in hyperkalemia.
Concepts
Q: What is a nursing priority for taking a loop diuretic?
A: Monitor electrolytes, especially potassium, and assess for dehydration.
Q: What should you assess prior to administering digoxin?
A: Check the apical pulse; hold if below 60 bpm.
Q: What would a nurse expect in a client taking hydrochlorothiazide?
A: Increased urination and potential hypokalemia.
Q: What is client education for taking calcium channel blockers?
A: Avoid grapefruit juice and monitor for dizziness or swelling.
Q: What drug is given for a patient in renal failure with low RBCs?
A: Epoetin alfa.
Q: What precautions are necessary when administering liquid iron?
A: Use a straw to prevent staining teeth and take with vitamin C for absorption.
Q: What are plasma volume expanders, and how are they used?
A: Examples include albumin and dextran, used to increase intravascular volume in hypovolemic states.
Q: What is the difference between isotonic, hypertonic, osmotic, and hypotonic fluids?
A:
• 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).
Q: How to care for a patient with clotting disorders?
A: Administer anticoagulants like heparin or warfarin as prescribed.
Q: What is client education regarding nitroglycerin patches?
A: Apply to clean, hairless skin; rotate sites; remove at night to prevent tolerance.
Q: What medications cause postural hypotension?
A: Antihypertensives, diuretics, and vasodilators.
Q: When to give heparin vs. warfarin?
A:
• Heparin: For immediate anticoagulation (IV or SC).
• Warfarin: For long-term anticoagulation (oral).
Q: How to care for a patient with hyperkalemia?
A: Administer calcium gluconate, insulin with glucose, or sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Q: When do we use epinephrine?
A: For anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, or severe asthma attacks.
Q: How do calcium channel blockers work?
A: They relax blood vessel walls, reducing blood pressure and workload on the heart.
Q: How do ACE inhibitors work?
A: They block the conversion of angiotensin I to II, lowering blood pressure.