Pharmacology Exam #2
What drugs should not be taken concurrently with grapefruit juice? - CORRECT ANSWER-Calcium
B B B B B B B B B B B BB
channel blockers, benzodiapines, and statins
B B B B B
What is a teratogen? - CORRECT ANSWER-A chemical found in many medications that have
B B B B B BB B B B B B B B
proven to cause birth defects.
B B B B B
What is pharmacodynamics? -Kinetics? - CORRECT ANSWER-Pharmacodynamics: What the drug
B B B B B BB B B B
does to the body (dynamics-drug)
B B B B B
Pharmacokinetics: what the body does to the drug (absorb, distribute, metabolize, excrete). B B B B B B B B B B B
What is the first pass effect? - CORRECT ANSWER-When drugs move through the GI and are
B B B B B B B BB B B B B B B B
metabolized by the liver before they perform desired effect. Giving medication parenterally
B B B B B B B B B B B B
keeps the drug in the blood for longer because it will take longer for all the blood to move
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
through the liver.
B B B
What is half-life? - CORRECT ANSWER-The length of time it take to decrease the original dosage
B B B B BB B B B B B B B B B B
of the drug in the BLOOD by half. It is excreted.
B B B B B B B B B B B
What is an idiopathic response? - CORRECT ANSWER-A response that is unpredicted,
B B B B B B BB B B B B
unexplainable.
B
Symptoms of salicylism - CORRECT ANSWER-TINNITUS, metabolic acidosis associated with
B B B B BB B B B B
hyperventilation (compensatory respiratory alkalosis)
B B B B
,Nursing implication when administering opioids (morphine) - CORRECT ANSWER-1. Respiratory
B B B B B B B BB B
depression***
B
2. Constipation (decrease peristalsis)***
B B B
3. Euphoria (kappa; addictive)
B B B
4. Hypotension
B
5. Urinary retention
B B
What opioid antagonist should you know? How does it act? - CORRECT ANSWER-Narcan
B B B B B B B B B B B BB
(Naloxone) is an opioid antagonist. It has a greater AFFINITY (liking) to opioid receptors (mu and
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
kappa) kicking the opioid out. Causes immediate withdrawal symptoms. Used when an opioid
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
causes severe respiratory depression
B B B B
What is Naltrexone? When is it used? - CORRECT ANSWER-Naltrexone is a partial opioid
B B B B B B B B BB B B B B
antagonist. It is generally used to wean dependence because it takes away the feeling of the high
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
but it does not induce withdrawal symptoms.
B B B B B B B
What is Tramadol? Why is it preferred over opioids and NSAIDs? - CORRECT ANSWER-Non-opioid
B B B B B B B B B B B B BB
drug that only acts on mu receptors (not kappa that cause respiratory depression and euphoria
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
making it addictive). It is preferred because it DOES NOT cause respiratory depression and DOES
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
NOT cause GI upset.
B B B B
What drugs are used to treat muscle spasms? How do they work? - CORRECT ANSWER-NSAIDs
B B B B B B B B B B B B B BB
and muscle relaxers. Muscle relaxers do not act directly on the muscle, but as a sedative
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
(cyclobenzaprine). Dantrolene is the only drug that acts directly on the muscle, although is no
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
longer prescribed due to causing death
B B B B B B
Maximum daily dosage of acetaminophen (Tylenol). Why? - CORRECT ANSWER-Maximum dose
B B B B B B B B BB B
is 4000 mg/day. Extremely hard on the liver and is put in a lot of OTC drugs (cough syrup,
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
tylenol). It is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US. Used with sensitivity to NSAIDs
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
because there is no GI upset.
B B B B B B
,What should you monitor in a patient taking pseudophedrine and has diabetes? - CORRECT
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ANSWER-Pseduo is an adrenergic agonist and therefore naturally increases glucose levels, but
B B B B B B B B B B B B
make it so testing insulin levels is ineffective. SIGNS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA ARE MASKED; MONITOR
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
GLUCOSE LEVELS CLOSELY
B B B
What might a nurse expect when administering pseudophedrine, an adrenergic agonist? -
B B B B B B B B B B B
CORRECT ANSWER-Vasoconstriction (increased BP), dilated pupils (sympathetic effect). May
B BB B B B B B B B
cause REFLEX BRADYCARDIA. Should not be administered within 21 days of administering a
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
MAOI.
B
Which drugs are used to treat migraines? How do they work? - CORRECT ANSWER-Triptans and
B B B B B B B B B B B B BB B
ergot alkaloids. Triptans are the safest because they only constrict certain cranial vessels where
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
as ergot alkaloids constrict ALL vessels in the brain.
B B B B B B B B B
What category is Aricept (donepezil), what does it do? - CORRECT ANSWER-Aricept is a
B B B B B B B B B B BB B B
cholinergic agonist often used to treat alzheimer's patients as it has proven to increase memory.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
It inhibits Ach-E (enzyme that breaks down Ach) allowing more to be available in the synapse.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
What drug category is Atropine, and what is it used to treat? - CORRECT ANSWER-Atropine is a
B B B B B B B B B B B B B BB B B
anticholinergic drug that is used to treat cholinergic crisis (excessive fluid loss; drop in BP). It
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
emits a sympathetic response and drys up all fluids and increasing BP.
B B B B B B B B B B B B
What is a benzodiazaine used to treat? How? (Know the drug) - CORRECT ANSWER-Lorazepam. It
B B B B B B B B B B B B BB B
is used to treat anxiety and mild insomnia. Increases the effect of GABBA (main inhibitory
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
enzyme). Wide margin of safety and wide therapeutic margin.
B B B B B B B B B
Nursing implications for taking benzos - CORRECT ANSWER-May cause dizziness, drowsiness,
B B B B B B BB B B B
vertigo, blurred vision (think sedative). Also a paradoxical reaction (opposite) may occur; likely in
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
older adults, psychiatric patients, and hyperactive children. There is a high risk for DEPENDENCE.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
, What should benzos not be taken with? (drugs and contraindications) - CORRECT ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B B B BB
Should not be taking when pregnant or lactating. History of substance abuse; high risk of
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
dependence. While taking oral contraceptives (mess with metabolism; can increase or reduce
B B B B B B B B B B B B
effect)
B
What are barbiturates used to treat? How do they work? (know the drug) - CORRECT ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B BB
phenobarbitol (Luminal). It is a sedative-hypnotic. Low doses treat anxiety, moderate doses treat
B B B B B B B B B B B B
seizures, and high doses are hypnotics. It has SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS and therefore therapy is
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
LIMITED TO 14 DAYS (schedule II drug). Increases GABBA activity.
B B B B B B B B B B
Side effects of barbiturates? - CORRECT ANSWER-1. Hangover effect: feel lethargic and odd after
B B B B B BB B B B B B B B
taking
B
2. Paradoxical restlessness
B B
3. Rebound effect: drug is no longer effective
B B B B B B B
4. Respiratory depression
B B
5. Tolerance and dependence (schedule II)
B B B B B
Contraindications and interaction of barbiturates? - CORRECT ANSWER-1. Should not be taken
B B B B B B BB B B B B
with previous suicidal thoughts; fatal with OD
B B B B B B B
2. Other CNS depression
B B B
3. Decrease effect of digoxin and TCA's
B B B B B B
What are CNS stimulants, such as Adrenal and Ritalin, used to treat? - CORRECT ANSWER-1.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B BB
Hyperactivity; paradoxical reaction
B B B
2. Narcolepsy
B
3. Migraines
B B
4. weight management; appetite suppressant
B B B B
What drugs should not be taken concurrently with grapefruit juice? - CORRECT ANSWER-Calcium
B B B B B B B B B B B BB
channel blockers, benzodiapines, and statins
B B B B B
What is a teratogen? - CORRECT ANSWER-A chemical found in many medications that have
B B B B B BB B B B B B B B
proven to cause birth defects.
B B B B B
What is pharmacodynamics? -Kinetics? - CORRECT ANSWER-Pharmacodynamics: What the drug
B B B B B BB B B B
does to the body (dynamics-drug)
B B B B B
Pharmacokinetics: what the body does to the drug (absorb, distribute, metabolize, excrete). B B B B B B B B B B B
What is the first pass effect? - CORRECT ANSWER-When drugs move through the GI and are
B B B B B B B BB B B B B B B B
metabolized by the liver before they perform desired effect. Giving medication parenterally
B B B B B B B B B B B B
keeps the drug in the blood for longer because it will take longer for all the blood to move
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
through the liver.
B B B
What is half-life? - CORRECT ANSWER-The length of time it take to decrease the original dosage
B B B B BB B B B B B B B B B B
of the drug in the BLOOD by half. It is excreted.
B B B B B B B B B B B
What is an idiopathic response? - CORRECT ANSWER-A response that is unpredicted,
B B B B B B BB B B B B
unexplainable.
B
Symptoms of salicylism - CORRECT ANSWER-TINNITUS, metabolic acidosis associated with
B B B B BB B B B B
hyperventilation (compensatory respiratory alkalosis)
B B B B
,Nursing implication when administering opioids (morphine) - CORRECT ANSWER-1. Respiratory
B B B B B B B BB B
depression***
B
2. Constipation (decrease peristalsis)***
B B B
3. Euphoria (kappa; addictive)
B B B
4. Hypotension
B
5. Urinary retention
B B
What opioid antagonist should you know? How does it act? - CORRECT ANSWER-Narcan
B B B B B B B B B B B BB
(Naloxone) is an opioid antagonist. It has a greater AFFINITY (liking) to opioid receptors (mu and
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
kappa) kicking the opioid out. Causes immediate withdrawal symptoms. Used when an opioid
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
causes severe respiratory depression
B B B B
What is Naltrexone? When is it used? - CORRECT ANSWER-Naltrexone is a partial opioid
B B B B B B B B BB B B B B
antagonist. It is generally used to wean dependence because it takes away the feeling of the high
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
but it does not induce withdrawal symptoms.
B B B B B B B
What is Tramadol? Why is it preferred over opioids and NSAIDs? - CORRECT ANSWER-Non-opioid
B B B B B B B B B B B B BB
drug that only acts on mu receptors (not kappa that cause respiratory depression and euphoria
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
making it addictive). It is preferred because it DOES NOT cause respiratory depression and DOES
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
NOT cause GI upset.
B B B B
What drugs are used to treat muscle spasms? How do they work? - CORRECT ANSWER-NSAIDs
B B B B B B B B B B B B B BB
and muscle relaxers. Muscle relaxers do not act directly on the muscle, but as a sedative
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
(cyclobenzaprine). Dantrolene is the only drug that acts directly on the muscle, although is no
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
longer prescribed due to causing death
B B B B B B
Maximum daily dosage of acetaminophen (Tylenol). Why? - CORRECT ANSWER-Maximum dose
B B B B B B B B BB B
is 4000 mg/day. Extremely hard on the liver and is put in a lot of OTC drugs (cough syrup,
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
tylenol). It is the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US. Used with sensitivity to NSAIDs
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
because there is no GI upset.
B B B B B B
,What should you monitor in a patient taking pseudophedrine and has diabetes? - CORRECT
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
ANSWER-Pseduo is an adrenergic agonist and therefore naturally increases glucose levels, but
B B B B B B B B B B B B
make it so testing insulin levels is ineffective. SIGNS OF HYPOGLYCEMIA ARE MASKED; MONITOR
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
GLUCOSE LEVELS CLOSELY
B B B
What might a nurse expect when administering pseudophedrine, an adrenergic agonist? -
B B B B B B B B B B B
CORRECT ANSWER-Vasoconstriction (increased BP), dilated pupils (sympathetic effect). May
B BB B B B B B B B
cause REFLEX BRADYCARDIA. Should not be administered within 21 days of administering a
B B B B B B B B B B B B B
MAOI.
B
Which drugs are used to treat migraines? How do they work? - CORRECT ANSWER-Triptans and
B B B B B B B B B B B B BB B
ergot alkaloids. Triptans are the safest because they only constrict certain cranial vessels where
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
as ergot alkaloids constrict ALL vessels in the brain.
B B B B B B B B B
What category is Aricept (donepezil), what does it do? - CORRECT ANSWER-Aricept is a
B B B B B B B B B B BB B B
cholinergic agonist often used to treat alzheimer's patients as it has proven to increase memory.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
It inhibits Ach-E (enzyme that breaks down Ach) allowing more to be available in the synapse.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
What drug category is Atropine, and what is it used to treat? - CORRECT ANSWER-Atropine is a
B B B B B B B B B B B B B BB B B
anticholinergic drug that is used to treat cholinergic crisis (excessive fluid loss; drop in BP). It
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
emits a sympathetic response and drys up all fluids and increasing BP.
B B B B B B B B B B B B
What is a benzodiazaine used to treat? How? (Know the drug) - CORRECT ANSWER-Lorazepam. It
B B B B B B B B B B B B BB B
is used to treat anxiety and mild insomnia. Increases the effect of GABBA (main inhibitory
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
enzyme). Wide margin of safety and wide therapeutic margin.
B B B B B B B B B
Nursing implications for taking benzos - CORRECT ANSWER-May cause dizziness, drowsiness,
B B B B B B BB B B B
vertigo, blurred vision (think sedative). Also a paradoxical reaction (opposite) may occur; likely in
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
older adults, psychiatric patients, and hyperactive children. There is a high risk for DEPENDENCE.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
, What should benzos not be taken with? (drugs and contraindications) - CORRECT ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B B B BB
Should not be taking when pregnant or lactating. History of substance abuse; high risk of
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
dependence. While taking oral contraceptives (mess with metabolism; can increase or reduce
B B B B B B B B B B B B
effect)
B
What are barbiturates used to treat? How do they work? (know the drug) - CORRECT ANSWER-
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B BB
phenobarbitol (Luminal). It is a sedative-hypnotic. Low doses treat anxiety, moderate doses treat
B B B B B B B B B B B B
seizures, and high doses are hypnotics. It has SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS and therefore therapy is
B B B B B B B B B B B B B B B
LIMITED TO 14 DAYS (schedule II drug). Increases GABBA activity.
B B B B B B B B B B
Side effects of barbiturates? - CORRECT ANSWER-1. Hangover effect: feel lethargic and odd after
B B B B B BB B B B B B B B
taking
B
2. Paradoxical restlessness
B B
3. Rebound effect: drug is no longer effective
B B B B B B B
4. Respiratory depression
B B
5. Tolerance and dependence (schedule II)
B B B B B
Contraindications and interaction of barbiturates? - CORRECT ANSWER-1. Should not be taken
B B B B B B BB B B B B
with previous suicidal thoughts; fatal with OD
B B B B B B B
2. Other CNS depression
B B B
3. Decrease effect of digoxin and TCA's
B B B B B B
What are CNS stimulants, such as Adrenal and Ritalin, used to treat? - CORRECT ANSWER-1.
B B B B B B B B B B B B B BB
Hyperactivity; paradoxical reaction
B B B
2. Narcolepsy
B
3. Migraines
B B
4. weight management; appetite suppressant
B B B B
