HESI PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE

HESI PHARMACOLOGY STUDY GUIDE - Community: PARKINSON medication • Assess for signs and symptoms of PD  Masklike expression  Speech problems  Dysphagia  Rigidity of arms, legs, and neck • Main med is Sinemet: Levodopa/Carbidopa • Levodopa  converted to dopamine. • Carbidopa  increase its effectiveness and prevents or les sens levodopa side effects • Levodopa side effects: nausea, vomiting, heart rhythm disturbance • TEACHINGS: Take on empty stomach at least 30 minutes, or one hour before meals o There are two forms of Sinemet, controlled-release or immediate-release Sinemet. Controlled-release (CR) Sinemet and immediate-release Sinemet are equally effective in treating the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but some people prefer the controlled release version. - Cardio vascular - Nitroglycerin- Decreases BP • Nitroglycerin – Anti ANGINA Meds, chronic heart failure  Prototypical nitrate : POTENT VASODILATOR  Large first-pass effect with oral forms  Used for symptomatic treatment of ischemic heart conditions (angina)  IV form used for BP control in perioperative hypertension, treatment of HF, ischemic pain, pulmonary edema associated with acute MI, and hypertensive emergencies  Available form: Sublingual tablets, sprays and patches • Nitroglycerin Teaching  Instruct patients in proper technique and guidelines for taking sublingual nitroglycerin for anginal pain  Instruct patients never to chew or swallow the sublingual form  Instruct patients that a burning sensation felt with sublingual forms indicates that the drug is still potent  Instruct patients to keep a fresh supply of sublingual medication on hand; potency is lost in about 3 months after the bottle has been opened  To preserve potency, medications should be stored in an airtight, dark glass bottle with a metal cap and no cotton filler • If anginal pain occurs:  Stop activity and sit or lie down, and take a sublingual tablet  If no relief in 5 minutes, call 911/Emergency Services immediately and take a second sublingual tablet  If no relief in 5 minutes, take a third sublingual tablet  Do not try to drive to the hospital