NSG 533: Pharm Exam 2
GRADEXAM1
, NSG533 EXAM 2 ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY QUESTIONS &
ACCURATE ANSWERS
1. What would you be concerned with regarding the first patient's use of vicodin
in terms of the dose acetaminophen?
Answer: In elderly patients, it is recommended not to exceed >3,000mg per day
of acetaminophen.
2. What medication could you recommend for a diabetic patient in pain that
could also be used to help treat depression?
Answer: SNRIS; either duloxetine or venlafaxine have been successfully used in
diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
3. In addition, be sure to understand which non-opiod medications you would
use for a patient with neuropathic pain.
Answer: Gabapentin, pregabalin, transdermal lidocaine, TCAS.
4. If a patient has a true allergy to morphine, what opioid, if any, could you try
instead?
Answer: True opioid allergies are rare. When a true allergy is present, an agent
from another opiate classed should be used. For example, a patient with a true opiate
allergy could receive fentanyl.
5. Know the common side effects which opioids can cause:
Answer: Excessive sedation (reduce dose by 25%), constipation (senna,
dulcolax, n/v (hydroxyzine/ diphenhydramine), gastroparesis, vertigo, resp.
Depression, CNS irritability.
GRADEXAM1
, NSG533 EXAM 2 ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY QUESTIONS &
ACCURATE ANSWERS
1. What would you be concerned with regarding the first patient's use of vicodin
in terms of the dose acetaminophen?
Answer: In elderly patients, it is recommended not to exceed >3,000mg per day
of acetaminophen.
2. What medication could you recommend for a diabetic patient in pain that
could also be used to help treat depression?
Answer: SNRIS; either duloxetine or venlafaxine have been successfully used in
diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
3. In addition, be sure to understand which non-opiod medications you would
use for a patient with neuropathic pain.
Answer: Gabapentin, pregabalin, transdermal lidocaine, TCAS.
4. If a patient has a true allergy to morphine, what opioid, if any, could you try
instead?
Answer: True opioid allergies are rare. When a true allergy is present, an agent
from another opiate classed should be used. For example, a patient with a true opiate
allergy could receive fentanyl.
5. Know the common side effects which opioids can cause:
Answer: Excessive sedation (reduce dose by 25%), constipation (senna,
dulcolax, n/v (hydroxyzine/ diphenhydramine), gastroparesis, vertigo, resp.
Depression, CNS irritability.
