Maryville NURS 615 Pharm 3 exam with all the correct
answers (100% Verified 2020/2021 exam)
How do antigout medications work? Correct Answer- by inhibiting the infiltration and phagocytosis of
leukocytes, thus decreasing the breakdown of uric acid to urate crystals.
Deposition of urate crystals causes Correct Answer- pain and inflammation
What is Colchicine Correct Answer- anti-gout medication
how does Colchicine work? Correct Answer- Works by inhibiting inflammation, reducing pain and
swelling
common side effects of Colchicine Correct Answer- GI problems (diarrhea) use with caution in elderly
Also can cause blood dyscrasias & abdominal pain
patient education with Colchicine Correct Answer- Can be given with food & milk to decrease GI issues
Avoid beer, ale, & wine: may cause gout attack
Increase fluid intake: increases excretion of uric acid
Avoid smoked meats & high-protein diets
Low dose of Colchicine Correct Answer- Low dose colchicine is 1.2mg followed by 0.6mg one hour later
or 1.8 milligrams total
High dose of Colchicine Correct Answer- high dose colchicine is 1.2mg followed by 0.6mg every four to
six hours; or 4.8mg total.
Difference between high dose and low dose Colchicine Correct Answer- The difference between the two
is low dose is as effective as high dose with a lower side effect profile.
Lab values to monitor with Colchicine Correct Answer- Check renal function test, BUN, Creatine
Patient education with Colchicine Correct Answer- Almost always causes some degree of diarrhea, make
sure patients are aware of this side effect
Patient education with Febuxostat (Uloric) Correct Answer- Gout may worsen with therapy initially
Dietary changes to decrease gout attacks and uric acid deposits. Correct Answer- Avoid beer, ale, & wine
Increase fluid intake: increases excretion of uric acid
Avoid smoked meats & high-protein diets
WHO 3 step ladder for pain medication Correct AnswerWhat is not a first line for pain medication? Correct Answer- Narcotics
Recommendations for pain treatment Correct Answer- You want to start with NSAIDs first and then
work your way up from there.
types of Corticosteroid treatment Correct Answer- Prednisone, Cortisone, Dexamethasone
how do Corticosteroids work? Correct Answer- Suppress the inflammatory & immune systems by
inhibiting the synthesis of chemical mediators.
what are the chemical mediators that Corticosteroids work on? Correct Answer- Prostaglandins,
leukotrienes, & histamines
Corticosteroids and inflammation Correct Answer- Decreases inflammation which decreases swelling,
warmth, redness, & pain.
Uses for corticosteroid treatment Correct Answer- Addison’s disease, hormone replacement, cancer
therapy
SLE, arthritis, IBD, & to suppress graft rejection
contraindications for corticosteroid treatment Correct Answer- Systemic fungal infections & with live
vaccine
Use corticosteroids cautiously with: Correct Answer- Pregnancy, kids, HTN, heart failure, renal
impairment, & with infections resistant to treatment
Patient education with corticosteroids Correct Answer- Don’t discontinue abruptly, doses may need
increased during stress, symptoms of Cushing’s and GI bleeding
Problem with taking Corticosteroids for greater than 6 months Correct Answer- The main thing you want
to worry about is osteoporosis it can also worsen diabetic control and patients should report any tarry
black stools or abdominal pain.
Other common side effects with Corticosteroids Correct Answer- Peptic ulcers, GI bleeding, edema,
hyperglycemia, delayed wound healing, fluid & electrolyte imbalances
Why is it important to tapper the corticosteroid? Correct Answer- Tapering must be done carefully to
avoid both recurrent activity of the underlying disease process and possible cortisol deficiency resulting
from the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or HPA suppression during the period of steroid therapy
Black box warning Correct Answer- Increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events,
myocardial-infarction and stroke which can be fatal.
What increases risk of black box warning occurring with NSAIDs. Correct Answer- Risk increases with
duration of use.
Patients with cardiovascular disease or with risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be a greater risk.
NSAIDs and GI system Correct Answer- Increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse effects
including: bleeding, ulceration, and perforation the stomach or intestines can be fatal.
Can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for
serious GI events.