Midterm Exam: NUR635/ NUR 635 (Latest 2023/ 2024 Update) Advanced Pharmacology Exam Review| Questions and Verified Answers| 100% Correct – Grand Canyon

Midterm Exam: NUR635/ NUR 635 (Latest 2023/ 2024 Update) Advanced Pharmacology Exam Review| Questions and Verified Answers| 100% Correct – Grand Canyon

Midterm Exam: NUR635/ NUR 635 (Latest
2023/ 2024 Update) Advanced Pharmacology
Exam Review| Questions and Verified
Answers| 100% Correct – Grand Canyon
Q: What can be caused if pt started on heparin?
Answer:
day4, ordering blood work to check platelet count to observe for THROMBOCYTOPENIA
Q: coumadin and childbearing aged females
Answer:
Interactions with oral contraceptives- must have a back up method during time you’re taking
coumadin
Q: Pregnancy considerations and coumadin
Answer:
Need to monitor anti-Xa levels
Q: biggest food group interaction with coumadin
Answer:
Grapefruit, green leafy veggies. Why? high in vitamin K which counteracts warfarin
Q: Short duration: rapid acting insulin indication, MOA, usage

Answer:
Given w/meals
Provide bs control between meals at night
Can use in conjunction w/intermediate or long-acting agent
lispro, aspart, gluulocene
Q: Short duration: short acting insulin indication, MOA, usage
Answer:
Before meals to control postprandial hyperglycemia
Infused SQ via pump
humulin/regular
Q: intermediate(humalin/novalin) duration insulin indication, MOA, usage
Answer:
BS control between meals and during the night
Only one suitable for mixing w/short actings
basal coverage
Q: Long duration: Insulin glargine U100
Answer:
up to 24hrs, once daily subq dosing, basal coverage for DM1 or Dm2
Q: Neostigmine is a medication uesd to tx what disease/disorder?
Answer:
Myastenia Gravis: AI disorder, antibodies destroy communication btw nerves and muscles. S/S
weak skeletal muscles, voluntary muscles, dysphagia, ptosis

Q: Myasthenia gravis is an AI disorder that may cause what s/s?
Answer:
difficulty swallowing
Q: Medication must cross _ to affect CNS
Answer:
BBB
Q: Goal in Parkinson’s tx is to restore ____ in brain
Answer:
dopamine
Q: MCSE of dopaminergics
Answer:
sleep attacks, hallucinations, confusion
Q: Med appropriate to treat acute psychosis?
Answer:
Haloperidol
Q: ASE of first-generation antipsychotic(FGA) medications such as haloperidol,
chlorpromazine: diff speaking, chewing
Powered by https://learnexams.com/search/study?query=

Pt on heparin in hospital setting. Why start coumadin 2 days before dc?
Because coumadin needs a couple days before it starts working.

Angina: bc pts dev tolerance to long-acting nitroglycerine w/i 1 day. How to prevent?
Pts must have 8hrs with no nitroglycerine every days. Hint: At night, remove nitro patch bc no risk of exertional angina

Underlying cause of angina
coronary disease, athlerosclerosis

Why do we give aspirin in pts w/atherosclerosis?
Aspirin is an antiplatelet.. Prevents the existing plaques from getting bigger. Prevents plaque rupture. Cardio protective, prevents stroke, MI, CVA

What is prescribed for angina pts w/DM?
ACE inhibitors to protect the kidneys and nerves

SE of high doses of aspirin?
Tinnitus: ringing ears

Pt education regarding Plavix(clopidogrel bisulfate)?
Anti-platelet med. S/sx bleeding: blood in stool or vomit, excessive bruising, abd pain uterine bld, back pain, petichae. Interactions with EVERYTHING: OTC, herbals, supplements

Pts on coumadin? What are we watching for?
INR to check therapeutic levels. Half life is long. Check 12hrs after taking.

What can be caused if pt started on heparin?
day4, ordering blood work to check platelet count to observe for THROMBOCYTOPENIA

coumadin and childbearing aged females
Interactions with oral contraceptives- must have a back up method during time you’re taking coumadin

Pregnancy considerations and coumadin
Need to monitor anti-Xa levels

biggest food group interaction with coumadin
Grapefruit, green leafy veggies. Why? high in vitamin K which counteracts warfarin

Short duration: rapid acting insulin indication, MOA, usage
Given w/meals
Provide bs control between meals at night
Can use in conjunction w/intermediate or long-acting agent
lispro, aspart, gluulocene

Short duration: short acting insulin indication, MOA, usage
Before meals to control postprandial hyperglycemia
Infused SQ via pump
humulin/regular

intermediate(humalin/novalin) duration insulin indication, MOA, usage
BS control between meals and during the night
Only one suitable for mixing w/short actings
basal coverage

Long duration: Insulin glargine U100
up to 24hrs, once daily subq dosing, basal coverage for DM1 or Dm2

Neostigmine is a medication uesd to tx what disease/disorder?
Myastenia Gravis: AI disorder, antibodies destroy communication btw nerves and muscles. S/S weak skeletal muscles, voluntary muscles, dysphagia, ptosis

Myasthenia gravis is an AI disorder that may cause what s/s?
difficulty swallowing

Medication must cross _ to affect CNS
BBB

Goal in Parkinson’s tx is to restore ____ in brain
dopamine

MCSE of dopaminergics
sleep attacks, hallucinations, confusion

Med appropriate to treat acute psychosis?
Haloperidol

ASE of first-generation antipsychotic(FGA) medications such as haloperidol, chlorpromazine: diff speaking, chewing
tardive dyskinesia

Med to help manage panic attacks?
SSRI

Cholinesterase inhibitors are used in tx of what conditon?
Alzheimer’s disease. MOA block normal breakdown of acetylocholine which increases their levels and duration of action in the CNS and PNS (neuromuscular junction). Also used in tx of myasthenia gravis Ex: neostigmine, donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine

What are some diseases/disorders/conditions are anticonvulsants used to treat other than seizure disorders?
migraine HA prevention, bipolar DO, epilepsy Examples: carbamazepine(Tegretol), gabapentin(Neurontin), phenobarbital, topiramate(Topamax)

Anti-seizure med used for prophylactic tx of migraines
topiramate

Anti-seizure med that is also an anti-arrhythmic
phenytoin(Dilantin)

Anti-seizure med w/black box warning for blood dyscrasias and serious derm rxns
carbamazepine(Tegretol)

First-line agent for early onset migraine
NSAIDs

Hallucinations may occur if __ is stopped abruptly
baclofen

atomoxetine(Straterra), clonidine, and guanfacine are used in tx of which DO?
ADHD

initial intervention for infrequent migraine HA
HA diary

Meds that may cause QT prolongation
methadone, tricyclic antidepressants, amiodarone

CI for a triptan includes
htn, CAD, MAOI use. Triptans used to ease migraine symptoms by calming overactive nerves in the brain and vasoconstriction of blood vessels in the brain

What to give for hives and wheezing r/t pb?
epinephrine IM

Beta blockers have been used to treat _, , ___
post MI, HTN, HF

Drug route for 100% bioavailability
IV

Chronic renal failure will affect _ element of pharmacokinetics
excretion

Adrenergic antagonists or alpha blockers cause ________
vasodilation

in addition to lowering BP, alpha blockers are used in tx of __
BPH

symptoms of BPH
urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, hesitancy and difficulty continuing to urinate, reduced force and size of urinary stream (“weak” stream), sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, straining to begin urination, post-void dribbling or leaking, hematuria, enlarged prostate

Common side effect of ACE inhibitors
dry cough

Angina is a pain caused by _____
cardiac ischemia

All pts with angina should receive what drug for prophylaxis of a myocardial infarction?
aspirin- antiplatelet

lifestyle modifications to reduce cardiac risk include
Wt loss (at least 10lbs), stop smoking, daily exercise

Pt w/ heart failure, angina w/walking and slight limitation of activity is what class?
Class II

pt is taking hydrochlorothiazide(HCTZ) for HTN. What lab is most impt to monitor?
K, for hypokalemia.
Hypokalemia can result in abnormal heart rhythms, cramp and twitch muscles.
HCTZ, thiazide diuretic, removes excess salt and water

cardiac remodeling in HF
Worsens HF. The wall of the left ventricle thickens and enlarges in an attempt to compensate for the increased workload.

class of medication in pts post MI to prevent cardiac remodeling
ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are known to increase tissue bradykinin accumulation. Bradykinin has antigrowth effects and reduces vasomotor tone.

When tx hyperlipidemia, calculation __ risk will help to determine tx.
ASCVD risk, Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Class of medication contraindicated in pts w/liver failure
HMG-CoA inhibitors(Statins). Because all statins are hepatically cleared and can cause elevations in liver biochemistries, there is a concern that patients with underlying liver disease may be at increased risk for hepatotoxicity.

Which anticoagulant has the quickest onset of action?
Heparin

Pts receiving heparin are at risk for what adverse rxn?
thrombocytpenia. Condition in which you have a low blood platelet count, not enough platelets, increased risk of bleeding

Why would heparin and warfarin be given at the same time?
warfarin has a delayed effect

Risk factors that increase a pts ability to bleed
herbal supplements, aspirin use, TPA

Factor Xa levels may be monitored in pts on this med
low molecular wt heparin, LMWH has better bioavail and longer half-life than heparin(ex: enoxaparin)

Meds to be avoided in pregnancy
statins, warfarin, ACE inhibitors

Post hip replacement, med used to prevent DVT
enoxaparin

Pt started on warfarin for a fib should be taught that________
INR should be between 2-3

Epoetin alfa (erythropoietin)
biologic response modifier
can treat anemia to increase Hgb concentration, carries risk of tumor dev, can cause HTN, increases RBC production

pernicious anemia is due to deficiency in _
B12

Lab monitoring for iron def anemia include
reticulocyte count in 1 wk, total iron binding capacity (TIBC) in 4 wks, Hgb/Hct in 4 wks

Which class of antidiabetic med used to tx CKD stage 4-5
Sulfonylureas: Sulphonylureas are insulin secretagogues, which means they work by causing the body to secrete insulin.
DPP-4 inhibitors: help keep blood glucose from going too high by increasing the insulin produced by pancreas, especially right after a meal and decreasing glucagon, a hormone that releases glucose from the liver.
SLGT-2 inhibitors: also known as gliflozins, prevent the reabsorption of glucose from blood that’s filtered through kidneys, therefore facilitating glucose excretion in the urine.

Pregnancy considerations for the pt taking diabetic meds
she will be switched to insulin during pregnancy

MOA of metformin (Glucophage)
Increases action in peripheral tissues to increase insulin sensitivity, decreases hepatic glucose production, reduces glucose absorption in the gut

When starting basal insulin, which class of med should be reduced or dc?
sulfonylurea bc these cause the body to secrete insulin

Alcohol can mask the s/s of hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia:
sweating, fatigue, tired, dizzy, hungry, shaky or trembling, tachycardia, irritable, anxious, moody, tingly lips

diabetics that develop HTN should be started on what class of med?
ACE inhibitor

when to take levothyroxine (synthroid)
First thing in the morning, 30 mins prior to eating

Lab level that indicates effectiveness of levothyroxine
decrease in TSH

Form of estrogen w/ least SE
transdermal

Post menopausal screening questions before HRT
Smoker?
Hysterctomy?
Hx DVT/PE?

Concern for male pt with 7lb wt gain requesting an early refill on testosterone.
Testosterone abuse

Epotetin Alfa/ EPOGEN/PROCRIT
o Erythopoesis stimulating agent
o Used in anemia especially in presence of CKD or chemo-related
o May be used preoperatively for transfusion reduction- start 10 days before sx and cont for 4 days post
o Check Hgb weekly w/tx start until stable
o Black Box:
§ Increased CV events with adm to Hgb>11
§ Increased mortality CAN CAUSE TUMORS and tumor progression in CA pts, dc once chemo completed
§ Increased thromboembolic events in sx pts- use DVT prophylaxis

Vitamin B12 Deficiency
o Causes
§ Impaired absorption
§ Lack of intrinsic factor (PERNICIOUS ANEMIA)
o Consequences: megaloblastic anemia, neurological damage, death
o DX: megaloblastic anemia, low plasma B12
o TX: parental cyanocobalamin

Ferrous Sulfate
o TX of choice for IDA (iron def. anemia)
o Preferred drug for preventing def when iron needs unmet by diet
o ASE: GI disturbance- nausea, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea. May cause dark green/black stools.
o Avoid in pts w/peptic ulcers or ulcerative colitis
o Toxicity: LEADING CAUSE OF POISONING FATALITIES IN CHILDREN, death rare in adults
o Antacids reduce absorption
o ASCORBIC ACID INCREASES ABSORPTION
o RETICULOCYTES WILL INCREASE IN 4-7 DAYS, Hgb/Hct w/in 1 wk, Hgb should rise 2g/dl after 1 mos

Aspirin/ASA
o Cyclooxygenase inhibitor (inhibits Cox-1 and Cox-2)
o Chemical family: salicylates- acetic salicylic acid
o Inhibition of COX-2:
§ reduction of pain, inflammation, fever
§ harmful SE: renal impairment, prevention of MI, stroke (suppresses vasodilation)
o Inhibition of COX-1:
§ Protection against MI/stroke secondary to reduced platelet aggregation
§ Harmful SE: gastric erosion/ulcers, bleeding tendencies, renal impairment
o Decreases risk of colorectal CA (r/t effects of COS-2 inhibition which slows tumor growth)
o Saliclyism: supratherapeutic levels- tinnitus, sweating, HA, dizziness
o Reye syndrome: avoid use under 18yrs

often prescribed w/levodopa-carbidopa in tx of Parkinson’s Disease
Bromocriptine

taking too much of these can make you “blind as a bat” or “mad as a hatter”
anticholinergics & antimuscarinics

absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion
pharmacokinetic processes

drug used to relieve myasthenic crisis
Neostigmine/pyridostigmine (cholinergic or ace inhibitor)

drug w/very narrow therapeutic index and high risk for toxicity, therefore levels should be monitored frequently
Lithium

drug class that carries an increased risk of suicidality in children, adolescents and young adults
SSRI/SNRIs

antidote for organophosphate poisoning
Atropine

do not stop this class of drug abruptly due to an increased risk of cardiovascular events
Beta Blockers

agents that indirectly block the breakdown of acetylcholine and are often used in tx of Alzheimer’s disease
Cholinesterase inhibitors

drug has led to the death of children in ultrarapid metabolizers as 10% is converted into morphine
Codeine

leading cause of liver failure in U.S.
Hepatotoxic drugs

autoimmune disease that attacks the nicotinic receptors in skeletal muscle
Myasthenia Gravis

opioid agonist that works quickly to reverse CNS and respiratory depression
Naloxone/Narcan

how drug affects the body
Pharmacodynamics

term for amt of drug that reaches systemic circulation. Often affected by route of admin.
Bioavailability

symptoms for this syndrome include confusion, irritability, tachcardia, htn, diaphoresis, and is caused by having too much of this “happy” substance
Serotonin

dopamine agonist often used in tx of Parkinson’s disease that is least likely to cause sleep attacks
Pramipexole

clonidine is often prescribed to children to tx this disorder
ADHD

Drug most effective in ETOH withdrawal
lorazepam/ ATIVAN

Drug used for anaphylactic rxn or cardiac arrest
epinephrine

1st line drug for migraine prevention
beta blockers (propanolol)

parasympatholytic used for unstable bradycardia
atropine

drug class used to tx ADHD
stimulants

drugs that have no medical use and high potential for abuse
schedule I controlled substances/ illicit

this drug is an antispasmodic muscle relaxant that must be tapered off due to risk of seizure or hallucinations if stopped abruptly
baclofen

this muscle relaxant is also a schedule IV controlled substance
carisoprodol/SOMA

1st line abortive drug for mild to moderate HA
NSAIDs

1st line abortive drug for mod to severe migraine HA
sumatriptain/IMITREX

used in tx of non hypovolemic hypotension
norepinephrine or phenylephrine

drug used for acute mgmt. of seizure
lorazepam

used in tx of beta blocker overdose
glucagon (increases heart rate and myocardial contractility)

often used for tx of opiod use disorder. May cause QT prolongation
methadone

this opioid analgesic is used for tx of postop shivering or rigors
meperidine/ DEMEROL

antiseizure medication that carries black box warning for severe skin rxns such as Steven-Johnson syndrome
carbamazepine.

Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare, serious disorder of the skin and mucous membranes. It’s usually a reaction to medication that starts with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful rash that spreads and blisters. Then the top layer of affected skin dies, sheds and begins to heal after several days.

drug class used to tx extrapyramidal symptoms
anticholinergics

cause of menstrual associated migraine
drop in estrogen level

chronic use may cause amotivational syndrome of hyperemesis syndrome
marijuana or THC

a deadly bacterial toxin used in prevention of chronic migraine HA
botox/botulinum toxin

Pt taking epoetin alpha. What do I need to monitor?
BP, epoetin alpha can cause HTN because it can produce too many RBCs

What three meds to we prescribe to pts w/angina?
statin, ASA, nitro

If I want to self-donate blood, what would I take. 2 drugs:
Epogen and iron

If I prescribe iron, what lab to I order 1 week out?
Reticulocyte count. Rationale: reticulocytes are the immature (teen) red blood cells. A high count confirms production is being increased.
TIBC- 4 wk
Ferratin-4 wk
Hgb/hct-4wk

pt education for iron replacement
Empty stomach
with glass of OJ

when taking B12, what do we need to monitor for in first couple of days?
Hypokalemia can happen first two days as a result of increased rbc requirements during hematopoiesis

how long for NPH onset?
60-90 mins

biggest SE for tx of DM?
hypoglycemia: cold and clammy needs some candy

alcohol plus beta blockers risk?
ETOH masks s/s hypoglycemia in DM pts

switching pt from NPH(intermediate) to glargine(long-acting), what do I have to do dosing glargine?
Decrease glargine by 20% to avoid hypoglycemia

Considerations for prescribing metformin
Contrast studies= hydration status, A1C (is it working?), renal function baseline,

Gliptins (DPP-4 Inhibitors)
indirectly increase insulin production through incretin system

GLP-1 agonists MOA
-directly bind to pancreatic cells to stim insulin production
-reduce glucose output, lowering blood sugar
-slows glucose absorption into bloodstream by reducing speed of stomach emptying, increasing satiety

Angina w/o s/s, staging?
Stage I
Stage II- angina w/min exertion
Stage III- angina even without much exertion/ activity
Stage V- even at 4, ready for a CABG

Two reasons we see pts go into HF
cardiac remodeling r/t myocardial ischemia or MI

CI with flagyll
ETOH, cannot drink on flagyll

With any prescribed hepatotoxic meds, what are needed baseline labs?
AST,ALT

Most dangerous time for pregnant person to consume a teratogen
1st trimester, neural tube defects

BFing pt. When should she take a med with questionable safety?
Right after feeding baby.

What does baclofen treat?
spasticity, muscle spasms, MS, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy

Rivastigmine (Exelon)
alzheimer’s tx
daily transdermal patch

Oxycodone tolerance
If pt dev. tolerance, w go to something stronger, long-acting.

methadone monitoring parameters
EKG once a year bc QT prolongation risk

If pt is on MAOI and I want them started on an SNRI, what must we do
Need to stop for 2 weeks before starting the other

pre surgical considerations for pt’s taking oral contraceptives
Progesterone only reduces chances of clots

Midterm Exam: NUR635/ NUR 635 (Latest 2023/ 2024 Update) Advanced Pharmacology Exam Review| Questions and Verified Answers| 100% Correct – Grand Canyon
Scroll to Top