Public32 cardsby @donk

Pharmacology Basics

Major drug classes, mechanisms of action, common indications, common side effects, and key nursing or patient considerations.

Cards (32)

1
Front
What is the mechanism of action of beta-1 selective adrenergic blockers (e.g., metoprolol)?
Back
They selectively block beta-1 receptors in the heart, reducing heart rate, myocardial contractility, and blood pressure.
2
Front
What are the common indications for ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril)?
Back
Hypertension, heart failure, diabetic nephropathy, and post-myocardial infarction management.
3
Front
What is the hallmark side effect of ACE inhibitors that may require switching to an ARB?
Back
A dry, persistent cough caused by accumulation of bradykinin.
4
Front
What is the mechanism of action of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins)?
Back
They inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis, lowering LDL levels.
5
Front
What serious adverse effect must nurses monitor for in patients taking statins?
Back
Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis, indicated by muscle pain, weakness, and elevated creatine kinase levels.
6
Front
What is the primary mechanism of action of benzodiazepines?
Back
They potentiate the effect of GABA at the GABA-A receptor, increasing chloride ion influx and producing CNS depression.
7
Front
What are the common indications for benzodiazepines?
Back
Anxiety disorders, seizure management, alcohol withdrawal, procedural sedation, and insomnia.
8
Front
What reversal agent is used for benzodiazepine overdose?
Back
Flumazenil, a competitive benzodiazepine receptor antagonist.
9
Front
How do loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide) work?
Back
They inhibit the Na-K-2Cl cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle, preventing sodium and water reabsorption.
10
Front
What electrolyte imbalance is a major concern with loop diuretic therapy?
Back
Hypokalemia, which can precipitate dangerous cardiac arrhythmias, especially in patients also taking digoxin.
11
Front
What is the mechanism of action of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, e.g., omeprazole)?
Back
They irreversibly inhibit the H+/K+ ATPase pump in gastric parietal cells, blocking the final step of acid secretion.
12
Front
What is the difference between bactericidal and bacteriostatic antibiotics?
Back
Bactericidal antibiotics kill bacteria directly; bacteriostatic antibiotics inhibit bacterial growth, relying on the immune system to eliminate them.
13
Front
What is the mechanism of action of penicillins and cephalosporins?
Back
They inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis by binding to penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), preventing cross-linking of peptidoglycan.
14
Front
What patient history is essential to obtain before administering a cephalosporin?
Back
History of penicillin allergy, due to possible cross-reactivity (approximately 1-2% cross-reaction rate).
15
Front
What is the mechanism of action of aminoglycoside antibiotics (e.g., gentamicin)?
Back
They bind to the 30S ribosomal subunit, causing misreading of mRNA and inhibiting bacterial protein synthesis.
16
Front
What are the two major toxicities associated with aminoglycoside antibiotics?
Back
Nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity (hearing loss and vestibular damage).
17
Front
What is the mechanism of action of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?
Back
They inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxane.
18
Front
Why should NSAIDs be used cautiously in patients with renal impairment or heart failure?
Back
NSAIDs reduce prostaglandin-mediated afferent arteriolar dilation, decreasing renal perfusion and potentially worsening renal function and fluid retention.
19
Front
What is the mechanism of action of opioid analgesics (e.g., morphine)?
Back
They bind to mu, kappa, and delta opioid receptors in the CNS and periphery, inhibiting pain signal transmission and altering pain perception.
20
Front
What is the antidote for opioid overdose and how does it work?
Back
Naloxone (Narcan); it competitively antagonizes opioid receptors, rapidly reversing respiratory depression, sedation, and analgesia.
21
Front
What is the mechanism of action of SSRIs (e.g., sertraline)?
Back
They selectively inhibit the presynaptic serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT), increasing serotonin availability in the synaptic cleft.
22
Front
What life-threatening condition can result from combining SSRIs with other serotonergic agents?
Back
Serotonin syndrome, characterized by hyperthermia, agitation, tremor, myoclonus, and autonomic instability.
23
Front
What is the mechanism of action of insulin in glucose regulation?
Back
Insulin binds to its receptor, activating tyrosine kinase signaling, which promotes GLUT-4 translocation and glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue.
24
Front
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia that nurses must teach insulin-dependent patients?
Back
Shakiness, diaphoresis, tachycardia, confusion, pallor, and hunger; treated with 15g of fast-acting carbohydrates if conscious.
25
Front
What is the mechanism of action of warfarin?
Back
It inhibits vitamin K epoxide reductase, preventing the regeneration of active vitamin K needed for synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X.
26
Front
What lab value is used to monitor warfarin therapy and what is the typical therapeutic range?
Back
The INR (International Normalized Ratio); typical therapeutic range is 2.0 to 3.0 for most indications.
27
Front
What is the mechanism of action of calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem)?
Back
They block L-type voltage-gated calcium channels, reducing calcium entry into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, causing vasodilation and decreased cardiac contractility.
28
Front
What are the common indications for corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)?
Back
Inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, asthma exacerbations, allergic reactions, and immunosuppression post-transplant.
29
Front
What are key long-term side effects of systemic corticosteroid use?
Back
Hyperglycemia, osteoporosis, adrenal suppression, weight gain, Cushing's syndrome features, immunosuppression, and delayed wound healing.
30
Front
What is the mechanism of action of thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)?
Back
They inhibit the Na-Cl cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule, reducing sodium and water reabsorption.
31
Front
What is the mechanism of action of digoxin in heart failure and atrial fibrillation?
Back
It inhibits Na+/K+ ATPase, increasing intracellular calcium and myocardial contractility; it also enhances vagal tone to slow AV conduction.
32
Front
What signs indicate digoxin toxicity, and what factor increases its risk?
Back
Toxicity signs include nausea, visual disturbances (yellow-green halos), bradycardia, and arrhythmias; hypokalemia significantly increases toxicity risk.

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