Benzodiazepines Pharmacology Quiz

Benzodiazepines

• Increase the action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, reducing neuron excitability
• Used for anxiety, seizures, and substance use withdrawal
• Examples: Lorazepam, Diazepam, Alprazolam, Midazolam
• Adverse reactions include hypotension, respiratory depression, dizziness, memory impairment, and decreased vital signs
• Nursing implications include monitoring vital signs, respiratory status, and level of consciousness (LOC)
• Patient education involves slow position changes, driving restrictions, avoidance of alcohol and other CNS depressants, and reporting adverse effects

Non-Benzodiazepines

• Cause CNS depression and neurotransmitter inhibition
• Used for insomnia
• Example: Zolpidem Tartrate
• Adverse reactions include drowsiness, dizziness, memory impairment, and complex sleep behaviors
• Nursing implications include administering at bedtime, ensuring adequate sleep time, and advising against abrupt discontinuation
• Patient education includes avoidance of alcohol and other CNS depressants, monitoring for complex sleep behaviors, and advising against long-term use

Local Anesthetics

• Block pain by preventing nerve impulse conduction
• Used for topical, infiltrate, and nerve block anesthesia
• Example: Lidocaine Hydrochloride
• Adverse reactions include local skin reactions, prolonged loss of sensation, hypotension, and respiratory depression
• Nursing implications include monitoring vital signs, urine output, and LOC
• Patient education includes potential numbness, removing patches after 12 hours, and monitoring for sensation changes

NSAIDs

• Inhibit COX-1 and COX-2, reducing pain and inflammation
• Used for inflammatory conditions, fever reduction, and pain control
• Examples: Ibuprofen (non-selective), Celecoxib (selective)
• Adverse reactions include bleeding, anemia, renal failure, GI upset, and dizziness
• Nursing implications include monitoring vital signs and for signs of bleeding, complete medication history, and pain assessment
• Patient education includes taking with food, avoiding alcohol and certain medications, reporting GI bleeding symptoms, and increasing fluid intake

Salicylates

• Inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, reducing inflammation, fever, pain, and blood clotting
• Used for fever reduction, pain relief, and inflammation
• Example: Aspirin
• Adverse reactions include bleeding, hearing loss, tinnitus, and GI upset
• Nursing implications include monitoring for bleeding and salicylism symptoms, and patient education on avoiding certain medications
• Patient education includes reporting ringing in ears (salicylism symptoms), bleeding prevention measures, avoiding specific medications, and avoiding NSAIDs

Anti-Gout

• Used to treat gout and hyperuricemia, inhibiting uric acid crystal formation
• Example: Allopurinol
• Adverse reactions include elevated liver enzymes and adverse events
• Nursing implications include monitoring uric acid levels, educating on dietary restrictions (purines), and monitoring for kidney or liver failure symptoms
• Patient education includes dietary restrictions, proper medication schedule, and reporting potential adverse effects

Non-Opioid Analgesics

• Weakly inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, decreasing pain sensation and temperature
• Used for pain and fever reduction
• Example: Acetaminophen
• Adverse reactions include elevated liver enzymes, and potentially serious adverse events
• Nursing implications include monitoring liver function tests, patient education on proper dosing(especially in those who are frail, elderly, or take many other medicines), and avoiding alcohol
• Patient education includes proper dosing, avoiding alcohol, and reporting persistent pain

Opioids

• Cause CNS depression and pain inhibition
• Used for moderate to severe pain
• Example: Morphine
• Adverse reactions include respiratory depression, hypotension, drowsiness, and constipation
• Nursing implications include close vital signs, respiratory status, and LOC monitoring
• Patient education includes managing constipation, avoiding alcohol, and reporting adverse effects

Opioid Antagonists

• Displace opioids from receptors, reversing their effects
• Used for opioid overdose
• Example: Naloxone
• Adverse reactions include tachycardia, hypertension, and others
• Nursing implications include monitoring for opioid withdrawal, and having naloxone readily available
• Patient education includes anticipating pain return, and non-pharmacological pain management strategies

Anti-Migraine Agents

• Cause vasoconstriction of cranial arteries to treat migraines
• Example: Sumatriptan
• Adverse reactions include increased BP, decreased HR, thromboembolism, and others
• Nursing implications include monitoring patient vitals, and having appropriate information
• Patient education includes taking at initial migraine onset, migraine diary, and avoiding triggers