35 Questions
What is a characteristic of osteoporosis?
Spongy and not as dense bone
What is the primary cause of pain and inflammation in gout?
Uric crystals buildup in the joints
What is the therapeutic class of Colchicine?
Antigout
What is a common adverse effect of Colchicine?
Bone marrow suppression
Why is Colchicine reserved for certain clients?
Because it is reserved for clients who cannot tolerate safer agents
What is the recommended route of administration for Colchicine?
Oral with food and a full glass of water
What is a nursing consideration for clients taking Colchicine?
Monitor for signs of bleeding and bruising
What is the primary goal of using Colchicine to treat gout?
To reduce the incidence of acute attacks
What is a common location for gout attacks?
Big toe
Why is it important to take Colchicine with food and a full glass of water?
To reduce the risk of GI toxicity
What is the primary goal of administering calcium salts to patients with hypocalcemia?
To return calcium serum levels to normal
Which of the following is a major contraindication for the use of calcium salts?
Hypercalcemia
What is the mechanism of action of alendronate (Fosamax)?
Suppressing the activity of osteoclasts
Which of the following is a rare adverse effect of alendronate (Fosamax)?
Osteonecrosis of the jaw
What is the primary therapeutic use of hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)?
Managing autoimmune disorders
What is the primary adverse effect of methotrexate?
All of the above
What is the primary goal of administering allopurinol?
To inhibit uric acid production
What is the primary nursing consideration for patients taking alendronate (Fosamax)?
Taking the medication with a full glass of water
What is the primary laboratory test to monitor for patients taking methotrexate?
All of the above
What is the primary patient education for patients taking allopurinol?
Avoiding high-purine foods
What is the main reason why patients with osteoporosis may exhibit symptoms of hypercalcemia?
Because calcium is not being deposited into the bones
What is the primary difference between the treatment of acute gout attacks and chronic gout?
The goal of reducing the incidence of acute attacks
Why is it crucial to monitor patients taking Colchicine for signs of bleeding and bruising?
Because of the risk of bone marrow suppression
What is the primary benefit of taking Colchicine with food and a full glass of water?
To decrease the risk of GI toxicity
What is the main characteristic of osteoporosis that distinguishes it from other musculoskeletal disorders?
The weakened and spongy bone structure
Why is Colchicine reserved for certain clients who cannot tolerate safer agents?
Due to its narrow safety margin
What is the primary benefit of using antidiarrheal agents in conjunction with Colchicine?
To reduce the risk of GI toxicity
What is the primary reason for administering calcium salts in the morning?
To prevent irritation of the esophagus
What is the primary action of alendronate (Fosamax) on osteoclasts?
Suppressing their activity
What is the primary mechanism of action of hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)?
Relieving inflammation
What is the primary reason for monitoring liver function tests in patients taking allopurinol?
To detect hepatitis
What is the primary goal of administering methotrexate in patients with autoimmune disorders?
To manage the autoimmune disorder
What is the primary reason for encouraging patients taking allopurinol to avoid foods high in purine?
To reduce uric acid production
What is the primary adverse effect of methotrexate that requires monitoring of liver function tests?
Hepatic toxicity
What is the primary reason for taking hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) with milk?
To reduce the risk of GI distress
Study Notes
Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Osteoporosis: a condition characterized by weakened bone that is spongy and not as dense, causing symptoms of hypercalcemia since calcium is not being deposited into the bone.
Hypocalcemia and Hypercalcemia
- Hypocalcemia: a condition characterized by low calcium levels in the blood.
- Hypercalcemia: a condition characterized by high calcium levels in the blood, causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, nausea, and vomiting.
Gout
- Gout: a condition characterized by uric crystals building up in the joints, causing pain and inflammation, most commonly in the big toe.
- Prototype drug: Colchicine (Therapeutic class: Antigout drug; Pharmacologic Class: Anti-inflammatory agent)
- Actions and uses: reserved for clients who cannot tolerate safer agents, decreases inflammation caused by gout, and reduces the incidence of acute attacks for chronic gout.
Calcium Salts
- Prototype drug: Calcium Salts (Therapeutic class: Calcium Supplement; Pharmacologic Class: Hypocalcemia agent)
- Actions and uses: used for mild hypocalcemia and osteoporosis, and for severe cases, returns calcium serum levels to normal with constant monitoring of serum calcium.
- Administration alerts: take with meals or within 1 hour following meals, and with a full glass of water.
Biphosphonates
- Mechanism of action: suppresses the activity of osteoclasts, breaking down bone and putting calcium into the bloodstream.
- Prototype drug: Alendronate (Fosamax) (Therapeutic class: Drug for Osteoporosis; Pharmacologic Class: Biphosphonate)
- Actions and uses: decreases the number and action of osteoclasts, inhibiting bone resorption.
- Adverse effects: esophageal irritation, GI issues, hypocalcemia, and osteonecrosis of the jaw (rare).
DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs)
- Prototype drug: Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) (Therapeutic class: Antirheumatic drug; Antimalarial; Pharmacologic Class: Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDs))
- Actions and uses: relieves severe inflammation.
- Adverse effects: anorexia, GI disturbances, hair loss, headache, mood changes, and ocular effects.
Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors
- Prototype drug: Allopurinol (Therapeutic class: Antigout Agent; Pharmacologic Class: Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitor)
- Actions and uses: inhibits uric acid production, used for chronic gout.
- Administration alerts: encourage intake of 2-3 liters of fluid a day, monitor I&O, uric acid levels, CBC, Urinalysis, and liver and kidney function tests.
- Adverse effects: kidney disorder, hepatitis, and GI distress.
Test your knowledge of musculoskeletal disorders and medications, including hypocalcemia, hypercalcemia, osteoporosis, and gout. Learn about the signs and symptoms of these disorders and the medications used to treat them.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
