NURS 125 Key Concepts Final Exam PDF

**Key Medications and Their Uses** 1. **Acromegaly**: - **Octreotide (Sandostatin)**: Reduces growth hormone secretion. Typically used for symptoms like enlarged extremities or organs due to excessive hormone production. 2. **Metastatic Carcinoid Tumor**: - **Octreo...

**Key Medications and Their Uses** 1. **Acromegaly**: - **Octreotide (Sandostatin)**: Reduces growth hormone secretion. Typically used for symptoms like enlarged extremities or organs due to excessive hormone production. 2. **Metastatic Carcinoid Tumor**: - **Octreotide**: Reduces bowel symptoms like diarrhea by inhibiting hormone release. 3. **Hair Thinning**: - **Minoxidil (Rogaine)**: A topical treatment that stimulates hair growth. Must be applied consistently, and results are visible after several weeks. Systemic absorption may cause tachycardia or fluid retention. 4. **Pre-op Skin Prep**: - Avoid **povidone-iodine (Betadine)** if the patient is allergic to shellfish, as iodine in seafood can trigger similar allergic responses. 5. **Hypothyroidism**: - **Levothyroxine (Synthroid)**: A synthetic thyroid hormone taken **in the morning before food** to mimic natural thyroid hormone secretion. **Drug Classifications** - **Levothyroxine (Synthroid)**: **Synthetic thyroid hormone** for hypothyroidism. - **Albuterol (Proventil)**: **Short-acting beta-2 agonist bronchodilator** for asthma/COPD. - **Ibuprofen (Motrin)**: An **NSAID** for pain, fever, and inflammation. Avoid in patients with gastric ulcers or kidney issues. - **Omeprazole (Prilosec)**: A **proton pump inhibitor (PPI)** for GERD, heartburn, or ulcers. **Patient Teaching** - **Hepatitis B Prevention**: - The **HBV vaccine (Engerix-B)** provides the best protection. It requires multiple doses. - **Influenza Vaccine**: - Full immunity develops about **two weeks** after the vaccine is administered. Annual vaccination is recommended. - **Eardrop Administration**: - Always warm eardrops to **room temperature** before application to avoid dizziness. - For adults: Pull the ear **up and back**. - For children under three: Pull the ear **down and back.** **Adverse Effects & Warnings** - **Zidovudine (Retrovir)**: - Used for HIV. The major **dose-limiting side effect** is **bone marrow suppression**, leading to anemia and infection risk. - **Topical Tretinoin (Retin-A)**: - May cause **skin redness, peeling, itching, or sun sensitivity**. Recommend sunscreen and moisturizing products. - **Silver Sulfadiazine (Silvadene)**: - Used for burns but contraindicated in **sulfa allergies**. Apply a thin layer only to clean, debrided wounds. **Special Conditions** - **Shingles (Herpes Zoster)**: - Use **topical acyclovir (Zovirax)**. Educate the patient on handwashing and avoiding contact with others during active lesions. - **Impetigo**: - Treat with **bacitracin**, a topical antibiotic for bacterial skin infections. - **Diabetes Insipidus**: - Managed with **desmopressin (DDAVP)** to control excessive urination by concentrating urine. Avoid **lithium**, which reduces its effectiveness. **Endocrine Disorders** - **Hyperthyroidism**: - **Propylthiouracil (PTU)** slows thyroid hormone synthesis. Instruct the patient to avoid foods high in iodine, such as seafood or iodized salt. - **Hypothyroidism**: - **Levothyroxine** takes **3--4 weeks** to achieve therapeutic levels. Encourage adherence and explain delayed onset. - **Radioactive Iodine**: - Effective for **hyperthyroidism**, not hypothyroidism. It works by destroying overactive thyroid cells. **Eye and Ear Medications** - **Ophthalmic Medications**: - **Latanoprost (Xalatan)**: Treats glaucoma and may cause **permanent iris darkening.** - **Timolol (Timoptic)**: Apply in the **conjunctival sac** (not directly onto the cornea) to reduce intraocular pressure. - **Ear Preparations**: - Avoid using otic drops in patients with a **perforated eardrum**, unless specifically indicated. **Burn and Wound Care** - **Silver Sulfadiazine**: - Apply thinly with a **sterile, gloved hand** to clean, debrided burn areas. Do not overapply as it may delay wound healing. **Miscellaneous Tips** - **Eardrop Contraindications**: - Avoid with **draining ears** or suspected tympanic membrane perforation. - **Antiglaucoma IV Drugs**: - **Mannitol (Osmitrol)** is used for emergency intraocular pressure reduction if other treatments fail. - **Topical Isotretinoin**: - Monitor for **mental health changes** (e.g., depression) and reinforce contraception use due to teratogenic risks.