NURSING OFFICER EXAM BULLETS - 2, Pharmacology

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 NURSING OFFICER EXAM BULLETS  - 2

PHARMACOLOGY



  1. A drug interaction occurs when a drug given with or shortly after another drug increases or decreases the effect of either or both drugs. 
  2. Combination drug therapy is based on drug interaction; one drug may be given to complement the effects of another. 
  3. An example of combination drug therapy is administering probenecid,  which blocks the excretion of penicillin, with penicillin to maintain an adequate blood level of penicillin for a longer time. 
  4. Aspirin and codeine are commonly given in combination because together they provide greater pain relief than if either is given alone. 
  5. Drug interactions are sometimes used to prevent or antagonize certain adverse reactions. 
  6. The diuretics hydrochlorothiazide and spironolactone are often given together because hydrochlorothiazide is potassium-depleting and spironolactone is potassium-sparing. 
  7. Many drugs interact and decrease efficacy or increase toxicity, such as occurs when a tetracycline is given with drugs or foods that contain calcium or magnesium (such as antacids or milk); these bind with tetracycline in the GI tract and cause inadequate drug absorption. 
  8. When mixed with alcohol, metronidazole causes a disulfiram-like effect  involving nausea, vomiting, and other unpleasant symptoms. 
  9.  Antacids may decrease digoxin absorption. 
  10. The client taking spironolactone should avoid potassium-rich foods and potassium supplements Carbamazepine decreases blood levels of phenytoin and hormonal contraceptives.
  11. Antihypertensives should be used cautiously in clients already taking thioridazine. 
  12. Because spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, the client should avoid salt substitutes because of their high potassium content. 
  13.  Alcohol decreases phenytoin activity, diminishing its effectiveness. 
  14. While taking metronidazole to treat trichomoniasis, clients should avoid alcohol while taking the drug and not resume drinking until 2 days after finishing the drug.
  15. Phenytoin is compatible only with saline solutions; dextrose causes an insoluble precipitate to form.

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