Chapter 44: Anti-Inflammatory Test, Pharmacology for Nurses: Practical Applications
The key terms in this Pharmacology course include Anti-Inflammatory Test, Patient, Nurse, Acid, Adverse Effect, Pharmacology, Action, Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Inhibiting Prostaglandin Production, Gout, Colchicine, Medication, Acetic Acid Derivative Indomethacin
What is the mechanism of action of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)?
Increasing blood flow to painful areas
Enhancing pain perception
Inhibiting prostaglandin production
Increasing the supply of natural endorphins
Prostaglandins are produced in response to activation of the arachidonic pathway. NSAIDs work by blocking cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2), the enzyme responsible for conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Decreasing the synthesis of prostaglandins results in decreased pain and inflammation.
The nurse is educating a patient with gout. The nurse explains the action of colchicine to the patient. What statement is accurate in discussing the therapeutic action of the medication?
Decreases mobility of leukocytes
Decreases production of lactic acid
Increases process of phagocytosis
Increases uric acid metabolism
Colchicine works by inhibiting the metabolism and migration of leukocytes into joints affected by gout, thus resulting in decreased inflammation.
The acetic acid derivative indomethacin has what properties? (Select all that apply.)
Antinausea
Anti-inflammatory
Anticonvulsant
Antirheumatic
Antipyretic
The nurse would question a prescription to administer misoprostol to a patient with what condition?
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Pregnancy
Peptic ulcer
Misoprostol is an abortifacient and thus is contraindicated in pregnancy.
When teaching a patient about potential adverse effects of NSAID therapy, the nurse will teach the patient to immediately notify the health care provider of what effect?
Mild indigestion
Nonproductive cough
Diarrhea
Black tarry stools
A major adverse effect of NSAID therapy is gastrointestinal (GI) distress with potential GI bleeding. Black or tarry stools are indicative of a GI bleed.
The nurse is administering probenecid to a patient with recurrent strep throat. The nurse teaches the patient that the reason for taking this medication is for what drug effect?
Increase uric acid excretion
Inhibit bacterial growth and replication
Prolong the effectiveness of penicillin therapy
Prevent the occurrence of gout
Besides its use for the treatment of the hyperuricemia associated with gout and gouty arthritis, probenecid also has the ability to delay the renal excretion of penicillin, thus increasing serum levels of penicillin and prolonging its effect.
What nursing diagnosis is appropriate for a patient prescribed colchicine?
Constipation related to adverse effect of the medication
Risk for infection related to medication-induced leukocytosis
Risk for injury related to adverse effect of life-threatening seizures
Risk for fluid volume deficient related to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Colchicine is administered on an hourly basis until pain is relieved, the patient develops severe nausea and diarrhea, or the maximum dose (6 mg) has been administered. Bleeding into the GI or urinary tracts is a potential serious adverse effect of colchicine.