BASIC PHARMACOLOGY
Which antiparkinsonism drug is a dopamine precursor that crosses the blood-brain barrier?
Levadopa
Levodopa/carbidopa is primarily used to treat what disorder?
Parkinson disease
A patient taking an opioid develops slow, shallow respirations. What adverse effect is occurring?
Respiratory depression
Combining opioids with alcohol or other CNS depressants can increase the risk of what?
Severe sedation and respiratory depression
What should a patient taking an opioid be taught about driving or operating machinery?
Avoid these activities until the medication's effects are known; opioids can cause sedation and impaired coordination.
Carbidopa is combined with levodopa primarily to do what?
Prevent peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain.
Cyclobenzaprine is commonly prescribed for what type of condition?
Acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions associated with muscle spasms
What serious adverse effect can occur with neuromuscular blocking agents if respiratory support is inadequate?
Respiratory paralysis/apnea
Why should patients taking baclofen generally avoid abruptly stopping the medication?
Abrupt withdrawal can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, including hallucinations, seizures, or rebound spasticity.
What should a patient know after receiving a local anesthetic?
Protect the numb area from injury and avoid eating or drinking until sensation has returned when appropriate.
Baclofen is classified as what type of medication?
Skeletal muscle relaxant/antispasticity agent
Lidocaine is an example of what type of anesthetic and can be used for what purpose?
Local anesthetic; produces localized loss of sensation for procedures
What cardiovascular adverse effect may occur with levodopa, especially when changing positions?
Orthostatic hypotension
Why must a patient receiving a neuromuscular blocking agent be mechanically ventilated or otherwise provided respiratory support when needed?
The drug can paralyze respiratory muscles while the patient remains unable to breathe effectively.
What should a patient using a transdermal or other long-acting opioid understand about medication safety?
Use the medication exactly as prescribed and keep it secured away from children and others; avoid exposing certain patches to external heat.
Which opioid antagonist is commonly used to reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression?
Naloxone
Which medication is a partial opioid agonist commonly used to treat opioid use disorder?
Buprenorphine
What potentially life-threatening reaction can occur during or after administration of certain general anesthetics and is characterized by rapidly increasing temperature and muscle rigidity?
Malignant hyperthermia
A patient taking levodopa/carbidopa is prescribed an antipsychotic medication. Why should the nurse use caution?
Some antipsychotics block dopamine and may worsen Parkinson symptoms.
A patient prescribed naloxone asks, "Why do I need this if I'm taking my opioid exactly as prescribed?" What is the best response?
Naloxone is an emergency medication that can rapidly reverse opioid-induced respiratory depression if an overdose occurs.
Neuromuscular junction blocking agents cause skeletal muscle paralysis by interfering with what neurotransmitter?
Acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction
Which type of anesthesia causes loss of sensation without necessarily causing loss of consciousness?
Local/regional anesthesia
What common adverse effect of muscle relaxants can increase a patient's risk for falls?
Drowsiness/sedation
A patient receiving an opioid becomes difficult to arouse and has a respiratory rate of 7/min. What is the nurse's priority?
Support airway/breathing and prepare to administer naloxone according to protocol/order.
What should patients receiving opioid use disorder treatment understand about stopping medication such as methadone or buprenorphine?
Do not stop abruptly; treatment changes should be made with the healthcare provider because withdrawal and relapse/overdose risks can occur.