Alzheimer Meds
(Pg. 307)
(Pg. 307)
Galantamine (Razadyne), Rivastagmine (Elexon), Donepezil (Aricept) are all ______ medications.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors
____ are most often used by adolescents and are easily purchased. They are also referred to as ”huffing” or “backing”
Inhalants
What medication is often the first when treating acute alcohol withdrawal, and then what is the second?
1. Benzodiazepines
2. Barbituates
First Ben and then Barb
Which cultural group is most at risk for violence?
LGBTQ
What is the normal BMI and what are the categories of obesity?
Underweight - Less than 18.5
Normal weight- 18.5 – 24.9
Overweight- 25.0 – 29.9
Obesity Class I (mild)- 30.0 – 34.9
Obesity Class II (moderate)- 35.0 – 39.9
Obesity Class III (severe/extreme)- 40.0 or higher
A client who has been taking galantamine (Razadyne) is newly admitted to the hospital. Which of the following medications on their home list should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Furosemide
B. Diphenhydramine
C. Lisinopril
D. Acetaminophen
Answer: B
Rationale: Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is anticholinergic, which can counteract the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors like galantamine. It may also worsen confusion in older adults with dementia.
True or False; Methamphetamine is the most commonly abused substance in the United States of America
False; it is Alcohol
In order to take this medication, a patient must be alcohol free for at least 14 days. It can cause a metallic aftertaste, hypotension, nausea, vomiting. Patient must avoid: mouthwash, vinegar, liquid meds, hand sanitizer, wine in food, etc
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
List risk factors for violence (there’s 7 listed on pg 353)
Poverty or unemployment
Inadequate resources/overcrowding
Social isolation of families
Substance abuse
Early parenthood
Inadequate Coping skills
Family member with a chronic health condition
What is the SCOFF questionnaire and what does it stand for?
It is used to screen patients for eating disorders
Sick
Control
One stone (14lb) in a 3 month period
Fat (do you believe you’re fat)
Food (does food control your life?)
The nurse is caring for a patient prescribed Namzaric. Which of the following should the nurse recognize as true about this medication?
A. It contains donepezil and galantamine
B. It is used only in early-stage Alzheimer’s
C. It combines memantine and donepezil to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s
D. It is given via transdermal patch
Answer: C
Rationale: Namzaric is a combination of memantine (an NMDA antagonist) and donepezil (a cholinesterase inhibitor), used to treat moderate to severe Alzheimer’s Disease. It is taken orally, not via patch.
Which long-term complication is most associated with chronic nicotine use?
A. Liver cirrhosis
B. Emphysema and cardiovascular disease
C. Parkinson’s disease
D. Esophageal varices
Answer: B
Rationale: Nicotine, especially through smoking, contributes to chronic bronchitis, emphysema (COPD), and heart disease due to vasoconstriction and lung damage.
The nurse is administering naltrexone (ReVia) to a client recovering from alcohol dependence. What is the primary effect of this medication?
A. Induce aversion to alcohol
B. Reduce withdrawal symptoms
C. Suppress alcohol cravings and reduce the “high” from alcohol
D. Prevent liver damage from alcohol
Answer: C
Rationale: Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors, which reduces alcohol cravings and diminishes the euphoric effect of alcohol. It does not cause aversive reactions like disulfiram.
During an exam, a 4-year-old child tells the nurse, “My stepdad plays the no-clothes game when mom is gone, but I don’t like it.” What is the most appropriate initial action by the nurse?
A. Immediately call the parent for clarification
B. Tell the child to stop imagining things
C. Document the child’s statement and report to child protective services
D. Perform a full-body exam to check for signs of abuse
Answer: C
Rationale: This is a clear disclosure of possible sexual abuse. The nurse must document verbatim and report it immediately per mandatory reporting laws. Do not investigate or question further.
After a bariatric surgery, what does the patient’s diet look like? (Four stages)
Clear liquid diet 1 week
Pured foods 2-3 weeks
Soft foods 4-7 weeks
Solid foods after 8 weeks
A patient with AD has difficulty swallowing oral medications and crushing them into pudding does not always work. Which of the following AD medications would best suit this patient?
A. Rivastigmine (Elexon)
B. Donepezil (Aricept)
C. Memantine (Namenda)
D. Galantamine (Razadyne)
A. Rivastigmine (Elexon) because it is available in patch form
The nurse is caring for a patient who presents with nasal septum erosion, tachycardia, and dilated pupils. These findings are most consistent with:
A. Methamphetamine use
B. Cocaine use
C. Inhalant use
D. Opioid overdose
Answer: B
Rationale: Cocaine is often snorted, leading to nasal septum damage. It also causes SNS stimulation: dilated pupils, tachycardia, and hypertension.
Which medication is available in a monthly IM injection?
Vivitrol (extended release Naltrexone)
A nurse is assessing an elderly woman in the ED who is accompanied by her daughter. The patient avoids eye contact, has old and new bruises in various healing stages, and flinches during physical assessment. What is the best nursing action?
A. Ask the daughter to explain how the injuries happened
B. Document the injuries and discharge the patient if stable
C. Interview the patient alone and report findings as suspected abuse
D. Call security to monitor the situation
Answer: C
Rationale: These are red flags for physical abuse. The nurse must interview the patient in private, document objectively, and report according to facility protocol.
What mood stabilizer is the first choice for treating bulimia?
Topamax (Topiramate)
An adult diagnosed with stage 2 Alzheimer’s Disease begins a new prescription for Rivastagmine (Elexon). Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority to add to the plan of care.
A. Risk for Constipation
B. Impaired perception
C. Impaired oral mucous membrane
D. Risk for impaired nutritional status
D. Risk for impaired nutritional status
When starting Rivastigmine (Exelon)—a cholinesterase inhibitor commonly used to treat Alzheimer’s—it may also cause GI side effects such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, or weight loss, further increasing the risk of impaired nutritional status.
A teen is brought to the ER after inhaling glue. Which immediate physical complication should the nurse monitor for?
A. Bradycardia and pinpoint pupils
B. Respiratory depression and liver failure
C. Cardiac arrhythmias and SSD
D. Polycythemia and muscle pain
Answer: C
Rationale: Inhalants (like glue, spray paint) can cause myocardial sensitization to catecholamines, leading to fatal arrhythmias—a phenomenon known as “sudden sniffing death.”
A client on methadone maintenance presents to the clinic and is drowsy with pinpoint pupils. What should the nurse do first?
A. Reassure the client and allow them to rest
B. Administer oxygen and notify the provider immediately
C. Increase fluid intake and monitor
D. Skip the dose and document that the patient is abusing their medication
Answer: B
Rationale: These are signs of opioid toxicity or overdose. The nurse should support airway, administer oxygen, and notify the provider immediately. Naloxone may be needed.
What is the cycle of violence?
Honeymoon phase
Tension building phase
Serious bartering-phase
Medications should not be offered as the sole treatment for Binge Eating Disorder however ________ are recommended
Fluoxetine (Prozac) - SSRI’s
Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine) - CNS Stimulant
Antiepeleptics (Like topamax/topiramate, Valporic Acid/Depakote, Carbamazepine/Tegredol, etc)
Dasotraline - SNDRI