Hypothalamic & Pituitary Agents
This posterior pituitary hormone is used in the treatment of diabetes insipidus.
What is desmopressin (DDAVP)?
Long-term corticosteroid therapy can cause this endocrine disorder.
What is Cushing’s syndrome?
This drug is used to replace deficient thyroid hormone in hypothyroidism.
What is levothyroxine (Synthroid)?
This type of insulin has no peak and provides a steady basal level.
What is long-acting insulin (glargine)?
Patients prescribed corticosteroids should be taught to report these signs of infection immediately.
What are fever, sore throat, or unusual fatigue?
Growth hormone (somatropin) should be used cautiously in patients with this condition.
What is closed epiphyses (in children) ?
Nurses should teach patients to never do this abruptly when taking corticosteroids.
What is stop the medication (must taper slowly)?
Levothyroxine should be taken at this time of day for best absorption.
What is in the morning on an empty stomach?
Metformin, a first-line oral antidiabetic drug, carries a risk of this rare but dangerous side effect.
What is lactic acidosis?
When teaching a patient starting insulin therapy, the nurse should emphasize rotating injection sites to prevent this complication.
What is lipodystrophy
Excess use of vasopressin may cause this cardiovascular complication.
What is hypertension or angina/MI?
Corticosteroids can decrease the effectiveness of this important class of medications for diabetics.
What are antidiabetic agents (insulin, oral hypoglycemics)?
Antithyroid drugs such as methimazole may cause this serious blood disorder.
What is agranulocytosis?
Sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide) stimulate the pancreas to release insulin, but may cause this common adverse effect.
What is hypoglycemia?
Patients taking levothyroxine should be taught it may take this long to see full therapeutic effects.
What is 4–6 weeks?
Name one drug interaction to be aware of when giving desmopressin.
What is carbamazepine (increases ADH effect) or lithium (decreases ADH effect)?
Patients on corticosteroids are at higher risk for this complication and should be taught infection prevention.
What is immunosuppression?
Hypocalcemia may result after the removal of this gland.
What is the parathyroid gland?
Beta-blockers may mask this key symptom of hypoglycemia.
What is tachycardia?
A patient taking corticosteroids should be taught to take the medication at this time of day to reduce insomnia.
What is in the morning with food?
A patient receiving somatropin should have this monitored regularly to track effectiveness.
What is height/linear growth in children?
Corticosteroids can interact with this common OTC medication, increasing the risk for GI bleeding.
What are NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin)?
Name one drug interaction to watch for with levothyroxine.
What are anticoagulants (↑ bleeding risk)
A patient taking metformin should stop the drug temporarily before and after this diagnostic test.
What is IV contrast dye studies
Patients prescribed insulin should always carry this item with them in case of hypoglycemia.
What is a source of fast-acting glucose (e.g., glucose tablets, juice)?