Medical Reactions or Conditions Flashcards

As part of the resident's flu treatment, the MA-C is giving the resident guaifenesin. Which of the following reactions would the MA-C see to show the efficacy of the treatment?

Answer: The resident’s cough is looser and more productive

Guaifenesin is an expectorant medication that works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways. This action makes coughs more productive, helping to clear phlegm from the lungs. Therefore, the efficacy of guaifenesin is best shown when the resident's cough becomes looser and more productive, facilitating mucus removal.

What is the mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) mode of action?

Answer: Mycophenolate mofetil is an immunosuppressant used to prevent organ rejection.

Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) is a powerful immunosuppressant drug. Its primary mode of action is to inhibit the proliferation of lymphocytes, which are key cells in the immune system's response. This makes it highly effective in preventing the body's immune system from rejecting transplanted organs, its main therapeutic use.

What antibiotic is preferred for strep pharyngitis if the patient is not allergic?

Answer: Penicillin

Penicillin is the preferred antibiotic for treating Group A Streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis, commonly known as strep throat, in patients without a penicillin allergy. It is highly effective against GAS bacteria, has a narrow spectrum, and is generally well-tolerated. Other antibiotics are typically reserved for patients with allergies or resistant infections.

Which drug from the list below is NOT antineoplastic?

Answer: Alendronate

Antineoplastic drugs are medications specifically designed to treat cancer by inhibiting the growth and spread of malignant cells. Carmustine, Gemcitabine, and Etoposide are all chemotherapy agents used in cancer treatment. Alendronate, however, is a bisphosphonate used primarily to treat osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone, making it not an antineoplastic drug.

Which medications fall within the category of vitamin K antagonists?

Answer: Anticoagulants

Vitamin K antagonists are a class of anticoagulant medications that interfere with the liver's ability to produce vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Warfarin is a prime example of such a drug. By reducing the synthesis of these clotting factors, they effectively thin the blood and prevent the formation of harmful blood clots.

Which of the following drugs could be used to treat a candida infection in a 12-year-old child?

Answer: Fluconazole

Fluconazole is an antifungal medication commonly used to treat various fungal infections, including Candida infections (candidiasis). It is effective against systemic and mucosal candidiasis and is often prescribed for children. Clindamycin, Ampicillin, and Tobramycin are antibacterial agents and would not be effective against a fungal infection.

Which of the following conditions does Acyclovir best treat?

Answer: HSV 1 and 2 VZV

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication specifically effective against herpes simplex viruses (HSV-1 and HSV-2), which cause oral and genital herpes, and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes chickenpox and shingles. It works by inhibiting viral DNA replication. It is not typically used for influenza, HIV, or CMV.

Which of the following drug classes has FDA approval for the treatment of hyperactivity in autistic kids?

Answer: Atypical Anti-Psychotics

Atypical antipsychotics, such as risperidone and aripiprazole, are the only class of medications currently FDA-approved for treating irritability and hyperactivity associated with autism spectrum disorder in children. While other medications might be used off-label for specific symptoms, atypical antipsychotics have demonstrated efficacy and approval for these core behavioral challenges.

After prior exposure to a medication, what type of adverse drug reaction can occur?

Answer: Allergic reaction

An allergic reaction to a medication occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a drug as a harmful substance after prior exposure, leading to sensitization. Upon re-exposure, the immune system mounts a response, causing symptoms like rash, hives, swelling, or even anaphylaxis. This type of reaction specifically requires prior exposure to trigger the immune response.

What might a person with diabetes encounter if they experience a reaction to their diabetes medication that is related to the dosage?

Answer: Hypoglycemia

Diabetes medications, particularly insulin or certain oral hypoglycemic agents, are designed to lower blood glucose levels. If the dosage is too high, or if the patient doesn't consume enough carbohydrates, these medications can cause an excessive drop in blood sugar, leading to hypoglycemia. This is a common and serious dose-related adverse effect of diabetes treatment.

A common adverse drug reaction that can be anticipated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is:

Answer: Stomach irritation

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are involved in pain and inflammation. However, COX-1 also plays a role in protecting the stomach lining. Inhibiting COX-1 can lead to common adverse effects like stomach irritation, heartburn, ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding, making stomach irritation a highly anticipated reaction.