Author Question: A patient will receive atracurium Tracrium during surgery for neuromuscular blockade. The nurse ... (Read 36 times)

ghost! · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A patient will receive atracurium Tracrium during surgery for neuromuscular blockade. The nurse caring for this patient will correctly perform which of the following actions?

a. Assess the patient for signs of CNS de-pression.
b. Ensure that dantrolene is available in case of a serious adverse reaction.
c. Monitor the patient's blood pressure closely.
d. Review the preprocedure laboratory values related to renal and hepatic function.

Question 2

Which statement about food and drug interactions is true?

a. Foods alter drug absorption and metabol-ism but not drug action.
b. Medications are best absorbed on an empty stomach.
c. Patient discomfort is the food and drug interaction of most concern.
d. Some foods can inhibit CYP isoenzymes and alter drug metabolism.

coreycathey · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Atracurium is used for muscle relaxation during surgery. Unlike other drugs in this class, it can cause hypotension secondary to antihistamine release. Cholinesterase inhibitors can reverse this reaction. Drugs in this class do not cause CNS depression. Dantrolene is the agent used to treat malignant hyperthermia, which is triggered by succinylcholine. Atracurium is eliminated primarily by plasma cholinesterase and not by the renal or hepatic routes.

Answer to Question 2

D
Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4, which lowers the metabolism of some drugs, leading to toxic effects of drugs affected by these isoenzymes. Foods can alter all pharmacokinetic and pharma-codynamic processes. Not all medications are absorbed better on an empty stomach; some require certain foods to enhance absorption. Patient comfort is a concern, but it is not as important as more severe and possibly life-threatening food and drug interactions.