Pharmacology in Nursing Practice

  Which statement by a patient taking Celebrex (a COX-2 inhibitor) chronically indicates to the nurse the need for further teaching?
a.  “This medicine can cause bleeding in my stomach.”
b.  “The drug is ordered to decrease my pain.”
c.  “This medication will protect me from heart attacks.”
d.  “The longer I take this the higher the risk for kidney problems”

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A 39-year-old male, status post left knee replacement, is receiving Demerol (meperidine) by patient controlled analgesia pump. You suspect after 4 days of Demerol, he is becoming normeperidine toxic. Which of the following indicates normeperidine toxicity?
 a.  itching
b.  hypotensionh
c.  tremors
d.  chills and fever

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The NSAIDs are the cornerstone of treatment for pain, inflammation, and fever.  Tylenol (acetaminophen) is used for pain and fever reduction.  The opioids are used only for pain management.  Ask your questions about NSAIDS, acetaminophen, and opioids below. 

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