Antitussives Typically Contain An Ingredient Called Codeine Which Can Make You Tired. Essay Samples

1. Harold calls the office complaining that ever since he was prescribed rifampin at the TB clinic, his urine is orange. How would you explain this to him, and is it of concern?
This is a common side effect of the antibiotic and he should not be concerned with it. However, I would mention he should not use soft contact lenses as his orange secretions will permanently stain the contacts and that if he is sweating to not wear light colored clothing.
2. Wilma has cystic fibrosis, she complains about the frequency of treatments and dislikes taking medication. She wonders why she has to take antibiotics if she is not sick. What would you tell her?
Cystic fibrosis increases the amount of mucus that the body makes. These secretions make it easier for bacteria to get trapped and cause infection. The treatments she is receiving is to help break up this mucus so that is does not obstruct her airways. The antibiotics she is taking is to prevent future infections, as the increased mucus puts her at an increased risk.
3. Sandi is a busy working mother. She is asking for antibiotics because she cannot afford to get sick and is quite angry that the physician will not prescribe them for her. What would you say to her?
Antibiotics should not be taken unless a patient has an active infection or is at an increased risk for infection, such as a patient diagnosed with cystic fibrosis or AIDS. Taking antibiotics when they are not needed decreased the number of normal flora your body contains is decreased. The human body naturally houses different strains of bacteria that combat the dangerous, infectious pathogens. To decrease or eliminate the natural flora allow the pathogens to take over and cause infections. Instead, Sandi should review her hygiene, avoidance of others that are sick, get as much rest as she can, and maintain a healthy diet.
4. Julian has COPD. He wants to know why the more oxygen he uses, the worse he feels. What would you say to him?
COPD is emphysema and chronic bronchitis combined. Chronic bronchitis is a build up of mucus, causing an obstruction in the airway. Conversely, emphysema occurs when oxygen can travel down through the airways but cannot be expelled on inspiration. Julian has no trouble getting oxygen in, only letting the oxygen out. Therefore, oxygen therapy does not make Julian feel any better.
5. Charlotte has a cold with a productive cough. She has been prescribed an antitussive to be used only at bedtime. She states that it helps so much so much that she is going to use it around the clock. How would you counsel her?

6. Butler is having gastric bypass surgery, and the surgeon is removing most of Mr. Butterworth’s stomach. How will that affect the absorption of drugs he takes?
Depending on the drugs Butler is prescribed, his gastric bypass may affect the drugs absorption. If his drugs require his stomach acids to break them down, then his absorption of the drug will be decreased.
7. Cliff wants to lose weight. He wants to be put on Xenical but continue his lifestyle. What do you teach him?
Xenical blocks the absorption of fats and Cliff may notice his stool to be of a very greasy texture because the fat is going straight through the digestive tract. Also he should check with his doctor if he has any conditions that are contraindicated in the use of Xenical.
8. Marilyn takes Dulcolax every night to a have bowel movement. Is this a good practices? Why or why not?
Dulcolax is a stool softener. It is ok for Marilyn to take it every night. If it where a laxative, I would have the opposite advice, as chronic use of laxatives can cause a dependence on the drug. I would also recommend her to try Metamucil, a fiber powder she can add to water to drink during the day to help.
9. Joyce says that her mother always drank milk to treat her stomach ulcer. She does not understand why she is taking antibiotics and told not to use milk to treat the ulcer. What would you say?
Many antibiotics contraindicate the ingestion of dairy products and can only be ingested two hours before or after the dosage, not with the antibiotic. Also, milk will not be effective in coating her stomach and some stomach ulcers are caused by a bacteria, in which milk will not help.
10. What risks for peptic ulcers involve lifestyle, not genetics? What lifestyle changes should a patient with a peptic ulcer make?
Modifiable factors for peptic ulcers include stress, caffeine, smoking, acidic foods, chronic NSAID use without food, and alcohol. If a patient has a peptic ulcer, I would suggest he/she decrease the appearance of such factors in his or her life to the best of his/her abilities.
Watkins, C., & Beaman, N. (2013). Pharmacology clear & simple a guide to drug classifications
and dosage calculations (2nd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis.
11 Research Activity. In a one page essay explain the importance of infection control measures when using a Nebulizer. Two references
Nebulizers are used to deliver medicine in the form of a mist for various respiratory infections including COPD, asthma, and cystic fibrosis. The medicine is in liquid form and in poured into a machine that turns the liquid into mist and the patient then inhales slow, deep breaths through the mouthpiece until the liquid is gone, which takes between 10 and 15 minutes. It is important to clean the nebulizer, particularly the mouthpiece after each and every time it is used (Hadjiliadis). The patient is using the device for a specific reason, they are treating some sort of respiratory illness, whether it be infectious or not. Bodily secretions, specifically saliva, carry microorganisms. When these microorganisms remain on the mouthpiece, there is a risk of bacteria colonization and growth. The next time the piece is used, the patient is at risk for developing a lung infection. This is a concern because the patient is already susceptible to infection and his or her respiratory is already compromised with the illness he or she is treating with the nebulizer (Hadjiliadis).
After each use, the mouthpiece and the cup that holds the medicine should be disconnected and rinsed with warm, running water for at least 30 seconds (All About Nebulizers). After rinsing, shake off the excess water and air dry the components of the system on a clean cloth or paper towel. Once the mouthpiece and cup appear dry, connect the parts to the system and run the machine for 10-20 seconds to dry the inside of the nebulizer. Additionally, at least once a day the above steps should be completed using mild dishwashing soap to ensure the bacteria have been eliminated (All About Nebulizers).
All About Nebulizers. (n.d.). Retrieved April 23, 2015, from
http://getasthmahelp.org/nebulizers.aspx
Hadjiliadis, D. (2014, February 8). COPD - how to use a nebulizer: MedlinePlus Medical
Encyclopedia. Retrieved April 23, 2015, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000699.htm