A: acetylcholinesterase inhibitor – prevents cholinesterase from inactivating acetylcholine
S: GI Sx [cramps, diarrhea], drooling, bradycardia, muscle twitching
What are some nursing care and teaching to be given with a client on Pyridostigmine?
Given PO, IV, IM, SQ; dose varies according to pt need
Administer meds 1 hr AC (30min onset so that muscle strength to eat and decrease aspiration risk & inc absorption of food
Hold med for HR < 60
Monitor respiratory status
Encourage pt to keep symptom diary
Does w/ caution in those w/ asthma d/t bronchoconstriction
Atropine = antidote
What is Edrophonium (Tensilon)?
P: increase available Ach at myoneural junction by preventing breakdown; used a dx test for MG
A: acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
S: bronchospasm, arrhythmias, sweating, cramping
What are some nursing care considerations for the administration of edrophonium (tensilon)?
Administer 2 mg of edrophonium IV; if no adverse rx give the remaining 8 mg within 5 min
If there is improved muscle strength lasting ~ 10 min, the test is positive to MG
Pt on cardiac monitor & emergency airway equipment available
Airway @ risk d/t respiratory muscle weakness
Monitor d/t bradycardia/asystole/VF
Have deliberator/pacer available
What is the primary tx med for Parkinson's?
Levodopa/carbidopa
What is levodopa and cardipoda?
Levodopa: medication for Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa: medication used with levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease.
P: primary tx for PD
A: metabolic precursor of dopamine combined with carbidopa to cross BBB to restore dopamine lvls in the brain
S: dyskinesias [abnormal involuntary movement ~ head bobbing, lip-smacking/grimacing], orthostatic hypotension, arrhythmias, N/V, constipation; many food & drug interactions
What are some nursing care considerations for the patient on levodopa/carbidopa?
Safety precautions ~ unsteady gait w/ orthostasis increases fall risk; contraindicated in glaucoma
Observe for sudden loss of effectiveness
Medication teaching
Take ontime; don’t skip or stopsuddenly or will have a PD crisis