Safe Prescribing — Flashcards

Flashcard 91: The first line managment of TCA overdose is _____

Answer: IV hypertonic sodium bicarbonate

Flashcard 92: What is the mechanism of digoxin? _____

Answer: Inhibits the Na+/K+ pump → Increased intracellular Ca2+ → Increased force of contraction Decreases AV node conduction → Decreases heart rate

Flashcard 93: Which condition is associated with ECG findings of a 'reverse tick' (sagging ST-segment depression)?\n\n_____

Answer: Digoxin toxicity

Extra: The characteristic ECG sign of digoxin is 'digitalis effect', seen as sagging ST-segment depression with a 'reverse tick' appearance. Toxicity can manifest as various arrhythmias, most commonly frequent PVCs, atrial tachycardia with AV block, or bidirectional VT.

Flashcard 94: The management of agitation & neuromuscular excitability in serotonin syndrome involves _____

Answer: benzodiazepines

Flashcard 95: Management of hypokalaemia/hypomagnesaemia in digoxin toxicity should be with _____ and intravenous Mg2+

Answer: intravenous K+

Flashcard 96: _____ can be taken in suspected digoxin toxicity if it was taken within the last 1-2 hours

Answer: Activated charcoal

Flashcard 97: Patients with suspected serotonin syndrome may be given _____ if they have taken the causative drug within the past 1-2 hours

Answer: activated charcoal

Flashcard 98: Inhibition of _____ enzymes in patients taking serotonergic drugs may cause serotonin syndrome

Answer: CYP450

Flashcard 99: What is the antidote to _____? Digoxin-specific antibody fragments (e.g. Digibind)

Answer: digoxin toxicity

Flashcard 100: Administration of _____ serotonergic drugs simultaneously may result in serotonin syndrome

Answer: multiple