NREMT Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Cognitive ExamPharmacologyMedium
An EMT is assisting a 78-year-old female patient with a history of hypertension and osteoarthritis who is complaining of generalized weakness and dizziness. Her blood pressure is 90/60 mmHg and heart rate is 110 bpm. She reports taking a new medication for her osteoarthritis the previous day, but cannot recall the name. Which of the following commonly prescribed medications for osteoarthritis could contribute to her current symptoms?
- ALisinopril
- BMetformin
- CIbuprofen
- DAmlodipine
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can cause fluid retention and worsen hypertension, but more importantly, it can also cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which in an elderly patient could lead to weakness and dizziness due to anemia, or even direct hypotensive effects. The other medications listed are for diabetes or hypertension and would not typically be new for osteoarthritis.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat hypertension and heart failure, not osteoarthritis.
- B. Metformin is an oral antidiabetic medication and is not used for osteoarthritis.
- D. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina, not osteoarthritis.
NSAID Side Effects
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are commonly used for pain and inflammation but can cause adverse effects, particularly in the elderly.
- Common side effects include GI irritation, bleeding, and ulcers.
- Can cause fluid retention and worsen hypertension or heart failure.
- May impair kidney function, especially in dehydrated or elderly patients.
Memory trick: Elderly patients 'N'eed 'S'pecial 'A'ttention with 'I'mmense 'D'rugs.