Pharmacology & Medication Management Flashcards
7 cards from real CO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pharmacology & Medication Management flashcards as text
A patient with diabetes mellitus is prescribed metformin. Which orthotic consideration is MOST important when fitting this patient?
Answer: Monitor for signs of peripheral neuropathy affecting sensation
Metformin is used for type 2 diabetes, which commonly causes peripheral neuropathy, reducing sensation and increasing ulceration risk in orthotic fitting.
Which class of medications can cause osteoporosis as a long-term side effect, directly impacting orthotic prescription goals?
Answer: Corticosteroids
Long-term corticosteroid use reduces bone mineral density, increasing fracture risk and making orthotic offloading and protection critical.
A patient taking warfarin presents for a lower extremity orthosis fitting. What special precaution should the orthotist take?
Answer: Use extra padding to minimize skin breakdown and bleeding risk
Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases bleeding risk, so extra padding reduces the likelihood of skin breakdown that could lead to significant bleeding.
NSAIDs like ibuprofen are commonly taken by orthotic patients. Which systemic side effect is MOST relevant to long-term orthotic use?
Answer: Renal impairment and fluid retention causing edema
NSAIDs can cause renal impairment and fluid retention, leading to lower extremity edema that affects orthotic fit and requires frequent reassessment.
A patient on gabapentin for neuropathic pain reports dizziness and impaired balance. What is the MOST appropriate orthotic response?
Answer: Consider gait aids and fall-prevention orthotic strategies
Gabapentin commonly causes dizziness and ataxia; orthotic planning should incorporate fall-prevention strategies such as gait aids and appropriate stability devices.
Which medication class used for rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint laxity and soft tissue fragility that directly impacts orthotic design?
Answer: Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids cause skin thinning, soft tissue fragility, and reduced collagen synthesis, requiring carefully padded and trimmed orthotics to prevent injury.
A patient treated with bisphosphonates for osteoporosis presents with an atypical femoral fracture. How should this influence the orthotic management?
Answer: Provide a protective KAFO to offload the femoral shaft during ambulation
Atypical femoral fractures associated with bisphosphonate use require protective orthotics such as a KAFO to offload the fracture site and support ambulation.