NUR 326 Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Meclizine, Anticholinergic, Pregnancy Category
Document Summary
The gastrointestinal system is the only system in the body open to the external environment. It is composed of one continuous tube that begins at the mouth, progresses through the esophagus > stomach > small and large intestines > and ends at the anus. Accessory organs include the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. Nausea and vomiting are the most common and uncomfortable complaints related to the gastrointestinal system. Excessive vomiting can cause dehydration and nutritional deficits. In patients who have undergone abdominal surgery or have intracranial pressure, vomiting can cause further complications. Emetics induce vomiting while antiemetics decrease or prevent nausea and vomiting: centrally acting antiemetics have a common side effect of sedation. Drugs in this category include antihistamines, dopamine agonists, anticholinergics, serotonin antagonists, benzodiazepines, glucocorticoids, and cannabinoids. Indication: to treat and prevent motion sickness, nausea and vomiting: blocks h1 receptors sites, inhibits chemoreceptor trigger zone.