Fentanyl: Transdermal, Transmucosal, Epidural, and Overdose Risks
Transdermal Fentanyl: Risk of Respiratory Depression
Why do we say that once a transdermal fentanyl patch is removed, the patient is still at risk of respiratory depression? How long does it persist?
Fentanyl forms a depot in the connective tissue of the skin, which continues to release the drug for approximately 17 hours after patch removal. The risk of respiratory depression persists for up to 24 hours after stopping treatment, so continued monitoring is essential.
Disadvantages of Transdermal Fentanyl
Read MoreUnderstanding the Stress Response and Its Effects
The Stress Response
The stress response allows us to get ready for vigorous activity and is perfectly normal. All the physiological responses involved in stress are catabolic; they help mobilize the body’s energy stores. The sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) becomes active, causing the adrenal medulla to secrete epinephrine (adrenaline), resulting in:
- Increased glucose availability and metabolism (energy stores become available)
- Increased cardiovascular output and blood flow
Urinary System: Kidneys, Bladder, and Ureters
Urinary System
Composed of the kidneys (urine-forming organs) and their means of disposal (calyces, renal pelvis, ureter, bladder, and urethra).
Kidneys
They are located in the abdominal cavity, supported on the posterior abdominal wall in its most superior part. The abdominal wall is formed by the psoas and the quadratus lumborum muscles (one behind the other) from the last rib to the iliac crest. These two muscles form the posterior abdominal wall, and both kidneys rely on them at the top. They are
Read MoreEvidence-Based Oral Health: A Clinician’s Guide
Evidence-based oral health focuses on the systematic and rational integration of evidence from scientifically and clinically relevant oral health studies, the clinician’s clinical experience, and the patient’s needs and preferences.
Formulating a Focused Question: PICO
Use the PICO framework (Patient/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) to formulate a focused question.
Critical Analysis Based on Hierarchy of Evidence
Base your critical analysis on the hierarchy of evidence, including meta-analyses,
Read MoreWorkplace Health and Safety: Hazards and Prevention
Working Conditions
Any feature of the work that might have a significant influence on the generation of safety hazards and worker health.
Health |
A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of affection or disease. |
Occupational Health |
Courses of action to promote and maintain a degree of welfare and health among the workers and their workplace. |
Negative |
Mismatches—physical, mental, psychic—that can cause illness or accidents. |
Occupational Hazard |
Increases the |
Autonomic Nervous System and Common Neurological Diseases
The Autonomic Nervous System
- The sympathetic system prepares the body to cope with stressful situations, alarm, or situations that require effort, thus increasing energy expenditure.
- In contrast, the parasympathetic system produces relaxation of the body, generally leading to a decrease in energy consumption.
Major Diseases of the Nervous System
Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Alzheimer’s