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Spotlight Series Blog Podcasts

Episode 41 – Medication – Side Effects

Scott Giles PT, DPT, MBA
Posted 01/07/2025

Watch the video version of this Q&A episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/PD-7ufwv9yY

A physical therapist notes the tendency of a patient to become dizzy and lightheaded with any positional change after starting a new medication. Which of the following medications would MOST likely produce the described side effects?

1. Furosemide (Lasix)
2. Clopidogrel (Plavix)
3. Warfarin (Coumadin)
4. Simvastatin (Zocor)

Transcript


Welcome back to the Scorebuilders’ Question and Answer Podcast! This podcast provides members of the Scorebuilders’ team with the opportunity to explore challenging multiple-choice examination questions with students actively preparing for the licensing examination. My name is Scott Giles and I will be your host for today’s journey.

Ready? Let’s go!

A physical therapist notes the tendency of a patient to become dizzy and lightheaded with any positional change after starting a new medication. Which of the following medications would MOST likely produce the described side effects?

1. Furosemide (Lasix)
2. Clopidogrel (Plavix)
3. Warfarin (Coumadin)
4. Simvastatin (Zocor)

Pharmacology
Physical therapists must be aware of potential side effects of commonly utilized pharmacological agents. Knowledge of the unique side effects of a particular medication provides critically important information for physical therapists when determining appropriate patient care activities. This action dramatically reduces the probability of an adverse event.

Let’s explore each of the options:

Option 1 - Furosemide (Lasix)
Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic agent. 
Diuretics increase the formation and excretion of urine and can be used as antihypertensive medications since they decrease the volume of fluid within the vascular system.

Orthostatic hypotension may occur as a side effect due to the fluid depletion produced by these medications.

Option 2 - Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an antithrombotic agent. 

Antithrombotic agents inhibit platelet aggregation and clot formation. 

Clopidogrel (Plavix) – Side Effects

  • Hemorrhage
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Potential liver toxicity with the use of aspirin
  • Gastrointestinal distress

Side effects include hemorrhage, thrombocytopenia, potential liver toxicity with the use of aspirin, and gastrointestinal distress. 

Dizziness and lightheadedness are not characteristic side effects of antithrombotic agents.

Option 3 - Warfarin (Coumadin)
Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant agent. Anticoagulant agents inhibit platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. 

Side effects include hemorrhage, increased risk of bleeding, and gastrointestinal stress with oral medication. 

Dizziness and lightheadedness are not characteristic side effects of anticoagulant agents.

Option 4 - Simvastatin (Zocor)
Simvastatin (Zocor) is an antihyperlipidemia agent known as a statin. Statins inhibit enzyme action in cholesterol synthesis, break down low-density lipoproteins, decrease triglyceride levels, and increase high-density lipoprotein levels. 

Side effects include headache, gastrointestinal distress, myalgia, and skin rash.

Dizziness and lightheadedness are not characteristic side effects of antihyperlipidemia agents.

The correct answer is Option 1

Let’s explore the all student data:
48% of students selected Option 1, Furosemide (Lasix), the correct response
7% of students selected Option 2, Clopidogrel (Plavix)
35% of students selected Option 3, Warfarin (Coumadin)
10% of students selected Option 4, Simvastatin (Zocor)

System Classification
This question is a Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems question which represents approximately 14% of all exam items.

Content Outline Classification
This question is a Foundations for Evaluation, Differential Diagnosis, and Prognosis question which represents approximately 33% of all exam items.

Level Classification
This question is a Level 1 question since the question requires students to possess basic foundational academic knowledge. Remediation of Level 1 questions occurs through academic review of entry-level content using textbooks, review books, Basecamp, and flash cards.

Academic Focus Area
Looking to review related academic content? Check out pages 425-426 in PTEXAM: The Complete Study Guide.

Thanks for joining us on the Scorebuilders Q and A podcast! See you next week!

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