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Generic Name

Bupropion

Trade Name

Wellbutrin

Indication

Depression, smoking cessation, treat ADHD in adults

Action

Not well understood, ↑ dopaminergic and noradrenergic transmission via reuptake

Therapeutic Class

Antidepressants, smoking deterrents

Pharmacologic Class

Aminoketones

Nursing Considerations

• May lead to seizures, suicidal thoughts • Do not administer if patient is taking MAOI • Use caution with renal and liver impairment • Assess mental status • Instruct patient to avoid alcohol (may lead to hallucinations, seizures, anxiety)

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Generic Name

Bismuth subsalicylate

Trade Name

Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol

Indication

Diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, H. pylori associated ulcer

Action

Stimulates the absorption of fluids and electrolytes in the intestinal wall, reduction in hypermotility of the stomach, and binds to toxins.

Therapeutic Class

Antidiarrheal, antiulcer, antacid

Pharmacologic Class

Absorbent

Nursing Considerations

• Contraindicated in aspirin hypersensitivity • Increase risk for impaction with geriatric and pediatric patients • Monitor liver profile • Bismuth may interfere with radiologic exams

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Generic Name

Bisacodyl

Trade Name

Dulcolax

Indication

Treatment of constipation, bowel regimen

Action

Stimulates enteric nerves to cause peristalsis which leads to fluid accumulation in the colon

Therapeutic Class

Laxatives

Pharmacologic Class

Stimulant laxatives

Nursing Considerations

• May lead to hypokalemia • May cause abdominal pain and cramps • Not for use within 1 hour of taking milk product • Assess for abdominal distention and bowel function • Instruct patient to drink 1500-2000 mL/day during therapy • Monitor fluid and electrolyte levels • Instruct patient to take as ordered

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Generic Name

Benztropine

Trade Name

Cogentin

Indication

Treatment for Parkinson’s disease

Action

Exhibits anticholinergic properties (blocks acetylcholine) in the CNS to reduce rigidity and tremors

Therapeutic Class

Antiparkinson agent

Pharmacologic Class

Anticholinergic

Nursing Considerations

• May lead to arrhythmias, hypotension, palpitations, and tachycardia • Anticholinergic effects like constipation, dry mouth • Assess for extrapyramidal symptoms • Instruct patient to take as directed • Instruct patient to maintain good oral hygiene

Nursing school presents a unique challenge when it comes to test-taking. You’re no longer just looking for the right answer - you’re now looking for the most right answer or multiple right answers. In this episode I am going to break down how to understand what these questions are even asking you, and our best tips for how to answer them.

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Azithromycin

Trade Name

Zithromax

Indication

URI, chronic bronchitis, lower respiratory infections, otitis media, skin infections, various STIs, prevention of bacterial endocarditis, treatment of cystic fibrosis

Action

Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis

Therapeutic Class

Agents for atypical mycobacterium, anti-infectives

Pharmacologic Class

Macrolide

Nursing Considerations

• May lead to pseudomembranous colitis, pain, diarrhea, nausea, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, angioedema • May increase risks for warfarin toxicity • Monitor patient for signs of anaphylaxis • Instruct patient to notify physician for diarrhea, or blood or pus in stool • Instruct patient to take medication exactly as prescribed

Matrix multiple-response questions on the Next Generation NCLEX (NGN) require you to select multiple correct answer options from a matrix table. Here are some tips on how to answer these types of questions.

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Atorvastatin

Trade Name

Lipitor

Indication

Management of high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), primary prevention of cardiovascular disease

Action

Lowers total cholesterol as well as LDL while slightly increasing HDL. Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase which plays a role in the liver in cholesterol formation

Therapeutic Class

Lipid-lowering agent

Pharmacologic Class

HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor

Similar Medications

Simvastatin (Zocor), rosuvastatin (Crestor)

Nursing Considerations

• Contraindicated in active liver disease • May cause rhabdomyolysis • Monitor renal function • Monitor serum cholesterol before, about 4 weeks after starting, and fre- quently during drug therapy • Monitor liver function tests • Instruct patient to report muscle weakness (sign of rhabdomyolysis)