MedMaster by NURSING.com

Fentanyl

Sublimaze

Supplement to general anesthesia, continuous IV infusion for purpose of analgesia

Binds to opiate receptors in CNS altering perception of pain, producing CNS depression

Opioid Analgesic

Opioid agonists

• Use caution with increased ICP, head trauma, adrenal insufficiency • Avoid use with MAOIs • May cause apnea, laryngospasm, decreased respirations, bradycardia, hypotension • Do not consume grapefruit while taking this medication • Monitor hemodynamics during administration • Assess patient pain scale frequently

Famotidine

Pepcid

Short term treatment of active ulcer, GERD, treatment of heartburn, indigestion, management of Zollinger Ellison syndrome, prevention of GI bleeding in critically ill patients, management of symptoms associated with overuse of NSAIDs

Blocks action of histamine located in gastric parietal cells, inhibits gastric acid secretion

Antiulcer agent

Histamine H2 antagonist

• May cause arrhythmias, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemias • Assess for abdominal pain and occult blood • Monitor CBC • Instruct pt to increase fluid and fiber intake to prevent constipation

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Let’s face it. Pharmacology is hard. It is one of the toughest subjects in a nursing program. So if it is on your course list this coming semester, you’re probably feeling anxious and overwhelmed already.

You’re not alone. Many students, including me, have been where you are, and some even felt like they didn’t belong to nursing school anymore.

One of the most common questions we get is; “How to study for pharmacology in nursing school”?

I totally understand this. After all, being subjected to an endless list of medications and their classifications can be stressful.

Despite being difficult, pharmacology is an extremely necessary class. This is why you need a plan to handle it successfully and pass with good grades.

If you need to boost your pharmacology grades, pay keen attention to this information as I shall discuss my top tried and tested tips on how to study for pharmacology nursing.

Escitalopram

Lexapro

Major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, PCD, PTSD, social phobia

Increases the extracellular levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft by selectively inhibiting its reuptake

Antidepressant

SSRI

• Contraindicated with MAOI • May cause suicidal thoughts, insomnia, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, serotonin syndrome • May cause QT prolongation with certain medications • Assess for sexual dysfunction • May take 4-6 weeks for full affect to take place • Monitor for serotonin syndrome (mental changes, NV, tachycardia, hyperthermia)

Erythromycin

E-Mycin

Useful in place of penicillin when patient cannot take penicillin, upper and lower respiratory tract infections, otitis media, skin infections, pertussis, syphilis, rheumatic fever

Bacteriostatic: suppresses bacterial protein synthesis

Anti-infective

Macrolide

• Causes QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias • Diarrhea • Asses infection • Monitor liver function tests • Instruct patient to finish medication dosage even if they are feeling better • Medication should not be shared

Epoetin

Epogen

Anemia

Stimulates erythropoiesis (production of RBCs)

Antianemic

Hormones

• Assess dialysis shunts

• Contraindicated in albumin hypersensitivity

• May cause

  • Seizures

  • CHF

  • MI

  • CVA

  • Hypertension

• Do not shake vial

• Initiate seizure precautions

• Monitor

  • Bleeding times

  • Signs of anemia

Epinephrine

Adrenalin, EpiPen

Asthma and COPD exacerbations, allergic reactions, cardiac arrest, anesthesia adjunct

Affects both beta1 and beta2 also has alpha agonist properties resulting in bron- chodilation and increases in HR and BP. Inhibits hypersensitivity reactions.

Antiasthmatic, bronchodilator, vasopressor

Adrenergic agonist

• Side effects include: angina, tachycardia, hypertension, restlessness, nervousness, hyperglycemia • Use with MAOI may lead to hypertensive crisis • Patients should not use stimulants (caffeine, guarana, etc) • Excessive use may cause bronchospasm • Assess lung sounds, pulse, BP, and other hemodynamic parameters • Monitor for chest pain • Instruct patient to use as directed • Patient should insure adequate fluid intake to liquefy secretions • Mouth should be rinsed after inhalation • Beta blockers may negate effects • May increase blood glucose levels

Lovenox

Prevention of VTE, DVT, and PE

Prevents thrombus formation by potentiating the inhibitory effect of antithrom- bin on factor Xa and thrombin. Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin.

Anticoagulant

Antithrombotic

• Contraindicated in pork hypersensitivity • Monitor for signs of bleeding • Administer in subcutaneous tissue • DO NOT eject air bubble prior to injection • DO NOT aspirate or massage site

Enalapril

Vasotec

hypertension, management of CHF

Block conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, increases renin levels and decreases aldosterone leading to vasodilation

Antihypertensives

ACE Inhibitor

• May cause hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions and angioedema (swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat)

• Can cause neutropenia – check WBCs regularly

• Use cautiously with potassium supplements and potassium sparing diuretics. • Use cautiously with diuretic therapy • Administer 1 hour before meals • Monitor blood pressure often • Monitor weight and fluid status • Monitor renal profile • Monitor CBC frequently • Dry cough

dopamine

Inotropin

used to improve blood pressure, cardiac output, and urine output

Smaller doses result in renal vasodilation Doses 2-10mcg/kg/min result in cardiac stimulation by acting on beta1 receptors Doses >10mcg/kg/min stimulate alpha receptors leading to vasoconstriction (↑SVR)

inotropic, vasopressor

adrenergic

• Monitor hemodynamics closely: BP, HR, EKG, CVP, and PAOP if available • Obtain parameters for hemodynamic values • Titrate to obtain appropriate BP (more potent vasoconstrictors may be required) • Irritation may occur at IV site • Beta blockers may counteract therapeutic effects