This is a short video podcast that covers some of the most common mistakes I see new nurses and students make when starting IV’s. [button url=”https://www.nursing.com//course/iv-insertion-intravenous/?utm_medium=website&utm_source=blog&utm_campaign=how%20to%20start%20an%20iv%20″] Learn How To Start an IV Here[/button]

Cyclosporine

Generic Name

cyclosporine

Trade Name

Sandimmune

Indication

prevention of rejection in transplantation, treatment of severe RA, management of ulcerative colitis

Action

inhibits normal immune response

Therapeutic Class

immunosuppresants, antirheumatics (DMARD)

Pharmacologic Class

polypeptides (cyclic)

Nursing Considerations

may cause seizures, tremors, hypertension, hepatotoxicity, diarrhea, N/V, gingival hyperplasia

increases immune suppression with corticosteroids

avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medications

assess for signs of organ rejection

monitor renal panel, liver enzymes

take medication as directed

lifelong therapy required for transplant patients

instruct pt on how to take blood pressure

A quick video to outline some of the common mistakes I see students and nurses make when starting IV’s. Check out NursingStudentBooks.com to see all of our study resources.

One of the hardest parts about being a nurse is that we are constantly introduced to new situations.  It is always challenging to know what we should be focusing on and how to prioritize our care. It is important for … Continued

Cortisone

Generic Name

cortisone

Trade Name

Cortone

Indication

management of adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's Disease).

Action

Replace cortisol in states of deficiency, suppress inflammation and normal immune response.  The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys.  The adrenal glands excrete steroid hormones, including cortisol that play a role in increasing blood sugars, immune suppression, and metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates, as well as decreasing bone formation.

Therapeutic Class

antiasthmatics, corticosteroids

Pharmacologic Class

corticosteroids

Nursing Considerations

Excreted by the liver - monitor liver profile

Avoid in active untreated infections

may cause CNS alterations

may cause peptic ulcers

may cause Cushingoid appearance (buffalo hump, moon face)

Weight gain

Osteoporosis

Decrease wound healing

May elevate blood sugars

May increase cholesterol and lipid values

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Hey guys . . . in this episode of the prioritization series I discuss PAIN . . . that’s right.  And why it is sometimes better to NOT give any pain medication. I am a very firm believer in assessing pain and administering pain medication . . . however, there are circumstances when pain meds […]

Codeine

Generic Name

codeine

Trade Name

Paveral

Indication

management of pain, diarrhea, cough suppressant

Action

Binds to opiate receptors in the CNS and alters perception of pain while producing a general depression of the CNS.  This depression also causes a decrease in the cough reflex and GI motility.

Therapeutic Class

allergy, cold, cough remedy, antitussive, opioid analgesic

Pharmacologic Class

opioid agonist

Nursing Considerations

may cause alterations in mentation, hypotension, constipation, nausea, vomiting

assess BP, pulse, and respiratory rate prior to administration and frequently during administration

use caution if patient is receiving MAO Inhibitors

Narcan (naloxone) is the antidote for opioid agonists

Clopidogrel

Generic Name

clopidogrel

Trade Name

Plavix

Indication

atherosclerotic events, MI, CVA, PVD, acute coronary syndrome

Action

inhibits platelet aggregation

Therapeutic Class

Antiplatelet agent

Pharmacologic Class

platelet aggregation inhibitors

Nursing Considerations

may cause GI bleeding, neutropenia, hypercholesterolemia

may increase risk for bleeding in warfarin, aspirin, heparin

can increase risk for bleeding with garlic, ginkgo, ginger

monitor for signs of bleeding

monitor bleeding times

monitor CBS and platelet count

discontinue use 5-7 days before surgery

Episode #2 in our prioritization series.  Today we discuss the ABCs of nursing.  It is really impossible to say this is LESS important than patient safety because in reality the two go hand in hand with each other so closely … Continued