Alprazolam

Generic Name

Alprazolam

Trade Name

Xanax

Indication

anxiety, panic disorder, manage symptoms of PMS, insomnia, mania, psychosis

Action

works in CNS to produce anxiolytic effect causing CNS depression.

Therapeutic Class

antianxiety agent

Pharmacologic Class

benzodiazepine

Nursing Considerations

use caution with existing CNS depression, sleep apnea, renal dysfunction, hepatic dysfunction.

may cause CNS depression, drowsiness, lethargy

may lead to physical dependence, may experience tolerance effect

assess anxiety and mental status

Flumazenil is the antidote for overdose

Grapefruit juice may increase blood levels

Captopril

Generic Name

captopril

Trade Name

Capoten

Indication

hypertension, management of CHF, decrease progression of DM neuropathy

Action

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

Therapeutic Class

antihypertensives

Pharmacologic Class

ACE Inhibitor

Nursing Considerations

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

Amitryptiline

Generic Name

Amitryptiline

Trade Name

Elavil

Indication

depression, anxiety, insomnia

Action

increases effect of serotonin and norepinephrine in the CNS, exhibits anticholinergic effects

Therapeutic Class

antidepressant

Pharmacologic Class

tricyclic antidepressant

Nursing Considerations

contraindicated in MI, heart failure, QT prolongation, glaucoma

may increase risk for suicidal ideation

may cause arrhythmias, hypotension, EKG changes

may cause alterations in blood glucose levels

may lead to general sedation and lethargy

do not use within 2 weeks of MAOIs

Instruct pt to take medication exactly as instructed

monitor for orthostatic hypotention

may lead to photosensativity, instruct patient to use sunscreen

may turn urine blue/green color.

Ibuprofen is a very common medication . . . in fact you have probably taken it yourself!  Learn about the different risks and benefits of this medication in this episode.  Find out book “140 Must Know Meds” nclexmedoftheday.com

Diuretcs are important medications that will be given very often in your nursing career for a variety of illnesses.  Check out our book “140 Must Know Meds” medoftheday.com

Confusing heparin and insulin can have live threatening results. It might sound hard to do but think about all the similarities involved with the two medications. In this podcast I discuss documented sentinel events involving the confusion of these two medications. Image Credit: Stephen Dyrgas

Confusing heparin and insulin can have live threatening results.  It might sound hard to do but think about all the similarities involved with the two medications.  In this podcast I discuss documented sentinel events involving the confusion of these two … Continued

So, I have no idea what I want to do with my nursing career. Initially, what got me interested in nursing was the thought of becoming a CRNA.  Now, I'm not as sure.  I have my CCRN and completed the GRE today.  I was also accepted to Nurse Practitioner school but had to postpone attendance because I really am not sure what I want to do.

Vote Below - And Tell Me What Your Nursing Plans Are in the Comments

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Also, visit medoftheday.com to get our book "140 Must Know Meds"

 

Image credit: Brick Resort

Flagyl is a commonly used medication that is effective at killing bacteria it is used commonly in hospitals and ICU settings.  Check out our book “140 Must Know Meds” at medoftheday.com