MedMaster by NURSING.com

Visit: https://nursing.com/140meds to request your free copy of "140 Must Know Meds"

Diphenhydramine

Benadryl

Allergy, anaphylaxis, sedation, motion sickness, antitussive

Antagonizes effects of histamine, CNS depression

Allergy, cold and cough remedy, antihistamine, antitussive

Antihistamine

• May cause drowsiness, anorexia, dry mouth, nausea, chest tightness, thick secretions, hypotension, blurred vision, headache • Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, sedation) • Assess purpose of medication prior to giving it • Assess allergies, sleep patterns, cough and lung sounds • Patient should avoid other over-the-counter cough and cold remedies

If you want to further improve your test-taking skills, we have a FREE webinar for you - 5 Insanely Easy NCLEX Test-Taking Tips for Nursing Students.

Sign up HERE!

If you're a nursing student preparing for the NCLEX, it's important to have a solid understanding of the categories and subcategories that make up the exam. In this video, we're breaking down each of the categories and subcategories that you'll encounter on the NCLEX.

We'll provide you with a detailed overview of each category, including the key topics and concepts you need to know for success on the exam. From Safe and Effective Care Environment to Psychosocial Integrity, this episode covers all of the categories and subcategories that you need to master to become a licensed nurse.

Whether you're a first-time test taker or preparing for a retake, this episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to pass the NCLEX. So sit back, take notes, and get ready to learn everything you need to know about the NCLEX categories and subcategories

Visit: https://nursing.com/140meds to request your free copy of "140 Must Know Meds"

Diltiazem

Cardizem

Hypertension, angina, SVT, AFib, aflutter

Inhibits calcium transport resulting in inhibition of excitation and contraction, leads to depression of AV and SA node leading to decreased HR, leads to vasodi- latation and decreased blood pressure.

Antianginals, antiarrhythmics, antihypertensive

Ca Channel Blocker (Benzothiazepine)

• Contraindicated in 2nd and 3rd AV block • May cause arrhythmias, CHF, bradycardia, peripheral edema, gingival hyperplasia • Increases digoxin levels • Don't drink grapefruit juice • Assess for signs of CHF • Monitor EKG continuously • Tell patient to change positions slowly • Monitor serum potassium • Instruct pt on how to take blood pressure

Visit: https://nursing.com/140meds to request your free copy of "140 Must Know Meds"

Digoxin

Lanoxin

CHF, AFib, A-flutter

Positive inotropic effect (increases force of myocardial contraction), prolongs refractory period, ↓ conduction through SA and AV nodes. Essentially digoxin is given to increase cardiac output and slow the rate.

Antiarrhythmic, inotropics

Digitalis glycosides

• Excreted by kidneys • Assess patient for hypersensitivity • Contraindicated with uncontrolled ventricular arrhythmias • Hypokalemia increase risk for toxicity • Hypercalcemia ↑ risk for toxicity • Use caution with diuretic use as they may cause electrolyte abnormalities that can lead to toxicity • Assess patient for cardiac arrhythmias including bradycardia • Signs of toxicity include vision changes (blurred vision, yellow, green vision disturbances) • Monitor pulse rate for 1 full minute prior to dosing patient (hold for pulse

Visit: https://nursing.com/140meds to request your free copy of "140 Must Know Meds"

Diazepam

Valium

Anxiety, pre-op sedation, conscious sedation, treatment of seizures, insomnia, management of alcohol withdrawal

Decreases the effects of voltage gated sodium channels to depresses the CNS

Antianxiety agents, anticonvulsants, sedative/hypnotics, skeletal muscle relax- ants (centrally acting)

Benzodiazepine

• Contraindicated in hepatic dysfunction • Use caution with renal impairment • Can cause dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, hypotension, physical depen- dence, tolerance • Instruct patient to take as directed • Caution to avoid alcohol use • Flumazenil (Romazicon) is the reversal agent

If you want to further improve your test-taking skills, we have a FREE webinar for you - 5 Insanely Easy NCLEX Test-Taking Tips for Nursing Students.

Sign up HERE!

 Preparing for the NCLEX can be a daunting task, but focusing on the right categories can help you feel more confident and better prepared for the exam. In this video, we're breaking down the NCLEX categories that you should prioritize in your studying before taking the exam.

We'll discuss the most commonly tested categories on the NCLEX, and provide you with tips and strategies to help you master each one. Whether you're a first-time test taker or retaking the exam, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you pass the NCLEX and become a licensed nurse.

Don't let the NCLEX stress you out any longer. Tune in to this episode and learn how to effectively prioritize your studying to focus on the categories that matter most for success on the NCLEX. 

If you want to further improve your test-taking skills, we have a FREE webinar for you - 5 Insanely Easy NCLEX Test-Taking Tips for Nursing Students.

Sign up HERE!

Are you a nursing student looking for ways to ace your exams and succeed in your program? In this episode, we're sharing 5 proven test-taking tips that will help you improve your grades and perform your best on nursing school exams.

From effective study strategies to simple test-taking techniques, these tips are designed to help you overcome test anxiety, retain information, and approach your exams with confidence. Whether you're a first-year nursing student or getting ready to take your NCLEX exam, these tips will be valuable additions to your study routine.

So sit back, take notes, and get ready to take your nursing school test-taking skills to the next level with these 5 proven tips.

Visit: https://nursing.com/140meds to request your free copy of "140 Must Know Meds"

Dexamethasone

Decadron

Manage cerebral edema, assess for Cushing's Disease

Suppress inflammation and normal immune response. Used in inflammatory states to decrease inflammation.

Antiasthmatics, corticosteroids

Corticosteroids

• 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

Visit: https://nursing.com/140meds to request your free copy of "140 Must Know Meds"

Cyclosporine

Sandimmune

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

Inhibits normal immune response primarily by decreasing the activity of T cells

Immunosuppressant, antirheumatics (DMARD)

Polypeptides (cyclic)

• 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

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I am excited to bring to you the NURSING.com SOCK Method, with proven tips to help you master pharmacology. When I surveyed 200 nursing students, 66% said that their most difficult subject was nursing pharmacology. However, the issue is often overlooked.

There are a lot of schools that don't have dedicated pharmacology courses and instead roll it up into other parts of the program. But that is devastating to me because the one thing we do more than almost anything else in our careers as nurses is give medication.

So today I'm gonna introduce you to something called the SOCK Method for mastering nursing pharmacology. We are doubling down on our focus on pharmacology in this podcast. After listening to this, I am confident that you will be able to become a master of nursing pharmacology.

SOCK Method

• S – Side Effects
• O – Organs
• C – Class/Considerations/Cards
• K – Know (or Must Know)
• The Correct Order