Nursing Tips

Pharmacology (102)

Clotrimazole is a medication often used to treat athlete's foot (tinea pedis).

Clotrimazole

Cathy Parkes

Clotrimazole is a medication often used to treat athlete's foot (tinea pedis). 

Clotrimazole

Cathy Parkes

Clotrimazole is a medication often used to treat athlete's foot (tinea pedis). 

Primary use of Lactulose

Primary use of Lactulose

Cathy Parkes

Lactulose is a laxative, but it is primarily used to decrease AMMONIA levels in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.

Primary use of Lactulose

Cathy Parkes

Lactulose is a laxative, but it is primarily used to decrease AMMONIA levels in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.

In most states, scheduled medications (i.e., those with risk for abuse) cannot be called in over the phone, and refills are not permitted.

Scheduled Medications

Cathy Parkes

In most states, scheduled medications (i.e., those with risk for abuse) cannot be called in over the phone, and refills are not permitted.

Scheduled Medications

Cathy Parkes

In most states, scheduled medications (i.e., those with risk for abuse) cannot be called in over the phone, and refills are not permitted.

Educate patients taking tetracyclines that it is important to avoid dairy products, foods high in calcium and iron, and antacids, as these decrease the absorption of the antibiotic.

Tetracyclines: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients taking tetracyclines that it is important to avoid dairy products, foods high in calcium and iron, and antacids, as these decrease the absorption of the antibiotic.

Tetracyclines: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients taking tetracyclines that it is important to avoid dairy products, foods high in calcium and iron, and antacids, as these decrease the absorption of the antibiotic.

Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline) should not be used in pregnant/breastfeeding patients. Due to the risk for permanent tooth discoloration, it should also be avoided in children under 8 years old.

Tetracyclines

Cathy Parkes

Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline) should not be used in pregnant/breastfeeding patients. Due to the risk for permanent tooth discoloration, it should also be avoided in children under 8 years old.

Tetracyclines

Cathy Parkes

Tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline) should not be used in pregnant/breastfeeding patients. Due to the risk for permanent tooth discoloration, it should also be avoided in children under 8 years old.

Because albumin increases the fluid volume and osmotic pressure of the intravascular space, assess for signs of fluid overload, and be sure not to give this medication to a patient experiencing heart failure.

Albumin

Cathy Parkes

Because albumin increases the fluid volume and osmotic pressure of the intravascular space, assess for signs of fluid overload, and be sure not to give this medication to a patient...

Albumin

Cathy Parkes

Because albumin increases the fluid volume and osmotic pressure of the intravascular space, assess for signs of fluid overload, and be sure not to give this medication to a patient...

Time-critical scheduled medications (e.g., antibiotics) need to be given within 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time.

Time-critical scheduled medications

Cathy Parkes

Time-critical scheduled medications (e.g., antibiotics) need to be given within 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time.

Time-critical scheduled medications

Cathy Parkes

Time-critical scheduled medications (e.g., antibiotics) need to be given within 30 minutes before or after the scheduled time.

Clopidogrel, a platelet aggregate inhibitor, helps to prevent myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Clopidogrel

Cathy Parkes

Clopidogrel, a platelet aggregate inhibitor, helps to prevent myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome. 

Clopidogrel

Cathy Parkes

Clopidogrel, a platelet aggregate inhibitor, helps to prevent myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome. 

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Cathy Parkes

Omeprazole and Pantoprazole are Proton Pump Inhibitors used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers, GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. HINT: I will take Omeprazole and pray my ulcer pain goes away....

Proton Pump Inhibitors

Cathy Parkes

Omeprazole and Pantoprazole are Proton Pump Inhibitors used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers, GERD, and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. HINT: I will take Omeprazole and pray my ulcer pain goes away....

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or malaria may require use of the medication hydroxychloroquine. Because this medication can cause agranulocytosis, monitor CBC levels during therapy.

Hydroxychloroquine

Cathy Parkes

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or malaria may require use of the medication hydroxychloroquine. Because this medication can cause agranulocytosis, monitor CBC levels during therapy.

Hydroxychloroquine

Cathy Parkes

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or malaria may require use of the medication hydroxychloroquine. Because this medication can cause agranulocytosis, monitor CBC levels during therapy.

A patient who reports "sulfa" allergies should not be given sulfonamide antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole.

Sulfa Allergies

Cathy Parkes

A patient who reports "sulfa" allergies should not be given sulfonamide antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole.

Sulfa Allergies

Cathy Parkes

A patient who reports "sulfa" allergies should not be given sulfonamide antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole.

Anticholoinergic side effects

Anticholoinergic side effects

Cathy Parkes

Good way to remember anticholinergic side effects: Can't see, can't pee, can't spit, can't s**t.

Anticholoinergic side effects

Cathy Parkes

Good way to remember anticholinergic side effects: Can't see, can't pee, can't spit, can't s**t.

Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas

Cathy Parkes

Glipizide and glyburide are Sulfonylureas used to treat type 2 Diabetes. HINT: Think of riding down a slide, as your blood sugar comes down with this medication. Key side effect...

Sulfonylureas

Cathy Parkes

Glipizide and glyburide are Sulfonylureas used to treat type 2 Diabetes. HINT: Think of riding down a slide, as your blood sugar comes down with this medication. Key side effect...

Educate patients taking proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole) to report watery diarrhea, as these medications can cause C. diff by decreasing stomach acid production.

Proton Pump Inhibitors: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients taking proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole) to report watery diarrhea, as these medications can cause C. diff by decreasing stomach acid production.

Proton Pump Inhibitors: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Educate patients taking proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, pantoprazole) to report watery diarrhea, as these medications can cause C. diff by decreasing stomach acid production.

A patient with a Central Venous Catheter (CVC) should have the dressing changed 24 hours after insertion and weekly thereafter (or per facility policy) using sterile technique.

Central Venous Catheter (CVC)

Cathy Parkes

A patient with a Central Venous Catheter (CVC) should have the dressing changed 24 hours after insertion and weekly thereafter (or per facility policy) using sterile technique.

Central Venous Catheter (CVC)

Cathy Parkes

A patient with a Central Venous Catheter (CVC) should have the dressing changed 24 hours after insertion and weekly thereafter (or per facility policy) using sterile technique.

QD or Q.D. is an abbreviation meaning "daily."

QD & Q.D.: Error-Prone Abbreviations

Cathy Parkes

QD or Q.D. is an abbreviation meaning "daily." However, it is an error-prone abbreviation as it may be confused with QOD (every other day) or QID (four times a day). Instead,...

QD & Q.D.: Error-Prone Abbreviations

Cathy Parkes

QD or Q.D. is an abbreviation meaning "daily." However, it is an error-prone abbreviation as it may be confused with QOD (every other day) or QID (four times a day). Instead,...

Bethanechol, used to treat non-obstructive urinary retention, stimulates cholinergic receptors

Bethanechol

Cathy Parkes

Bethanechol, used to treat non-obstructive urinary retention, stimulates cholinergic receptors

Bethanechol

Cathy Parkes

Bethanechol, used to treat non-obstructive urinary retention, stimulates cholinergic receptors

Because atropine has anticholinergic side effects, it is often administered during surgery to decrease secretions.

Atropine: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

Because atropine has anticholinergic side effects, it is often administered during surgery to decrease secretions.

1 comment

Atropine: Nursing Care

Cathy Parkes

Because atropine has anticholinergic side effects, it is often administered during surgery to decrease secretions.

1 comment
A patient taking ethambutol for tuberculosis should be educated to have regular vision screenings and report changes in vision to the prescriber.

Ethambutol: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

A patient taking ethambutol for tuberculosis should be educated to have regular vision screenings and report changes in vision to the prescriber.

Ethambutol: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

A patient taking ethambutol for tuberculosis should be educated to have regular vision screenings and report changes in vision to the prescriber.

Because spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, monitor the patient for signs of hyperkalemia. Educate patients to avoid salt substitutes, as most of these contain potassium.

Spironolactone

Cathy Parkes

Because spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, monitor the patient for signs of hyperkalemia. Educate patients to avoid salt substitutes, as most of these contain potassium.

Spironolactone

Cathy Parkes

Because spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, monitor the patient for signs of hyperkalemia. Educate patients to avoid salt substitutes, as most of these contain potassium.

Adenosine (Adenocard) is a Class V antiarrhythmic medication used for supraventricular tachycardia.

Adenosine

Cathy Parkes

Adenosine (Adenocard) is a Class V antiarrhythmic medication used for supraventricular tachycardia.

Adenosine

Cathy Parkes

Adenosine (Adenocard) is a Class V antiarrhythmic medication used for supraventricular tachycardia.

Neutrophils

Filgrastim

Cathy Parkes

Filgrastim is a medication used to stimulate the growth of neutrophils in patients with neutropenia.

Filgrastim

Cathy Parkes

Filgrastim is a medication used to stimulate the growth of neutrophils in patients with neutropenia.

Because oxybutynin is used to treat overactive bladder by inhibiting acetylcholine in the bladder, assess for anticholinergic symptoms. These include dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, and blurred vision.

Oxybutynin

Cathy Parkes

Because oxybutynin is used to treat overactive bladder by inhibiting acetylcholine in the bladder, assess for anticholinergic symptoms. These include dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, and blurred vision.

Oxybutynin

Cathy Parkes

Because oxybutynin is used to treat overactive bladder by inhibiting acetylcholine in the bladder, assess for anticholinergic symptoms. These include dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, and blurred vision.

Corticosteroids: Patient Teaching - LevelUpRN

Corticosteroids: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Patients taking corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone) are at increased risk of infection. Monitor for signs of infection, and educate patients taking these medications to avoid crowded areas and perform frequent...

Corticosteroids: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Patients taking corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, hydrocortisone) are at increased risk of infection. Monitor for signs of infection, and educate patients taking these medications to avoid crowded areas and perform frequent...

Because of the unpleasant GI side effects of metformin, educate patients to take this medication with a meal.

Metformin

Cathy Parkes

Because of the unpleasant GI side effects of metformin, educate patients to take this medication with a meal.

Metformin

Cathy Parkes

Because of the unpleasant GI side effects of metformin, educate patients to take this medication with a meal.

Because hypokalemia increases a patient's risk of digoxin toxicity, be sure to closely monitor the potassium levels for patients taking digoxin!

Digoxin and Hypokalemia

Cathy Parkes

Because hypokalemia increases a patient's risk of digoxin toxicity, be sure to closely monitor the potassium levels for patients taking digoxin!

Digoxin and Hypokalemia

Cathy Parkes

Because hypokalemia increases a patient's risk of digoxin toxicity, be sure to closely monitor the potassium levels for patients taking digoxin!

Atropine is a medication that can be administered to patients with sinus bradycardia or heart block in order to increase heart rate.

Atropine

Cathy Parkes

Atropine is a medication that can be administered to patients with sinus bradycardia or heart block in order to increase heart rate.

Atropine

Cathy Parkes

Atropine is a medication that can be administered to patients with sinus bradycardia or heart block in order to increase heart rate.

Because ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication, educate patients that they should increase their fluid intake and suck on candy for dry mouth.

Ipratropium

Cathy Parkes

Because ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication, educate patients that they should increase their fluid intake and suck on candy for dry mouth.

Ipratropium

Cathy Parkes

Because ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication, educate patients that they should increase their fluid intake and suck on candy for dry mouth.

Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic used to treat pulmonary disorders with thick mucous secretions (e.g., cystic fibrosis). It is expected that this medication smells like rotten eggs; this is not an indication it has expired!

Acetylcysteine is Supposed to Smell Like Rotten Eggs

Cathy Parkes

Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic used to treat pulmonary disorders with thick mucous secretions (e.g., cystic fibrosis). It is expected that this medication smells like rotten eggs; this is not an...

Acetylcysteine is Supposed to Smell Like Rotten Eggs

Cathy Parkes

Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic used to treat pulmonary disorders with thick mucous secretions (e.g., cystic fibrosis). It is expected that this medication smells like rotten eggs; this is not an...

Acetylcysteine, a respiratory medication, is also used as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity!

Acetylcysteine

Cathy Parkes

Acetylcysteine, a respiratory medication, is also used as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity!

Acetylcysteine

Cathy Parkes

Acetylcysteine, a respiratory medication, is also used as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity!

A patient taking oseltamivir to treat Influenza A and B must begin therapy within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Oseltamivir

Cathy Parkes

A patient taking oseltamivir to treat Influenza A and B must begin therapy within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Oseltamivir

Cathy Parkes

A patient taking oseltamivir to treat Influenza A and B must begin therapy within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.

Acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic, can cause hepatotoxicity in high doses. Educate patients to take no more than 4 g per day, and to read the labels of OTC medications as many contain acetaminophen!

Acetaminophen: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic, can cause hepatotoxicity in high doses. 

Acetaminophen: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

Acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic, can cause hepatotoxicity in high doses. 

A patient taking a strong iodine solution to treat hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis in preparation for thyroidectomy should be educated as to the symptoms of iodism (e.g., metallic taste, stomatitis, severe GI upset).

Iodism: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

A patient taking a strong iodine solution to treat hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis in preparation for thyroidectomy should be educated as to the symptoms of iodism (e.g., metallic taste, stomatitis, severe...

Iodism: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes

A patient taking a strong iodine solution to treat hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis in preparation for thyroidectomy should be educated as to the symptoms of iodism (e.g., metallic taste, stomatitis, severe...

A key side effect of phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication) is gingival hyperplasia. Educate patients to maintain regular dental checkups.

Phenytoin and Gingival Hyperplasia

Cathy Parkes

A key side effect of phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication) is gingival hyperplasia. Educate patients to maintain regular dental checkups.

1 comment

Phenytoin and Gingival Hyperplasia

Cathy Parkes

A key side effect of phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication) is gingival hyperplasia. Educate patients to maintain regular dental checkups.

1 comment
Finasteride is an Androgen Inhibitor used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and baldness. HINT: Finasteride kind of looks like "Fine ride." That guy over there has a fine ride, but he is also bald with BPH.

Finasteride

Cathy Parkes

Finasteride is an Androgen Inhibitor used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and baldness.

Finasteride

Cathy Parkes

Finasteride is an Androgen Inhibitor used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and baldness.

Extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) are common with Conventional Antipsychotics. Symptoms of EPS include: Dystonia, Parkinson's symptoms, Tardive dyskinesia, Akathisia.

Extrapyramidal Side Effects

Cathy Parkes

Extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) are common with Conventional Antipsychotics. Symptoms of EPS include: Dystonia, Parkinson's symptoms, Tardive dyskinesia, Akathisia.

Extrapyramidal Side Effects

Cathy Parkes

Extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) are common with Conventional Antipsychotics. Symptoms of EPS include: Dystonia, Parkinson's symptoms, Tardive dyskinesia, Akathisia.

Don't get TIPSY when taking your TB meds! Alcohol is contraindicated for these TB meds: Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol. All carry a risk for hepatotoxicity!

TB Meds

Cathy Parkes

Don't get TIPSY when taking your TB meds! Alcohol is contraindicated for these TB meds: Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol. All carry a risk for hepatotoxicity!

TB Meds

Cathy Parkes

Don't get TIPSY when taking your TB meds! Alcohol is contraindicated for these TB meds: Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol. All carry a risk for hepatotoxicity!

Don't confuse clozapine with clonidine! Clozapine is an antipsychotic (note both cloZapine and schiZophrenia have a Z). Clonidine is an antihypertensive.

Clozapine vs. Clonidine

Cathy Parkes

Don't confuse clozapine with clonidine! Clonidine is an antihypertensive. Clozapine is an antipsychotic.

Clozapine vs. Clonidine

Cathy Parkes

Don't confuse clozapine with clonidine! Clonidine is an antihypertensive. Clozapine is an antipsychotic.

Colchicine is a medication used to treat an acute gout attack. Gout causes tophi (accumulation of uric acid crystals, often found in the BIG toe)

Colchicine

Cathy Parkes

Colchicine is a medication used to treat an acute gout attack.

Colchicine

Cathy Parkes

Colchicine is a medication used to treat an acute gout attack.

Antitussives ABCD Tip: ABCD = Antitussives include Benzonatate, Codeine, Dextromethorphan.

Antitussives ABCD Tip

Cathy Parkes

ABCD = Antitussives include Benzonatate, Codeine, Dextromethorphan.

Antitussives ABCD Tip

Cathy Parkes

ABCD = Antitussives include Benzonatate, Codeine, Dextromethorphan.

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat UTIs. A unique side effect of this medication is "achilles tendon rupture".
HINT: If you take CIPRO, you might SLIP due to your achilles tendon rupturing.

Ciprofloxacin

Cathy Parkes

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat UTIs. A unique side effect of this medication is "achilles tendon rupture". HINT: If you take CIPRO, you might SLIP due to...

1 comment

Ciprofloxacin

Cathy Parkes

Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat UTIs. A unique side effect of this medication is "achilles tendon rupture". HINT: If you take CIPRO, you might SLIP due to...

1 comment
Calcium channel blockers are Very Nice Drugs: Verapamil, Nifedipine, Diltiazem. Key side effects: hypotension, bradycardia, dysrhythmias, peripheral edema.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Cathy Parkes

Calcium channel blockers are Very Nice Drugs: Verapamil, Nifedipine, Diltiazem.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Cathy Parkes

Calcium channel blockers are Very Nice Drugs: Verapamil, Nifedipine, Diltiazem.

Beta 2 adrenergic agonists: Albuterol is SHORT-acting (for acute episodes) and Salmeterol is LONG-acting. HINT: Salmeterol looks like "salmon". Eating salmon can help you lead a LONG life.

Beta 2 Adrenergic Agonists

Cathy Parkes

Beta 2 adrenergic agonists: Albuterol is SHORT-acting (for acute episodes) and Salmeterol is LONG-acting.

Beta 2 Adrenergic Agonists

Cathy Parkes

Beta 2 adrenergic agonists: Albuterol is SHORT-acting (for acute episodes) and Salmeterol is LONG-acting.

Antidiuretic hormones (ex: vasopressin and desmopressin) are used to treat Diabetes Insipidus. These medications decrease urine output and increase urine osmolarity. HINT: "Vasopressin and desmopressin will suppress all that urine!"

Antidiuretic Hormones

Cathy Parkes

Antidiuretic hormones (ex: vasopressin and desmopressin) are used to treat Diabetes Insipidus.

Antidiuretic Hormones

Cathy Parkes

Antidiuretic hormones (ex: vasopressin and desmopressin) are used to treat Diabetes Insipidus.

Amphotericin B is only used for life-threatening fungal infections, because the side effects will "terrorize" your body. These side effects include: hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and bone marrow suppression.

Amphotericin B

Cathy Parkes

Amphotericin B is only used for life-threatening fungal infections, because the side effects will "terrorize" your body. These side effects include: hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and bone marrow suppression.

Amphotericin B

Cathy Parkes

Amphotericin B is only used for life-threatening fungal infections, because the side effects will "terrorize" your body. These side effects include: hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and bone marrow suppression.

Calcium gluconate is used for emergency treatment of hyperkalemia and hypermagnesemia!

Calcium Gluconate

Cathy Parkes

Calcium gluconate is used for emergency treatment of hyperkalemia and hypermagnesemia!

Calcium Gluconate

Cathy Parkes

Calcium gluconate is used for emergency treatment of hyperkalemia and hypermagnesemia!

Acyclovir and Ganciclovir are antiviral medications. Both medications have a key side effect of nephrotoxicity. Ganciclovir can also cause bone marrow suppression (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia).

Acyclovir and Ganciclovir

Cathy Parkes

Acyclovir and Ganciclovir are antiviral medications. Both medications have a key side effect of nephrotoxicity. Ganciclovir can also cause bone marrow suppression (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia).

Acyclovir and Ganciclovir

Cathy Parkes

Acyclovir and Ganciclovir are antiviral medications. Both medications have a key side effect of nephrotoxicity. Ganciclovir can also cause bone marrow suppression (anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia).

Alendronate is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. Key side effect is esophagitis. HINT: "Alen drones on and on about his esophagitis."

Alendronate

Cathy Parkes

Alendronate is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. Key side effect is esophagitis. HINT: "Alen drones on and on about his esophagitis."

Alendronate

Cathy Parkes

Alendronate is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. Key side effect is esophagitis. HINT: "Alen drones on and on about his esophagitis."