Nursing Tips

Pharmacology (128)

Epoetin Alfa - LevelUpRN

Epoetin Alfa

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia related to chronic kidney disease, HIV, or chemotherapy.

Epoetin Alfa

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Epoetin alfa is used to treat anemia related to chronic kidney disease, HIV, or chemotherapy.

Therapeutic aPTT for patients receiving Heparin - LevelUpRN

Therapeutic aPTT for patients receiving Heparin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Therapeutic aPTT is 1.5-2 times baseline for patients receiving heparin.

Therapeutic aPTT for patients receiving Heparin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Therapeutic aPTT is 1.5-2 times baseline for patients receiving heparin.

Thrombolytics include medications such as alteplase and reteplase.

Thrombolytics: Alteplase and Reteplase

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Thrombolytics include medications such as alteplase and reteplase.

Thrombolytics: Alteplase and Reteplase

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Thrombolytics include medications such as alteplase and reteplase.

Buspirone - LevelUpRN

Buspirone

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety.

1 comment

Buspirone

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Buspirone is a non-benzodiazepine medication used to treat anxiety.

1 comment
Bupropion can be used to treat depression and to help a patient with smoking cessation.

Buproprion

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Bupropion can be used to treat depression and to help a patient with smoking cessation. 

Buproprion

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Bupropion can be used to treat depression and to help a patient with smoking cessation. 

A PRN order is one that can be given as needed. The prescription order includes the dose, frequency, and under what conditions it may be administered.

PRN Order

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A PRN order is one that can be given as needed. The prescription order includes the dose, frequency, and under what conditions it may be administered.

PRN Order

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

A PRN order is one that can be given as needed. The prescription order includes the dose, frequency, and under what conditions it may be administered.

Vancomycin has the potential to cause vancomycin infusion reaction, formerly known as “red man syndrome”.

Vancomycin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Vancomycin has the potential to cause vancomycin infusion reaction, formerly known as “red man syndrome”.

Vancomycin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Vancomycin has the potential to cause vancomycin infusion reaction, formerly known as “red man syndrome”.

Topical medications used to treat psoriasis include coal tar, salicylic acid, and corticosteroids. Other treatment options exist, such as systemic immunosuppressants, biologic agents, and phototherapy.

Topical Treatment for Psoriasis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Topical medications used to treat psoriasis include coal tar, salicylic acid, and corticosteroids. Other treatment options exist, such as systemic immunosuppressants, biologic agents, and phototherapy.

Topical Treatment for Psoriasis

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Topical medications used to treat psoriasis include coal tar, salicylic acid, and corticosteroids. Other treatment options exist, such as systemic immunosuppressants, biologic agents, and phototherapy.

Theophylline is a medication used for long-term control of asthma or COPD, but it also requires periodic blood draws to monitor the serum level. The therapeutic level is 10 - 20 mcg/mL!

Theophylline

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Theophylline is a medication used for long-term control of asthma or COPD, but it also requires periodic blood draws to monitor the serum level. The therapeutic level is 10 -...

Theophylline

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Theophylline is a medication used for long-term control of asthma or COPD, but it also requires periodic blood draws to monitor the serum level. The therapeutic level is 10 -...

The topical beta blocker, timolol, is used in the eye to treat glaucoma.

Timolol

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The topical beta blocker, timolol, is used in the eye to treat glaucoma. 

Timolol

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The topical beta blocker, timolol, is used in the eye to treat glaucoma. 

The Therapeutic Index (TI) is a comparison of the minimum amount at which a drug is effective and the level at which a drug becomes toxic.

Therapeutic Index (TI)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The Therapeutic Index (TI) is a comparison of the minimum amount at which a drug is effective and the level at which a drug becomes toxic. Medications with a HIGH...

Therapeutic Index (TI)

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The Therapeutic Index (TI) is a comparison of the minimum amount at which a drug is effective and the level at which a drug becomes toxic. Medications with a HIGH...

The mineralocorticoid fludrocortisone is used to treat adrenocortical insufficiency by mimicking the effects of aldosterone.

Fludrocortisone

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The mineralocorticoid fludrocortisone is used to treat adrenocortical insufficiency by mimicking the effects of aldosterone. 

Fludrocortisone

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

The mineralocorticoid fludrocortisone is used to treat adrenocortical insufficiency by mimicking the effects of aldosterone. 

Subcutaneous injections may be administered into fatty areas such as the abdomen or the lateral upper arms. Be sure to rotate injection sites!

Subcutaneous Injections

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Subcutaneous injections may be administered into fatty areas such as the abdomen or the lateral upper arms. Be sure to rotate injection sites!

Subcutaneous Injections

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Subcutaneous injections may be administered into fatty areas such as the abdomen or the lateral upper arms. Be sure to rotate injection sites!

Simethicone is used to relieve painful gas in the GI tract. 

Simethicone

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Simethicone is used to relieve painful gas in the GI tract. 

Simethicone

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Simethicone is used to relieve painful gas in the GI tract. 

Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant, can also be given to treat neuropathy. CC: Pregabalin prevents Gabby's neuropathy pain.

Pregabalin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant, can also be given to treat neuropathy. CC: Pregabalin prevents Gabby's neuropathy pain.

Pregabalin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant, can also be given to treat neuropathy. CC: Pregabalin prevents Gabby's neuropathy pain.

Permethrin is a topical medication used to treat pediculosis (lice) and scabies. 

Permethrin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Permethrin is a topical medication used to treat pediculosis (lice) and scabies. 

Permethrin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Permethrin is a topical medication used to treat pediculosis (lice) and scabies. 

Histamine 2 Receptor Antagonists and DINE-ing - LevelUpRN

Histamine 2 Receptor Antagonists and DINE-ing

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Histamine 2 receptor antagonists (ex: ranitidine and famotidine) are used to treat ulcers and GERD. These meds will help you feel better when you "dine".

Histamine 2 Receptor Antagonists and DINE-ing

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Histamine 2 receptor antagonists (ex: ranitidine and famotidine) are used to treat ulcers and GERD. These meds will help you feel better when you "dine".

Colchicine - LevelUpRN

Colchicine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Colchicine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Amiodarone Drip - LevelUpRN

Amiodarone Drip

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Amy owes me one hundred dollars, but she is in the hospital with VFIB on an amiodarone drip... so I guess it's not a good time to collect.

Amiodarone Drip

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Amy owes me one hundred dollars, but she is in the hospital with VFIB on an amiodarone drip... so I guess it's not a good time to collect.

NPH- Intermediate-Acting Insulin - LevelUpRN

NPH- Intermediate-Acting Insulin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin. Onset is 1-2 hours, peak is 4-12 hours, and duration is 18-24 hours.

NPH- Intermediate-Acting Insulin

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

NPH is an intermediate-acting insulin. Onset is 1-2 hours, peak is 4-12 hours, and duration is 18-24 hours.

Fluticasone - LevelUpRN

Fluticasone

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Fluticasone is a nasal corticosteroid used to treat rhinitis (nasal congestion).

Fluticasone

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Fluticasone is a nasal corticosteroid used to treat rhinitis (nasal congestion).

Clonidine, a centrally acting Alpha2 Agonist, may cause three main side effects.

Clonidine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Clonidine, a centrally acting Alpha2 Agonist, may cause three main side effects.

Clonidine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Clonidine, a centrally acting Alpha2 Agonist, may cause three main side effects.

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure (ICP).

Mannitol

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure (ICP).

Mannitol

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic used to reduce cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure (ICP).

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

Clotrimazole

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Clotrimazole

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Monitor patients taking cyclophosphamide for blood in the urine, as this medication can cause hemorrhagic cystitis.

Cyclophosphamide

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Monitor patients taking cyclophosphamide for blood in the urine, as this medication can cause hemorrhagic cystitis.

Cyclophosphamide

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Monitor patients taking cyclophosphamide for blood in the urine, as this medication can cause hemorrhagic cystitis.

Primary use of Lactulose

Primary use of Lactulose

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Primary use of Lactulose

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Interferon alpha-2b is used to enhance the body's immune response to tumors and viruses, but it can cause flu-like symptoms, bone marrow suppression, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, dyspnea, alopecia, GI upset, and psychiatric disorders!

Interferon Alpha-2b

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Interferon alpha-2b is used to enhance the body's immune response to tumors and viruses, but it can cause flu-like symptoms, bone marrow suppression, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, dyspnea, alopecia, GI upset, and...

Interferon Alpha-2b

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Interferon alpha-2b is used to enhance the body's immune response to tumors and viruses, but it can cause flu-like symptoms, bone marrow suppression, cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, dyspnea, alopecia, GI upset, and...

For topical lidocaine cream (e.g., EMLA cream) to numb an area, be sure to apply it 1 hour before the procedure and cover it with an occlusive dressing.

Applying Topical Lidocaine Cream

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

For topical lidocaine cream (e.g., EMLA cream) to numb an area, be sure to apply it 1 hour before the procedure and cover it with an occlusive dressing.

Applying Topical Lidocaine Cream

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

For topical lidocaine cream (e.g., EMLA cream) to numb an area, be sure to apply it 1 hour before the procedure and cover it with an occlusive dressing.

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Herbal supplements can interact with medications! Garlic, Gingko Biloba, and Ginger increase a patient's bleeding risk with aspirin, NSAIDs, and warfarin.

Drug Interactions: Herbal Supplements

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Herbal supplements can interact with medications! Garlic, Gingko Biloba, and Ginger increase a patient's bleeding risk with aspirin, NSAIDs, and warfarin.

1 comment

Drug Interactions: Herbal Supplements

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Herbal supplements can interact with medications! Garlic, Gingko Biloba, and Ginger increase a patient's bleeding risk with aspirin, NSAIDs, and warfarin.

1 comment
Guaifenesin is an expectorant, meaning that it pulls fluid into thin secretions and make them easier to cough out.

Guaifenesin: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Guaifenesin is an expectorant, meaning that it pulls fluid into thin secretions and make them easier to cough out.

Guaifenesin: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Guaifenesin is an expectorant, meaning that it pulls fluid into thin secretions and make them easier to cough out.

Filgrastim - LevelUpRN

Filgrastim

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Filgrastim

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin carry a black box warning for tendon rupture. This is a unique side effect that is important to remember!

Fluoroquinolones

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin carry a black box warning for tendon rupture. This is a unique side effect that is important to remember!

Fluoroquinolones

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin carry a black box warning for tendon rupture. This is a unique side effect that is important to remember!

Educate patients to immediately report a rash when taking lamotrigine, as this may be due to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a life-threatening complication!

Lamotrigine: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Educate patients to immediately report a rash when taking lamotrigine, as this may be due to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a life-threatening complication!

Lamotrigine: Patient Teaching

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Educate patients to immediately report a rash when taking lamotrigine, as this may be due to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, a life-threatening complication!

Cyclosporine is a medication used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.

Cyclosporine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Cyclosporine is a medication used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.

Cyclosporine

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

Cyclosporine is a medication used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients.

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Clopidogrel

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Sulfa Allergies

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Anticholoinergic side effects

Anticholoinergic side effects

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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

Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas

Cathy Parkes RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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 RN, BSN, PHN, CWCN

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,...