Nursing Tips
Pharmacology (128)
Bethanechol
Bethanechol, used to treat non-obstructive urinary retention, stimulates cholinergic receptors
Bethanechol
Bethanechol, used to treat non-obstructive urinary retention, stimulates cholinergic receptors
Atropine: Nursing Care
Because atropine has anticholinergic side effects, it is often administered during surgery to decrease secretions.
Atropine: Nursing Care
Because atropine has anticholinergic side effects, it is often administered during surgery to decrease secretions.
Ethambutol: Patient Teaching
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
A patient taking ethambutol for tuberculosis should be educated to have regular vision screenings and report changes in vision to the prescriber.
Spironolactone
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
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.
Filgrastim
Filgrastim is a medication used to stimulate the growth of neutrophils in patients with neutropenia.
Filgrastim
Filgrastim is a medication used to stimulate the growth of neutrophils in patients with neutropenia.
Oxybutynin
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
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
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
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...
Metformin
Because of the unpleasant GI side effects of metformin, educate patients to take this medication with a meal.
Metformin
Because of the unpleasant GI side effects of metformin, educate patients to take this medication with a meal.
Digoxin and Hypokalemia
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
Because hypokalemia increases a patient's risk of digoxin toxicity, be sure to closely monitor the potassium levels for patients taking digoxin!
Atropine
Atropine is a medication that can be administered to patients with sinus bradycardia or heart block in order to increase heart rate.
Atropine
Atropine is a medication that can be administered to patients with sinus bradycardia or heart block in order to increase heart rate.
Ipratropium
Because ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication, educate patients that they should increase their fluid intake and suck on candy for dry mouth.
Ipratropium
Because ipratropium is an anticholinergic medication, educate patients that they should increase their fluid intake and suck on candy for dry mouth.
Acetylcysteine is Supposed to Smell Like Rotten Eggs
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
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
Acetylcysteine, a respiratory medication, is also used as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity!
Acetylcysteine
Acetylcysteine, a respiratory medication, is also used as an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity!
Oseltamivir
A patient taking oseltamivir to treat Influenza A and B must begin therapy within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Oseltamivir
A patient taking oseltamivir to treat Influenza A and B must begin therapy within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Acetaminophen: Patient Teaching
Acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic, can cause hepatotoxicity in high doses.
Acetaminophen: Patient Teaching
Acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic, can cause hepatotoxicity in high doses.
Iodism: Patient Teaching
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
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...
Phenytoin and Gingival Hyperplasia
A key side effect of phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication) is gingival hyperplasia. Educate patients to maintain regular dental checkups.
Phenytoin and Gingival Hyperplasia
A key side effect of phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication) is gingival hyperplasia. Educate patients to maintain regular dental checkups.
Finasteride
Finasteride is an Androgen Inhibitor used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and baldness.
Finasteride
Finasteride is an Androgen Inhibitor used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and baldness.
Extrapyramidal Side Effects
Extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) are common with Conventional Antipsychotics. Symptoms of EPS include: Dystonia, Parkinson's symptoms, Tardive dyskinesia, Akathisia.
Extrapyramidal Side Effects
Extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) are common with Conventional Antipsychotics. Symptoms of EPS include: Dystonia, Parkinson's symptoms, Tardive dyskinesia, Akathisia.
TB Meds
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
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!
Clozapine vs. Clonidine
Don't confuse clozapine with clonidine! Clonidine is an antihypertensive. Clozapine is an antipsychotic.
Clozapine vs. Clonidine
Don't confuse clozapine with clonidine! Clonidine is an antihypertensive. Clozapine is an antipsychotic.
Antitussives ABCD Tip
ABCD = Antitussives include Benzonatate, Codeine, Dextromethorphan.
Antitussives ABCD Tip
ABCD = Antitussives include Benzonatate, Codeine, Dextromethorphan.
Ciprofloxacin
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...
Ciprofloxacin
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...
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers are Very Nice Drugs: Verapamil, Nifedipine, Diltiazem.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers are Very Nice Drugs: Verapamil, Nifedipine, Diltiazem.
Beta 2 Adrenergic Agonists
Beta 2 adrenergic agonists: Albuterol is SHORT-acting (for acute episodes) and Salmeterol is LONG-acting.
Beta 2 Adrenergic Agonists
Beta 2 adrenergic agonists: Albuterol is SHORT-acting (for acute episodes) and Salmeterol is LONG-acting.
Antidiuretic Hormones
Antidiuretic hormones (ex: vasopressin and desmopressin) are used to treat Diabetes Insipidus.
Antidiuretic Hormones
Antidiuretic hormones (ex: vasopressin and desmopressin) are used to treat Diabetes Insipidus.
Amphotericin B
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
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
Calcium gluconate is used for emergency treatment of hyperkalemia and hypermagnesemia!
Calcium Gluconate
Calcium gluconate is used for emergency treatment of hyperkalemia and hypermagnesemia!
Acyclovir and Ganciclovir
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
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
Alendronate is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. Key side effect is esophagitis. HINT: "Alen drones on and on about his esophagitis."
Alendronate
Alendronate is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis. Key side effect is esophagitis. HINT: "Alen drones on and on about his esophagitis."
Iron supplements and stool
Iron supplements can cause dark green/black stools. This is expected and harmless.
Iron supplements and stool
Iron supplements can cause dark green/black stools. This is expected and harmless.
Donepezil & Alzheimer's
Donepezil is a KEY medication used for Alzheimer's disease. It does NOT cure the disease, but it may improve memory, cognition, and an individual’s ability to perform ADLs.
Donepezil & Alzheimer's
Donepezil is a KEY medication used for Alzheimer's disease. It does NOT cure the disease, but it may improve memory, cognition, and an individual’s ability to perform ADLs.
ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors typically end in -pril. Remember the key side effects.
ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors typically end in -pril. Remember the key side effects.
Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is a Tricyclic Antidepressant. "Amy tripped over a tricycle in the desert". Desert helps you remember anticholinergic side effects (urinary retention, constipation, dry mouth, blurry vision, photophobia, tachycardia)
Amitriptyline
Amitriptyline is a Tricyclic Antidepressant. "Amy tripped over a tricycle in the desert". Desert helps you remember anticholinergic side effects (urinary retention, constipation, dry mouth, blurry vision, photophobia, tachycardia)
Depo-Provera Side Effect
A person who gets medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) shots for contraception needs to increase their intake of Calcium and Vitamin D because a key side effect of this medication is decreased bone density!
Depo-Provera Side Effect
A person who gets medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) shots for contraception needs to increase their intake of Calcium and Vitamin D because a key side effect of this medication is decreased bone density!
When to take Antacids
ANTACIDS: Take 1 hr and 3 hr after meals, and at bedtime. Also take 1 hour before or after other medications (not WITH other medications)
When to take Antacids
ANTACIDS: Take 1 hr and 3 hr after meals, and at bedtime. Also take 1 hour before or after other medications (not WITH other medications)
ADHD Medication and Children's Weight
ADHD medications cause decreased appetite and weight loss in children.
ADHD Medication and Children's Weight
ADHD medications cause decreased appetite and weight loss in children.
Mixing insulin
When mixing insulin, remember CLEAR before CLOUDY. Inject air in the longer-acting insulin (NPH), then inject air in the shorter-acting insulin (regular). Without withdrawing needle, draw up shorter-acting insulin, then draw...
Mixing insulin
When mixing insulin, remember CLEAR before CLOUDY. Inject air in the longer-acting insulin (NPH), then inject air in the shorter-acting insulin (regular). Without withdrawing needle, draw up shorter-acting insulin, then draw...
Key Information: Beta Blockers
Non-selective beta blockers are used for hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, and MIs. However, they should NEVER be used in patients with asthma, as they can cause bronchospasm.
Key Information: Beta Blockers
Non-selective beta blockers are used for hypertension, angina, arrhythmias, and MIs. However, they should NEVER be used in patients with asthma, as they can cause bronchospasm.
Non-selective Beta Blockers
Please Listen Carefully - these beta blockers are NON-selective: Propranolol, Labetalol, Carvedilol. They will impact the lungs too!
Non-selective Beta Blockers
Please Listen Carefully - these beta blockers are NON-selective: Propranolol, Labetalol, Carvedilol. They will impact the lungs too!
Anticoagulant Side Effects
The key side effect to remember with ALL anticoagulants (ex: heparin, warfarin, rivaroxaban) is BLEEDING!
Anticoagulant Side Effects
The key side effect to remember with ALL anticoagulants (ex: heparin, warfarin, rivaroxaban) is BLEEDING!
Niacin Hypercholesterolemia
Niacin (Vitamin B3) can be used to treat hypercholesterolemia. Key side effect is flushing of the face. My face doesn't look very nice after taking niacin (because it is flushed!)
Niacin Hypercholesterolemia
Niacin (Vitamin B3) can be used to treat hypercholesterolemia. Key side effect is flushing of the face. My face doesn't look very nice after taking niacin (because it is flushed!)
Ferrous Sulfate
Ferrous Sulfate is an iron supplement that can stain the teeth. I'm furious that my teeth got stained from ferrous sulfate!
Ferrous Sulfate
Ferrous Sulfate is an iron supplement that can stain the teeth. I'm furious that my teeth got stained from ferrous sulfate!
Magnesium Toxicity
Too much magnesium (magnesium toxicity) brought Maggie to her knees (due to cardiac and respiratory depression).
Magnesium Toxicity
Too much magnesium (magnesium toxicity) brought Maggie to her knees (due to cardiac and respiratory depression).
Lithium
Lithium is a mood stabilizer, used for Bipolar Disorder. Patients on lithium need adequate fluid and sodium intake! Diuretics, anticholinergics, NSAIDs are not recommended.
Lithium
Lithium is a mood stabilizer, used for Bipolar Disorder. Patients on lithium need adequate fluid and sodium intake! Diuretics, anticholinergics, NSAIDs are not recommended.
MAOIS for Depression
MAOIs are used to treat depression. Important points about MAOIs: They interact with MANY other medications. Eating foods rich in tyramine can cause a hypertensive crisis. Foods rich in tyramine include...
MAOIS for Depression
MAOIs are used to treat depression. Important points about MAOIs: They interact with MANY other medications. Eating foods rich in tyramine can cause a hypertensive crisis. Foods rich in tyramine include...
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