Learn Critical Care Medications with Picmonic

Master ICU meds like a pro! Picmonic turns complex drugs into pictures. Science shows it works! Conquer critical care medications & their uses with funny characters, stories & quizzes. Be a confident ICU nurse who delivers expert care!

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Critical Care Nursing | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid

Alteplase

Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Thrombosis

Bleeding

Intracranial Hemorrhage

Internal Hemorrhaging

Minimize Bleeding

Monitor for Shock

Aminocaproic Acid

2 mins

Warfarin Antidotes

Vitamin K

Fresh Frozen Plasma

59 secs

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Inhibits Clotting Factors

Atrial Fibrillation

Venous Thrombosis

Pulmonary Embolism

PT/INR Levels

Observe for Bleeding

Pregnancy

Vitamin K and Fresh Frozen Plasma

Prolonged Therapeutic Onset

Maintain Same Diet

2 mins

Heparin (Unfractionated)

Suppresses Coagulation

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Pulmonary Embolism

Hemorrhage

Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)

Monitor aPTT

Preferred (Safe) During Pregnancy

Protamine Sulfate

2 mins

Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)

5-10 Days After Heparin Exposure

Heparin-Platelet Factor 4 Complex

Autoantibodies Form Against Complex

Heparin-Platelet Factor 4-Antibody Complex Binds Platelets

Platelet Aggregation

Procoagulant Release

Thrombocytopenia

Serotonin Release Assay (SRA)

Stop Heparin, Start Direct Thrombin Inhibitor

2 mins

Enoxaparin (Lovenox)

Inhibits Clotting Factors

Factor Xa

Clot Formation Prevention

Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)

Bleeding

Medication Education

Subcutaneous Injection

2 Inches from Umbilicus or Incisions

Protamine Sulfate

2 mins

Atropine

Muscarinic Antagonist

Bradycardia

Increased Exocrine Secretions

Smooth Muscle Spasms

Tachycardia

Dry Mouth

Urinary Retention

2 mins

Nitroglycerin

Decreases Preload

Angina

Up to 3 doses q 5 mins

Headache

Hypotension

Viagra (Sildenafil)

Assess Blood Pressure

Protect From Light

Use Glass Bottle and Special Tubing

Gloves for Applying Topically

2 mins

Adenosine (Adenocard)

Slows AV Conduction

Supraventricular Tachycardia (Paroxysmal)

Bradycardia

Flushing

Dyspnea

Rapid IV Push

Caffeine and Theophylline Decrease Effectiveness

Dipyridamole May Intensify Effects

2 mins

Lidocaine

Blocks Na+ Channels

Ventricular Arrhythmia

Anesthetic

Paresthesias

Seizures

Respiratory Depression

Drowsiness

Anesthetic Effects Extended with Epinephrine

1 min

Dobutamine

Beta-1 Agonist

Inotropic

Heart Failure

Tachycardia

Arrhythmias

Closely Monitor Patients

Other Meds May Increase Potency

1 min

Epinephrine (Adrenaline)

Alpha and Beta Agonist

Anaphylaxis

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG)

Bleeding

Cardiac Arrest

Tachycardia

Hypertension

Tremors

Insomnia

Multiple Strengths

2 mins

Norepinephrine (Levophed)

Alpha Agonist

Beta-1 Agonist

Severe Hypotension

Decreases Renal Blood Flow

Arrhythmias

Hypertension

Tissue Necrosis

Last Resort Medication

2 mins

Nitroprusside

Direct Release of NO

Increase cGMP

Short Half-Life

Malignant Hypertension

Cyanide Toxicity

1 min

Loop Diuretics

Thick Ascending Limb of Loop of Henle

Inhibits Na+-K+-2Cl-

Sulfa Drug

Furosemide

Lasix

Ototoxicity from Rapid Injection

Gout

Dehydration

Hypocalcemia

Hypokalemia

Orthostatic Hypotension

2 mins

Loop Diuretic Education

Furosemide (Lasix)

Heart Failure

Pulmonary Edema

Acute Renal Failure (ARF)

Edema

Notify the provider of weakness, dizziness, or muscle cramping

Increase Potassium Intake

Check BP Daily

Daily Weights and Monitor IandOs

1 min

Mannitol (Osmitrol)

Osmotic Diuresis

Reducing Intracranial Pressure

Reducing Intraocular Pressure

Renal Failure Prophylaxis

Edema

Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance

Avoid Use in Cardiac Patients

IV Administration

2 mins

Naloxone (Narcan)

Competitive Opioid Receptor Antagonist

Opioid Induced CNS Depression

Severe Nausea and Vomiting

Excitable State

Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms

Repeated Dosing Often Required

1 min

Oxycodone

Opioid Receptor Agonist

Refractory Pain

Respiratory Depression

Constipation

CNS Depression

Addiction

Naloxone

2 mins

Fentanyl

Opioid Receptor Agonist

High Potency

Anesthesia Induction

Chronic Pain

Breakthrough Pain

CNS Depression

Respiratory Depression

Constipation

Miosis

Addiction

3 mins

Buprenorphine-Naloxone (Suboxone)

Combination Drug

Partial Opioid Receptor Agonist (Buprenorphine)

Opioid Receptor Antagonist (Naloxone)

Opioid Use Disorder

CNS Depression

Diaphoresis

Hypotension

Low Abuse Potential

2 mins

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