Kendall Shared "Pharmacology for Nurses" - 47 Picmonics
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Pharmacology for Nurses
Diazepam (Valium)
Indications
Anxiety
Seizures and Status Epilepticus
Muscle Spasms
Alcohol Withdrawal
Side Effect/Assessment
Dizziness/Vision Changes
Confusion/Amnesia
Urinary Incontinence
Behavioral Changes
Respiratory Depression
Antidote
Flumazenil (Romazicon)
Nursing Considerations
Fall Precaution
Do Not Stop Abruptly
2 mins
Cephalosporins
Starts with "Cef-"
Mechanism of Action
Bactericidal
Indications
Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Infections
Side Effects
Allergic Reactions
Thrombophlebitis
Bleeding
Contraindications
Renal Impairment
Considerations
Avoid IV Calcium with Ceftriaxone
No Alcohol
2 mins
Aminoglycoside Side Effects
Side Effects
Ototoxicity
Nephrotoxicity
Respiratory Paralysis
Contraindications
Pregnancy
Considerations
Peak and Trough
Never Mix with Penicillin in Same IV
2 mins
Penicillin
Mechanism of Action
Weakens Cell Wall
Indications
Gram-Positive Infections
Prophylaxis
Side Effects
Pain at IM Injection Site
Allergic Reaction
Considerations
Skin Tests
Allergy ID
Medication Education
2 mins
Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits Clotting Factors
Factor Xa
Indications
Clot Formation Prevention
Side Effects
Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)
Bleeding
Considerations
Medication Education
Subcutaneous Injection
2 Inches from Umbilicus or Incisions
Antidote
Protamine Sulfate
2 mins
Calcium Channel Blockers (Verapamil and Diltiazem)
Mechanism of Action
Slows AV Conduction
Indications
Angina Pectoris
Arrhythmias
Essential Hypertension
Side Effects
Bradycardia
Hypotension
Constipation
Peripheral Edema
Gingival Hyperplasia
Nursing Consideration
Medication Education
2 mins
Insulin
Rapid Acting
Insulin Lispro (Humalog)
Insulin Aspart (Novolog)
Insulin Glulisine (Apidra)
Short Acting
Regular Insulin (Humulin R)
Intermediate Acting
Isophane NPH (Humulin N)
Long Acting
Detemir (Levemir)
Glargine (Lantus)
2 mins
Macrolides
End in "-thromycin"
Mechanism of Action
Bacteriostatic
Indications
Alternative for Penicillin Allergy
Respiratory Infections
Pneumonia
Side Effects
QT Prolongation and Sudden Death
C.Diff Overgrowth
GI Distress
Considerations
Slow IV Infusion
2 mins
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits Reuptake of Serotonin
Indications
Depression
Side Effects
Sexual Dysfunction
CNS Stimulation
Weight Changes
Serotonin Syndrome
Contraindications
No MAO-Is
No Anticoagulants / Antiplatelets
Considerations
Suicide Risk
Delayed Onset of Action
2 mins
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Ends in "-sartan"
Mechanism of Action
Blocks Angiotensin II Receptor
Indications
Hypertension
Side Effects
Angioedema
Contraindications
Renal Artery Stenosis
Pregnancy
1 min
Beta Blockers
"-olol" suffix
Mechanism
Decreases Heart Rate and Contractility
Decreases Peripheral Vascular Resistance
Decreases Renin Release
Indications
Hypertension
Heart Failure
Angina Pectoris
Contraindications
Asthma and Heart Block Patients
Nursing Considerations
Assess Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
Masking Signs of Hypoglycemia
Do Not Stop Abruptly
2 mins
Hydrochlorothiazide HCTZ
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits Reabsorption NaCl and H2O
Indications
Edema
Mild to Moderate Hypertension
Side Effects
Hypokalemia
Hyponatremia
Dehydration
Hyperglycemia
Gout
Contraindications
Sulfa Allergy
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
1 min
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits Clotting Factors
Indications
Atrial Fibrillation
Venous Thrombosis
Pulmonary Embolism
Assessment
PT/INR Levels
Observe for Bleeding
Contraindications
Pregnancy
Nursing Considerations
Vitamin K and Fresh Frozen Plasma
Prolonged Therapeutic Onset
Maintain Same Diet
2 mins
Tetracyclines Side Effects
Side Effects
Superinfection
Clostridioides difficile
Discoloration of Teeth
Bone Deformities
Photosensitivity
Contraindications
Children Under 8
Pregnancy
1 min
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Mechanism of Action
Increases Inotropy
Indications
Heart Failure
Atrial Fibrillation
Side Effects
Bradycardia
Fatigue
Contraindications
Heart Block
Nursing Considerations
Heart Rate Below 60
Hypokalemia
Monitor for Toxicity and Visual Changes
Digibind
2 mins
Hypertension Medications
Diuretics
ACE Inhibitors
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Beta Blockers
Dihydropyridine Calcium Channel Blockers
2 mins
Nitroglycerin
Mechanism of Action
Decreases Preload
Indications
Angina
Up to 3 doses q 5 mins
Side Effects
Headache
Hypotension
Contraindications
Viagra (Sildenafil)
Nursing Considerations
Assess Blood Pressure
Protect From Light
Use Glass Bottle and Special Tubing
Gloves for Applying Topically
2 mins
6 Rights of Medication Administration
Right Patient
Right Medication
Right Dose
Right Time
Right Route
Right Documentation
Nursing Considerations
Three Checks
Check for Allergies
Assess the Patient
Education
2 mins
Vancomycin
Mechanism of Action
Inhibits Bacterial Cell Wall Synthesis
Indications
Serious Gram-Positive Infections
Side Effects
Nephrotoxicity
Ototoxicity
Red Man Syndrome
Thrombophlebitis
Nursing Considerations
Culture Samples First
Infuse IV Over 60 Minutes
Take Around the Clock
2 mins
Tetracyclines Overview
End in "-cycline"
Mechanism of Action
Bacteriostatic
Indications
Infectious Diseases
Acne
Periodontal Disease
Nursing Considerations
Avoid Milk, Antacids, Iron
Sunlight Protection
1 min
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