ACLS (Advanced cardiac life support) Drugs
Overview Priorities during cardiac arrest include CPR and early defibrillation. ACLS medications are used to improve survival chances. ACLS medications are administered during CPR for medication distribution. Without CPR, medications remain local. ACLS medications can be given ET/IV/IO. ACLS medications in stable patients are used to halt abnormal rhythms. Nursing Points General ACLS medications vary […]
Anesthetic Agents
Overview Local anesthesia Minor surgical and dental procedures Divided into amides and esters medications General anesthesia Progressive process with stages of varying effects Divided into intravenous and inhaled medications Nursing Points General Anesthetics Types Local General Mechanisms of Actions CNS Brain & spinal cord PNS Outside brain & spinal cord Sodium channels Sensory/motor impulses blocked […]
Anti-Infective – Antifungals
Overview I. Overview A. Yeasts and molds B. Systemic vs. topical C. Mechanism of Action 1. Depends on drug subclass a. Interferes with fungal DNA synthesis b. Interferes with reproduction i. Inhibition of cell growth ii. Cell death D. Types 1. Amphotericin B 2. Fluconazole 3. Itraconazole 4. Ketoconazole 5. Clotrimazole 6. […]
Anti-Platelet Aggregate
Overview Overview Purpose Prevent the formation of thrombi, aka thrombo-prevention Mechanism of Action Most common pathway: Cyclooxygenase inhibition Basically, operates within platelets and BV walls Prevents formation of TXA2 Causes BV to constrict & platelets to aggregate There are various pathways Clotting factors VII, IX, X Indications Stroke risk reduction Stroke prophylaxis Acute […]
Barbiturates
Overview I. Overview A. Purpose 1. CNS depression 2. Sedative and hypnotic effects 3. Reducing the nerve impulses traveling to cerebral cortex B. Mechanism of Action 1. Potentiate the action of an inhibitory amino acid known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) II. Indications A. Anesthesia (surgical procedures) B. Convulsion control C. Narcoanalysis D. Reduction […]
The SOCK Method – Overview
Overview SOCK Method S – Side Effects O – Organs C – Class/Considerations/Cards K – Know (or Must Know) The Correct Order Nursing Points General SOCK Method Reasons for use Increases knowledge base Simple mnemonic Simplifies learning medications Improves safety Improves patient outcomes S – Side Effects Know the intent of the medication Know potential […]
The SOCK Method – O
Overview O – Side Effects SOCK Method Major Organs & Systems Prioritization Nursing Points General SOCK Method O – Organs Provides one step of the overall framework for the method Major Organs and systems Medications affect one or more systems Know the target system Learn organs based on prioritization Cardiac Respiratory Neuro Renal GI/GU Integumentary […]
The SOCK Method – C
Overview S – Side Effects SOCK Method Class Consideration Cards Nursing Points General SOCK Method C – Class, Consideration & Cards Helps develop a study habit Provides one step of the overall framework for the method Class Classes Pharmacological Therapeutic Complements anatomy & physiology Helps to understand organ interaction Generic names are based on pharmacological […]
The SOCK Method – K
Overview K – Know (Must Know) SOCK Method Common medications Unit or Area Specific Nursing Points General SOCK Method K – Know It’s not necessary to know all medications This step helps eliminate unnecessary medications Common Medications Medications are given based on need and research Low cost, low risk and well researched drugs are given […]
The SOCK Method – S
Overview S – Side Effects SOCK Method Intended effects Side effects Nursing Points General SOCK Method S – Side Effects Provides one step of the overall framework for the method Intended effects Drugs have purposeful intended effects Know what systems or responses are intended Many drugs have many side effects Only study what is key […]