Antidepressants
Overview Antidepressant medications work on different neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood. The fewer neurotransmitters it works on, the safer it is. These are listed in safest/first-line, to more aggressive. Nursing Points General 2-4 weeks to therapeutic levels Taper down, don’t stop abruptly. Many drug-drug interactions. ↑ risk for suicide due to ↑ […]
Insulin
Overview Types of Insulin Rapid Acting Aspart (Novolog) Onset- 10-20 minutes Peak – 1-3 hours Duration – 3-5 hours Lispro Onset- 5-15 minutes Peak- 1-1.5 hours Duration- 3-4 hours Glulisine- rare Short Acting Humulin R and Novolin R Onset- 30-60 minutes Peak- 1-5 hours Duration- 6-10 hours Intermediate Acting NPH or Humulin N Onset- 1-2 […]
Magnesium Sulfate
Overview Magnesium Sulfate Indications Treat hypomagnesemia Normal range 1.5-2.5 Torsade de point Lethal arrhythmia caused by low Mg level- Code Blue! Preeclampsia Control seizures in pregnant women Maintain magnesium levels for patients receiving TPN Acute Asthma Exacerbations When patient is not responding to other treatments – usually last resort Nursing Care Assessment Look for signs […]
MAOIs
Overview MAOI = monoamine oxidase inhibitors Indication [Depression- usually a last resort due to side effects Patho background Monoamine oxidase enzymes breakdown neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin Neurotransmitters = mood stabilizers Lack of neurotransmitters may contribute to depression Mechanism of action Block monoamine oxidase enzymes results in increased levels of ALL neurotransmitters Causing […]
Nitro Compounds
Overview Indications Hypertension Heart failure Angina Myocardial infarction Patho Background Veins and arteries produce nitric oxide Nitric oxide causes vasodilation Mechanism of action Vasodilation Decreases preload and afterload of blood to heart Decreases work load of the heart Prevents coronay spasms Causes coronary dilation Nursing Care General Examples- Sodium Nitroprusside Used for hypertensive emergency (ex. […]
TCAs
Note: In the video drawing of the neuron, the axon is not the body. It is the cell body, the axon, and then the dandrites in the drawing. The process of how the medication works within this system is correct. Overview Types of antidepressants Trycyclic antidepressants Monoamine oxidase inhibitors Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors Atypical Mechanism […]
NG Tube Medication Administration
Overview Purpose Some patients require medications to be given via NG tube Aspiration risk Dysphagia Esophageal trauma Certain medications CANNOT be cut or crushed Extended Release Enteric Coated Delayed Release Capsules with large pellets In that case, request an alternate form Liquid solution Alternate route Other medications should be crushed and dissolved in water to […]
Pharmacology Course Introduction
Jon Haws RN BSN Creator of NRSNG/NURSING.com and charge nurse in a level I Trauma Center in DFW, Jon uses all of his spare time to create helpful content for nurses. Along with being a charge nurse Jon also works as a preceptor to nursing students and new grad nurses. These positions allow for him […]
12 Points to Answering Pharmacology Questions
Client Safety The NCLEX® is concerned about whether or not you will be a SAFE nurse. Always think about what option will lead to your client being safe. You can automatically exclude options that will put your client in harm. Focus on Side Effects Learn the top 3 side effects with major medication classes. If […]
6 Rights of Medication Administration
Overview It’s always important to follow the 6 Rights of Medication Administration. By following these 6 rights, it reduces medical errors, injuries to clients, and promotes positive client outcomes! Always follow these rights when giving clients medications! Right Client Verify the client with two client identifiers (name, date of birth, medical record number). Confirm the […]