Atropine (Atropen) Nursing Considerations
Generic Name Atropine Trade Name Atropen Indication Decreases oral and respiratory secretions, treats sinus bradycardia and heart block, treatment of bronchospasm Action Atropine is an anticholinergic which means that it inhibits the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system, specifically acetylcholine. This inhibition causes increase in HR, bronchodilation, decreased GI and respiratory secretions. Therapeutic Class Antiarrhythmic […]
Parasympathomimetics (Cholinergics) Nursing Considerations
Overview Review lesson on Autonomic Nervous System for thorough understanding of these medications Parasympathetic Medications Direct Acting Parasympathomimetic drugs Bethanecol Indications Post-operative urinary retention (Bethanecol) Neurogenic bladder How they work Bind to muscarinic receptors Increase bladder tone- cause urinary contraction Carbachol and Pilocarpine Indications Given prior to ompthalmic procedures to ease examination Glaucoma How they […]
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 […]
NG Tube Med Administration (Nasogastric)
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 […]
Pill Crushing & Cutting
Overview Purpose Some patients cannot swallow full pills Crush and put in applesauce Patients receiving medications via NG tube or PEG Must be crushed and dissolved in water Prescribed dose calls for a half tablet Must be scored → cut on score line CANNOT be cut or crushed: Extended Release Delayed Release Enteric Coated Gelcaps/softgels […]
Drawing Up Meds
Overview Purpose Medications stored in vials need to be drawn up in syringes to facilitate administration Notes Follow facility protocol regarding the use and storage of multi-use vials Vials are pressure-sealed (vacuum). In order to remove any volume of liquid, you must first replace it with air. Nursing Points General Supplies Appropriate size syringe (calculate […]