Immune Meds Flashcards
Review all the important immune meds: classifications, indications, side effects, adverse reactions, and nursing considerations.
Indication:
Corticosteroids
- To decrease inflammation and pain in a variety of diseases.
- Replacement for Addison’s disease.
Generic names:
Corticosteroids
beclomethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisone
Most common side effects and nursing considerations:
Corticosteroids
- can increase blood sugar - check blood sugar and give insulin as needed
- can suppress immune system and increase risk of infection - assess for infection (WBC, temperature, symptoms of infection)
Which syndrome can be caused by chronic use of steroids?
Cushing’s syndrome
Nursing considerations:
Antibiotics
- get bacterial culture first before giving first dose
- assess for superinfections like C. diff
- monitor WBC, temp, and area of infection
- teach to take entire dose even if feeling well
- many cause rashes which can be mild to severe; hold med and report to HCP
- photosensitivity: apply sunscreen
- drink with full glass of water
Generic names:
Cephalosporin antibiotic
ceftriaxone, cephalexin
Generic names:
Penicillin antibiotic
amoxicillin, penicillin V
What two classifications of antibiotics can have a cross-sensitivity with each other?
Cephalosporins and Penicillins.
Do not give if there is a reported allergy to either.
Generic names:
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin
Most common side effects and nursing considerations:
Fluoroquinolone antibiotic
nephrotoxic
monitor BUN, creatinine and urine output
Generic names:
Aminoglycoside antibiotic
clindamycin, azithromycin
Most common adverse reaction and nursing considerations:
Aminoglycoside antibiotic
- nephrotoxic - assess BUN, creatinine and urine output
- ototoxic - assess hearing and balance
Most common adverse reaction and nursing considerations:
Vancomycin antibiotic
- nephrotoxic - assess BUN, creatinine and urine output
- Redman syndrome - can get a red face with rapid IV infusion; give slowly
Generic names:
Tetracycline antibiotic
doxycycline, minocycline
Nursing considerations:
Tetracycline antibiotic
- don’t give to children < 8 years old - due to teeth discoloration
- avoid milk/dairy while taking med - can prevent absorption
Generic names:
Antiviral
tenofovir, acyclovir
Indication:
Antifungal
Treat fungal infections, candidiasis, yeast infections.
Generic names:
Antifungal
- fluconazole, clotrimazole
- nystatin (powder or liquid)
- amphotericin B
Nursing considerations:
nystatin
- give as a liquid - swish for 2 minutes then swallow
- give as a topical powder - administer to skin folds
Mechanism of action:
Antiviral
Prevents multiplying.
Mechanism of action:
Antibiotics
Causes cell death.
