NCLEX Common Meds Flashcards
What classes of drugs are used as antihypertensives?
ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and vasodilators
What are indications for ACE inhibitors? Contraindications? Side effects? Nursing considerations? Nursing education? Examples?
HTN, heart failure
pregnancy, hx of angioedema
cough, hypotension, angioedema, acute renal failure
monitor: BP, renal/liver function, electrolytes, signs of angioedema
change position slowly to prevent orthostatic hypotension
“pril”: captopril, enalapril, lisinopril
What are indications for beta blockers? Contraindications? Side effects? Nursing considerations? Nursing education? Examples?
HTN, HF, angina pectoris
decompensated HF, severe bradycardia, 2nd or 3rd degree heart block
bradycardia, hypotension, dizziness, fatigue, hypoglycemia
monitor: BP, HR
given IV
change position slowly, monitor blood glucose (signs of hypoglycemia may be hidden)
“olol”: atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol
What are indications for calcium channel blockers? Contraindications? Side effects? Nursing considerations? Nursing education? Examples?
HTN, stable angina
symptomatic hypotension, heart blocks
edema, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, cardiac arrhythmia
monitor:BP, HR, peripheral edema, liver/kidney function, electrolytes
administered IV
change position slowly to prevent orthostatic changes
amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil
What are indications for vasodilators? Contraindications? Side effects? Nursing considerations? Nursing education? Examples?
HTN, angina pectoris
CAD, mitral valve disease, cardiomyopathies, NO should not be used for patients with increased ICP
diarrhea, loss of appetite, n/v, headache, dizziness, hypotension
monitor: BP, HR, presence/resolution of angina
nitrate patches must be taken off at night and reapplied in AM, can take NO 3x/5 min
hydralazine, isosorbide, nitroglycerine
What drug classes are used for antiarrhythmia?
class III anti-arrhythmic and digitalis
What are indications for class III anti-arrhythmic? Contraindications? Side effects? Nursing considerations? Nursing education? Examples?
ventricular arrhythmia, afib/flutter
heart blocks, long QT syndrome, severe bradycardia
dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, bradycardia, hypotension, SOB
monitor: HR, QT interval, signs of pulmonary toxicity (crackles, decreased lung sounds, pleuritic chest pain), signs of neurotoxicity (ataxia, muscle weakness, tingling, tremors), signs of thyroid dysfunction, liver and thyroid labs
do not discontinue abruptly
amiodarone, dofetilide, sotalol
What are indications for digitalis? Contraindications? Side effects? Nursing considerations? Nursing education? Examples?
afib, HF, ventricular rate control
ventricular fibrillation
fatigue, bradycardia, anorexia, n/v
monitor: HR, electrolytes, serum digoxin level, renal function
signs of toxicity: ab pain, confusion, weakness, anorexia, n/v, bradycardia, visual changes - blurred vision, green/yellow color disturbances
digoxin
What are common drug classes of antihyperlipidemics?
statins
What are indications for statins? Contraindications? Side effects? Nursing considerations? Nursing education? Examples?
hyperlipidemia
acute liver disease, pregnancy, breastfeeding
diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, muscle or joint pain, nasopharyngitis
monitor: lipid panel, liver function, serum creatine kinase, presence of muscle pain
simvistatin should be taken in PN, avoid alcohol
“statin”: atorvastatin, lovastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin
What are common drug classes used as diuretics?
loop diuretics, potassium sparing diuretics, thiazides
What are indications for loop diuretics? Contraindications? Side effects? Nursing considerations? Nursing education? Examples?
edema associated with HF, RF, and cirrhosis of liver
anuria
electrolyte imbalances, hypotension, severe electrolyte imbalances could result in cardiac arrhythmias
change position slowly
monitor: BP, signs of hypokalemia, serum sodium and magnesium, urine output and kidney function
furosemide, budesonide, torsemide
What are indications for potassium sparing diuretics? Contraindications? Side effects? Nursing considerations? Nursing education? Examples?
edema associated with liver failure, HF, or HTN
addison disease, hyperkalemia
gynecomastia, diarrhea, n/v, somnolence
monitor: BP, urine output and edema, potassium, renal function
avoid potassium supplements, take with food
spironalactone
What are indications for thiazides? Contraindications? Side effects? Nursing considerations? Nursing education? Examples?
edema, HTN
anuria
photosensitivity, hyperglycemia, diarrhea, loss of appetite, n/v, dizziness
monitor: BP, daily weight, edema, electrolytes
“thiazide”: chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthialidone, metolazone
What class of drugs are used for anticoagulant/antiplatelets?
warfarin, direct-acting oral anti-coagulants (DOACs), heparin, anti-platelet drugs
What are indications for warfarin? Contraindications? Side effects? Nursing considerations? Nursing education? Examples?
prevention of blood clots, PE, VTE
hemorrhage, recent or potential surgery or other procedure
minor bleeding or prolonged bleeding time, GI bleeding
monitor: INR, signs of bleeding
vitamin K is the antidote
avoid large amounts of foods containing vitamin K (leafy greens)
warfarin