ESSENTIAL NCLEX® MEDS BY CLASS MAJOR NURSING CONSIDERATIONS CLASS / EXAMPLES ANALGESICS Aspirin CLASS / EXAMPLES CARDIAC GLYCO SIDE Do not give with other anticoagulants Digoxin Stop taking before surgery NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) Contraindicated with GI ulcers Opioids (Morphine) Respiratory depressant Assess apical pulse for a full minute prior to administration ANTI-ECLAMPTIC Antidote: Naloxone Magnesium Sulfate Seizure precautions Gum hyperplasia Regular dental check-ups Monitor therapeutic levels DIURETICS Furosemide ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Cushing-like symptoms Spironolactone Hyperglycemia PSYCHOTROPICS Osteoporosis Lithium Therapeutic Range 0.8-1.2 MAOI’s Avoid foods with Tyramine aPTT PT / INR Disulfiram ANTI-PARKINSONIAN aged cheeses, wine Antidote: Vitamin K Avoid alcohol intake of any kind (mouthwash, OTC cough syrups) OBSTETRICS Benztropine Treats extrapyramidal symptoms Carbidopa/Levodopa Effective in the absence of tremors BETA BLOCKERS Oxytocin Check labs prior to administration Monitor Fetal Heart Rate ANTIFUNGAL Amphotericin B IVPB Slow Monitor for Renal Damage NEVER give IV push fluid intake Caution with K+ sparing diuretic Assess K+ and BUN Do not give with renal failure BRONCHODILATOR Tocolytic (stop contractions) Don’t give before 20 weeks Do not stop abruptly POTASSIUM SUPPLEMENTS Assess uterus for tetanic contraction (constant) Monitor Fetal Heart Rate Terbutaline Masks signs of hypoglycemia Potassium Chloride K+) fluid intake Antidote: Protamine Sulfate Propranolol K+) Potassium sparing Monitor Potassium Levels ( ANTICOAGULANT Warfarin Potassium wasting Monitor Potassium Levels ( Immunosuppression Heparin Used in Preeclampsia Monitor deep tendon reflexes Assess for respiratory depression ANTICONVULSANTS Prednisone Toxicity Visual changes (yellow/green halo) Loss of appetite Do not give to children with viral infection (Reye’s Syndrome) Dilantin MAJOR NURSING CONSIDERATIONS Assess hearing ANTICHOLINERGICS Theophylline Monitor therapeutic levels Albuterol Monitor for tachycardia & tremors May also decrease potassium levels Atropine GI - slows motility Eyes - dilates pupils (avoid in glaucoma) Cardiac - increase heart rate Resp - bronchodilation NRSNG.com - “Tools and Confidence to Succeed in Nursing School.” ©2018 NRSNG, LLC - Reproduction Strictly Prohibited Disclaimer information at NRSNG.com ESSENTIAL NCLEX® MEDS BY CLASS CLASS / EXAMPLES MAJOR NURSING CONSIDERATIONS ONCOLOGICAL MEDICATIONS Chemotherapy Use extreme caution Wear gloves and mask while mixing and administering ANTI-GOUT Allopurinol Increase fluid intake Avoid organ meats Pt will have increased urine output Colchicine May cause bloody diarrhea if toxicity occurs MIOTICS VS. MYDRIATICS Miotics Constrict Used with Glaucoma Allows for humor Mydriatics drainage of aqueous Dilate Avoid with Glaucoma - increased intraocular pressure NRSNG.com - “Tools and Confidence to Succeed in Nursing School.” ©2018 NRSNG, LLC - Reproduction Strictly Prohibited Disclaimer information at NRSNG.com