Pharmacology Study Guide (Kaplan/NCLEX
High-Yield)
Big Picture
Pharmacology = study of drugs and their effects.
Pharmacodynamics: what the drug does to the body.
Pharmacokinetics: what the body does to the drug (ADME = Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism,
Excretion).
Kaplan focuses on: safety, nursing interventions, priority patients, teaching.
Cardiovascular Medications
Beta blockers (-lol): ↓ HR & BP; watch for bradycardia, caution in asthma.
ACE inhibitors (-pril): cough, angioedema, ↑ potassium.
Diuretics:
- Loop (furosemide/Lasix): risk of hypokalemia.
- Spironolactone: potassium-sparing (risk: hyperkalemia).
Pain / Neuro Medications
Opioids: sedation, respiratory depression, constipation. Antidote = naloxone.
NSAIDs: GI bleeding, kidney issues. Avoid with ulcers or renal disease.
Antibiotics
Penicillins/cephalosporins: allergy risk, cross-sensitivity.
Vancomycin: ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity (monitor trough levels).
Tetracyclines: no milk, no pregnancy, no kids <8, photosensitivity.
Psych Medications
SSRIs (sertraline, fluoxetine): serotonin syndrome, sexual dysfunction.
Lithium: narrow therapeutic range (0.6–1.2), toxicity signs = tremor, confusion, GI upset. Maintain
normal sodium intake.
OB / Peds Medications
Magnesium sulfate: monitor RR, reflexes (toxicity = loss of reflexes, ↓ RR).
Oxytocin: induces contractions; risks = uterine rupture, fetal distress.
Kaplan/NCLEX Safety Tips
Always prioritize airway, breathing, circulation (ABCs).
Hold meds if vital signs are unsafe (low BP, low HR, low RR).
Report life-threatening side effects first (angioedema, anaphylaxis, respiratory depression).
Teach patients about lifestyle interactions (no alcohol with CNS depressants, avoid sun with
tetracyclines).
Sample NCLEX-Style Questions
Q: A patient prescribed lisinopril reports swelling of the lips and tongue. What is your priority action?
Answer: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is angioedema (life-threatening).
Q: Which instruction should the nurse give to a patient taking tetracycline?
Answer: Avoid sunlight. (Also: no milk, no pregnancy, no kids under 8).
Q: The nurse is caring for a patient on morphine. Which finding is most concerning?
Answer: Respiratory rate of 8 (respiratory depression = priority).