Cardiac drugs explanation or good books to read

[roxiejay]

Hello, I am a RN of almost 2 years in January. I currently work on a Cardiac Telemetry Floor/Intermediate care unit, so i work with different drips: nitro, dopamine, primacor, dobutamine, etc. During my internship I feel as if i wasn't really oriented the way i should have but i realize it is up to me to gain the knowledge that is needed bc this is my license on the line. Does any one know of any books that help with explaining cardiac medications, what when and how they are used in easy to comprehend language? I am trying to get a really good knowledge base of the basics and grow from there? How about any really good cardiac books explaining how these medications act on the heart, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

[meandragonbrett]

icufaqs.org is a good place to learn the basics.

[highlandlass1592, BSN, RN]

Diepenbrock's Quick reference to critical care is a book you will need. It has a section on any drug you're going to run into in critical care, gives a great explanation and how it effects hemodynamic parameters. I've used it for years. Another great pocket reference is Kathy White's Fast Facts for Adult Critical Care. She's got a handy book that covers so many things in critical care, I've used it for over 12 years now..and I've had the privilege of meeting Kathy..she's great.

[Chisca, RN]

I wouldn't buy this book unless you plan on working in ICU but the chapters on medications are really good. Your hospital library should have it.

http://www.amazon.com/Hemodynamic-Waveform-Analysis-Thomas-Ahrens/dp/0721640095

[Sniffum35]

Check out Dubin's Rapid Interpretation of EKG's. Its way more than an EKG book. It also an easy read. Very similar writing style to the icufaqs book suggested above. By the time youre done with it, you'll understand cardio meds and be reading 12 leads like a pro.

[Chisca, RN]

AACN has some apps that work with the Iphone if you're into that sort of thing.

http://aacn.pdaorder.com/pocketreferences.xml

[aCRNAhopeful]

I'm going to post a new thread with this site I found. Awesome explanations about the inotropes out there as well as a description of the major studies available. CHFpatients.com - IV Heart Failure Drugs