Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

what classification of medication to use and why

Guys I'm a newly grad nurse and I just got a job and now I'm starting to prepare myself before orientation starts. I need some tips about medications.

I know all the meds and its classification and action but what I'm not sure is when to use each classification. For example BP meds I know the first line should be diuretics, then beta blockers then others but why should we use this BP meds instead of others? and for diuretics why this diuretic instead of the other diuretic? I know its a noob question please help me out and also tips how you were able to get a holistic approach in combing medications, its drug interactions, the disease and etc. Did it take a long time before you knew them when you were still a new grad? please guys need advice I just want to keep on improving :)

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    I'm sure a lot has to do with labs (potassium and sodium) values, which has least side effects, other medications (interactions) and the patients level of acuity. I'm not an MD, but that's my thinking.

  • Quote

    Meds are chosen based on the individual patient. You wouldnt give a med if the patient was allergic, just like you wouldnt give lasix to a pt for BP if they have kidney issues. Most important thing to do as a nurse is know how it will effect your patient (lasix causes a low K, beta blockers cause bradycardia/low bp etc)

  • Quote
    • Author

    yes and for example you have a patient with CHF and is on Digoxin so the diuretic to be used will depend on potassium levels? if patient has low potassium then Aldactone would be used instead of lasix?

  • Quote

    Or they could be on both, or they could take PO K replacement along with their lasix. Again depends on the pt. The Dig is helping their weak heart pump better and it does not effect BP like lasix does.

  • Quote

    When adding dig to the equation, things get more complicated, especially re: potassium. Hypokalemia can increases the risk of dig toxicity.

    It is ultimately up to the doctor to determine what type of BP meds to prescribe. Kidney function, race, and compliance are just some of the things that will factor into the decision of which med to give. An example of compliance: doctors are hesitant to prescribe beta blockers to those with poor compliance since abrupt discontinuation of beta blockers causes rebound hypertension.

  • Quote
    • Author

    Okay thanks for the reply guys! gosh I still have a lot to learn. Yes I know its ultimately up to the doctor what to prescribe but as nurses it is also good to know why doctors preferred certain medications to know the progress of our patients. I just want to fully understand them :D

  • Quote
    Okay thanks for the reply guys! gosh I still have a lot to learn. Yes I know its ultimately up to the doctor what to prescribe but as nurses it is also good to know why doctors preferred certain medications to know the progress of our patients. I just want to fully understand them :D

    Totally understand why you asked. However, just be aware that doctors will use meds just because that's their go to "combination". Had a pt on valsartan come in with high K and ECG was showing effects. Didn't change the med at all. And it's known for causing hyperkalemia. :/

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.