what classification of medication to use and why

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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 :)

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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.

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Specializes in Intensive Care Unit.

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)

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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?

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Specializes in Intensive Care Unit.

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.

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

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.

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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

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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. :/

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