Common medications that has parameters?and should watch out for

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · Jul 18, 2011

Cardiac drugs.. metoprolol, coreg, digoxin, atenolol, verapamil, etc... usually have parameters where you check the B/P or pulse.

I know digoxin you always check the HR, for the B/P meds in LTC sometimes there are no parameters and thats where you use your judgement whether to give the med or check their blood pressure and hold the med and call the MD.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jul 18, 2011

Dont forget insulin!

Had a nurse the other night try to give 25 units of Regular when the pt was 42....

Sugarcoma, RN · Jul 18, 2011

Dont forget insulin!
Had a nurse the other night try to give 25 units of Regular when the pt was 42....

Seriously? :eek:

Op as previously stated most of your BP and Cardiac meds will have parameters, but even without parameters it is important you know what to look for in a medication you give. This knowledge base develops over time. For the first few months I looked up every med I gave over and over and over again and now I have them committed to memory and that can be very helpful but you will ALWAYS run into medications that are unfamiliar. The best advice I have for you is that it is important to use your resources: drug guides, co-workers, pharmacist, doctors, PA's, NP's etc.

ckh23, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2011

Dont forget insulin!
Had a nurse the other night try to give 25 units of Regular when the pt was 42....

scary

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2011

didn't you study pharmacology in school? are you an rn? what's your background in medications?

psu_213, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2011

Medication parameters should be written by the physician. For example, I have see lopressor written with parameter for hold for HR

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2011

Respiratory rate/SpO2 with narcotics

Check K/Mg/Phos/Ca levels before giving electrolyte replacements

CBsMommy · Jul 18, 2011

You need to look up EVERY medication prior to giving it to a patient.

Are you in nursing school yet? This is medication 101. If not in school, they will teach you this. If you are in school, and they didn't teach you this, YIKES!

Midwest4me · Jul 18, 2011

Dont forget insulin!
Had a nurse the other night try to give 25 units of Regular when the pt was 42....

How asinine! Obviously that nurse had not a good understanding of diabetic issues...or was very brand new to nursing. How did you come about preventing that error?

TopazLover, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2011

Some of you are being rather harsh. The nurse asked about parameters. Some of you gave really good examples of the differences doctors, facilities, and our own nursing judgement provide.

Of course the suggestions to know your meds, look them up, etc. are great. I kind of got the impression this nurse was looking for the absolutes that novice nurses need until they gain the proficiency to evaluate internally rather than question each thing for an absolute answer.

It is frightening that some nurses don't look at lab values, recent blood sugars, or the look of the patient. With experience sometimes you just know and really have to dig to figure out why you have the gut reaction of knowing the right thing to do.

I don't spend as much time over this side. I prefer the Central side. Now I remember why I stopped coming to this side of the street. Nasty comments when a reasonable answer could be given.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jul 18, 2011

How asinine! Obviously that nurse had not a good understanding of diabetic issues...or was very brand new to nursing. How did you come about preventing that error?

Well luckily she asks questions about EVERYTHING so we were able to save the pts life. I could provide a laundry list of things she has done in her short amount of time but this is neither the time nor place.

Just goes back to if you dont know what the med does DO NOT GIVE IT!!!!!!