Drug cards

Anne36, LPN · Sep 15, 2012

You should get some girls together and work in a group, make copies and share the info. When I was in clinical we would trade drug cards sometimes as we rotated patients.

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Sep 15, 2012

We have just started these amazing little things called drug cards. Each 1 takes 30 min-1hr to complete. You take a drug list the trade names, the generic name, uses, actions, doses, adverse reactions, nursing considerations, and teaching. Have any of you done/started these? I think the will be very helpful once i get them done. Ugh.

We did drug cards also...with the same info as you are stating. Took me no longer than the time it took to write them..10 minutes (give or take) each.

We had to do them for each med the patient was on. Some of our patients were on 15+ different meds. We had to hand them in with our clinical paperwork (Care plan, labs etc) the day after we were first with our patient. If it took me an hour per med, I'd be spending 15+ hrs on just that not adding in all the hours it took to do the paperwork. There would be absolutely no way it could physicall be done in the time time frame alloted.

They do come in handy though. I put those cards in my pocket when I was on the floor with that patient. Nice easy quick reference. Be sure to do them, they really do help.

Now in my LPN to RN bridge we have to do the drugs but now, we only have to put generic & trade name, the reason YOUR patient is on that med, and the action of the med and its all listed on the 'med sheet list' not on index cards. Although now we have to do diagnosis cards with all the pts past and present medical history and surgeries. Need the definition of the condition, s/s of the condition, treatment for it, nursing implications/interventions, and 2 NANDA's for each condition. Now THOSE can take FOREVER to do. But again, its great for quick reference.

MrsCuoco · Sep 16, 2012

I have to disagree with Anne 36 and I'll tell you why...my fundamentals instructor explained it this way: we are NOT allowed to have preprinted drug cards or cut and paste from online and stick it to an index card. We have been assigned to copy the needed information about each drug onto an index card in ink by hand because it is a kinisthetic activity. The act of writing the information out helps cement it in your mind, and if you divide the work among a few in a group and then have a drug card written in someone else's words/handwriting, you're robbing yourself of that kinisthetic benefit. It's a lot of work but I do agree.

Jazziepants · Sep 16, 2012

We are allowed to print them out. But i fully read then type them out. I did set up a template in word so that has helped out tons. Writing goes a lot fasted but i am able to have extra notes and it is easier to read. :-)

sheilahdee · Sep 17, 2012

oh drug cards. we actually only did a few last year, but then over the summer we had 65 to do (among other many summer assignments). They are a pain, but they are helpful! We were also not allowed to copy, paste, buy preprinted, and we had to do our best to put them into our own words. Of course the dosages aren't really something you can put into your own words. but it really helps if you do them yourself that way you can learn the material as you do it. Good luck! they are no fun, but they will definitely help you...ALOT!

studentrnchristine · Sep 17, 2012

30-60 minutes? I would have to disagree. My advice to you is do a few everyday and don't miss out on an opportunity to learn by working in groups. My classmates came to me with that option and I turned them down. I wrote down their action, uses, adverse effects and contraindications, you should be able to figure out the nursing considerations with that information. When you are in clinicals pay attention to some of the frequently used drugs and make drug cards for those as well, it will help you in the long run. Good luck.

Jazziepants · Sep 17, 2012

Well apparently i went way beyond in detail than i needed. And my instructor was impressed that i seemed to grasp what i was writing instead of regurgitating information. And that they were so neatly organized.

LilacHeart · Sep 20, 2012

I agree with MrsCuoco that writing them out will aid in the learning process and help the information to "stick".

I already had to do drug cards in Pharm when I was in school for my CMA, and although we were allowed to print them if we chose, I elected to write them and was glad I did. The info. really stayed with me. Even after graduating, getting certified and working in various practices over the years, I adopted the drug card model each time I was a "newbie" on the job and kept notes on the doctor's preferences regarding the drugs he/she most commonly prescribed, general notes on how each doctor preferred their surgical set ups, etc. Of course I didn't need the cards for long, but it was a great way to make sure I got it right the first time when starting with a new practice.

Those drug cards are fabulous!

nkarabaich · Sep 25, 2012

I am currently typing mine, printing them, and gluing them on to note cards. Then I take the same information and paste that in my excell spread sheet in a table like order so when I create my drug list for care plans I just select from the spread sheet. Hope this helps :)

TiffanyBernaciak · Sep 27, 2012

Trade Name: NovoLog Generic Name: insulin aspart (rDNA origin) injection Therapeutic Class: antidiabetic

Pharmacologic Class: human insulin analogue

Pregnancy Risk Category: B

Available Forms: PenFill cartridges: 3 mL (100 units/mL) Prefilled syringes: 3 mL (100 units/mL)

Vial: 10 mL, containing 100 units of insulin aspart per mL (U-100)

Route of Administration: subcutaneous or I.V.

Adverse Reactions- Metabolic: hypoglycemia, hypokalemia.Skin: injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash. Other: allergic reactions.

Nursing Implications -Adjustments in the dose of NovoLog or of any insulin may be needed with changes in physical activity or meal routine. Insulin requirements also may be altered during emotional disturbances, illness, or other stresses. Adjust dose regularly, according to patient's glucose measurements. Monitor glucose level regularly. Periodically monitor glycosylated hemoglobin level.Assess patient for rash (including pruritus) over whole body, shortness of breath, wheezing, hypotension, rapid pulse, or sweating, which may signify a generalized allergy to insulin. Severe cases, including anaphylactic reactions, may be life-threatening.Patients with renal dysfunction and hepatic impairment may need close glucose monitoring and dose adjustments of NovoLog.Observe injection sites for reactions, such as redness, swelling, itching, or burning. These reactions should resolve within a few days to a few weeks.

Bernaciak, Tiffany PNS

This is an example of one of my drug cards. I set this up on word so that I can print them all off onto 4x6 cards and I can access my drug book online to copy directly from their site and format on word. Saves me a ton of time :-)