Drug names and dosages

IndianaDan · Mar 7, 2007

I'm only second semester, so take this for what it's worth. I was overwhelmed in my first semester Pharm class also. It seemed like the PHarm class just threw the drugs at you so quick that it was all I could do to memorize for the test followed by a brain dump and more memorization for the next section of the class.

My retention of meds and dosages started during clinicals first semester. For clinicals my instructors made us fill out drug cards c our patient hx and reason they were taking the drug, the drug classification, usual rt/dose, side effects, and nursing considerations. We did this for EVERY drug the patient was taking. Typical drug book info, but it helped c retention. We're still doing the same thing in second semester clinicals and will be until December when we graduate.

Hope this helps.

ClassQ1 · Mar 7, 2007

Thank you Indiana Dan. That really helps. It helps to know that we will be seeing those drugs again and again and not just in Pharm class. Thank you for your time.

IndianaDan · Mar 8, 2007

Just a sidenote:Yesterday in the OR the anesthesiologist was sitting at the nurses station in the pre-op room with a drug book open on his lap. He was double checking to make sure none of meds that a patient was taking would interact with planned anasthesia for surgery. Apparently the patient was not compliant in stopping some of their meds within 24-48 hours of surgery?? This Doc is a very good anasthesiologist, but there is no way in heck you can remember every drug, interactions, and side effects etc. We can try, but it's not gonna happen especially when you are getting it crammed down your throat. That's why there is a drug book within arms reach of the Pixis/med cart.

I guess what I'm trying to say is, don't put so much pressure on yourself that you implode during the first semester.:cheers:

KckStrt · Mar 8, 2007

I am last semester nursing student, graduate in May 07. I have a hard time "memorizing" anything. I find if I memorize it I will forget it, I have to know it. So with drugs I will learn the class, most drugs in a certain class have simalar side effects as well as simalar assessments. This of all the HTN drugs, Beta Blockers, Ace Inhibitors, diuretics, or GI drugs; proton pump inhibitors, H2 antagonists you know these classes and you know what each class does and you know what each classes sideffects are. Then start learning the drug "names". For me, that is how I do it. I also use a Palm with Davis Drug guide on it... it is amazing!

I hope this helps

piperglen · Mar 9, 2007

Smokey is right. I graduate in May. In my first semester pharm class, I was way overwhelmed. Then I started looking at the drug classes and how they work at the cell level. This helped alot and proved to be very interesting for me -- but I am a chemistry geek. Some of the online stuff that comes with your text books help you understand drug classes also. When you start doing your med-surg clinicals, you will notice that certain drugs are always given together. Ex: Lasix-diuretic, Potassium, and a beta blocker. Steriods, proton pump inhibitors, insulin, and an antifungal. This helps alot too. Hang in there -- nursing is great.

ClassQ1 · Mar 9, 2007

Thank you guys for all the responses. It definely helps. Piperglen, I am a chemistry graduate too. Love it but it's been so long (graduated in 94 with BS, never used it) that if you ask me formula of water, I will think twice...anyways, yes that is how I am trying to study, first by class and then the drugs. Are there any websites that lists in an outline form listing classes and their primary mechanisms of action and then examples of drugs and common uses? I can type it on my own but was wondering if it is already out there, why not use it....

CrufflerJJ, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Mar 10, 2007

Thank you guys for all the responses. It definely helps. Piperglen, I am a chemistry graduate too. Love it but it's been so long (graduated in 94 with BS, never used it) that if you ask me formula of water, I will think twice...anyways, yes that is how I am trying to study, first by class and then the drugs. Are there any websites that lists in an outline form listing classes and their primary mechanisms of action and then examples of drugs and common uses? I can type it on my own but was wondering if it is already out there, why not use it....

There's some good stuff over on the Nursing Student Assistance Forum. See:

https://allnurses.com/forums/f205/pharmacology-help-140434.html

rudys · Mar 20, 2007

guys i graduated and passed the boards my school did not require any pharm classes. it does help to know them but if you get a good background youll learn what you need to know and look up the others when you need to. i learned a PDA is my best friend its faster and lighter than a book ever could be.

Scrubz · Mar 20, 2007

I love learning about stuff like that, but unfortuantly our ADN program doesn't dabble in pharm except for some stuff they integrate in med-surg, but in my RN-BSN program I'll get to take a pharm class. I usually try to learn as I go on my own.

Anyway, good luck to everyone with this stuff if it gives you trouble!! By the way, I never said it didn't give me trouble either!! Haha!!

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Mar 23, 2007

So I read where KckSrt sez "proton pump inhibitors" and I immediately mumble "Nexium 40mg PO qdaily". Yeeesh...

Agree with rudys on the PDA too. I look meds and test details up all the time. Usually wind up with an RN peering over my shoulder.

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Mar 24, 2007

Don't worry about it right now, there is no way to memorize every drug you come across and that is not the point of learning pharm--it is to give you an introduction to pharm and to learn what to look for, where to find info, critical thinking skills about drugs, grouping drugs by class, etc.

I'm finishing my second semester and am doing very well. We have had both a pharm class and they push drugs heavily in all my other classes as well. I'm finding it just gets easier with time, you see certain drugs over and over and over again (Lovenox, heparin, morphine, etc) and those get burned into your brain but I don't know ANYONE (RN, MD, etc) who doesnt' still have to look up drugs in the drug guide. Well our floor pharmacist seems to know them all...lol... and that is also why he is there, RN and MDs go to him all the time to talk about drugs, interactions, side effects, how to administer it, etc.

And ya I agree with the PDA as well. I have a Palm TX and use it every single day.