Members are discussing the importance of knowing classes of drugs rather than specific ones for the NCLEX exam. They provide examples of drug classes for cardiac medications, antibiotics, anti-emetics, anti-coagulants, analgesics, and psychiatric medications. Some users express gratitude for the helpful information shared, while others debate the effectiveness of focusing on drug classes versus individual drugs for studying.
Aspirin do not give together with other anticoagulants. Stop taking Aspirin some days before surgery. Do not give to children with viral infection(Reye syndrome)
NSAID's
e.g. Ibuprofen--Take with food; contraindicated for people with GI ulcers
Morphine: A respiratory depressant. It should be withheld if the respirations are below 10
ANTI-CONVULSANTS
Dilantin: Causes gum hyperplasia. Advice client to visit dentist frequently
ANTIINFLAMMATORY / STEROIDS
Predisone: Causes Cushing like symptoms. Common side effects are immunosupression(monitor client for infection), hyperglycemia
ANTI-COAGULANTS
Heparin: Monitor pt's lab work-PTT. Antidote is protamine sulfate
Coumadin: Monitor pt's lab work--PT. Antidote is Vitamin K
ANTI-PARKINSONIAN
Cogentin: Used to treat EPS
Sinemet: Drug is effective when tremors are not observed
RESPIRATORY
Theophylline/Aminophylline: Side effects--Tachycardia
CARDIOVASCULAR
Digoxin (Lanoxin): Signs of toxicity: Pt will complaint of visual change in colors. They would also complain of loss of appetite.
ANTIHYPERTENSIVE (PRE-ECLAMPSIA)
Magnesium Sulfate: Monitor for deep tendon reflex and respiratory depression
DIURETICS
Hydrochlothiazide: Monitor potassium levels
Lasix: Monitor potassium levels
Aldactone: Potassium sparing
PSYCHOTROPICS
Lithium Carbonate: Know therapeutic range (0.8 to 1.2mEq). Also know symptoms of toxicity. Adequate fluid and salt intake is important.
MAOI inhibitors: Have dangerous food-drug interactions. Food with Tyramine should be avoided. For example: aged cheese, wine etc.
Disulfiram (Antabuse): Used for alcohol aversion therapy. Clients started on Disulfiram must avoid any form of alcohol or they would develop a severe reaction. Teach pt to avoid some over-the-counter cough preparations, mouthwash etc.
MATERNITY
Oxytocin: Assess uterus frequently for tetanic contraction.
ANTIDOTES
Narcan: Reverses the effects of narcotics
Calcium Gluconate: Antidote for magnesium sulfate
Vitamin K: Antidote for Coumadin
Questions have been asked on NCLEX recently about the following drugs:
Tegretol: side effects.
Atropine: What checks do you do before giving this drug (BP.)
Epogen: Used in treating anemia because it increases RBC production.
Acyclovir: anti-viral medication used in treating shingles.
Notes:
When a client is on antibiotics, teach the client to continue taking the medication even though they feel better
Monitor client taking antibiotics such as Vancomycin for ototoxicity. Pt will complain of tinnitus, room spinning (vertigo) and nausea.
Clients taking vasodilators e.g. Verapramil would complain of headache.
I like how one person says don't worry about memorizing individual drugs, just focus on categories and classes....that's beginner/novice or AT BEST 2nd semester level advice and WILL NOT Help much more than that.
For Example: She mentioned calcium Channel Blockers, and also pointed out that they end in -pine (it is actually -depine, but okay). This drug class is usually or can be categorized as HTN drugs.
Here is what she didn't tell you:
There are 3 Calcium Channe Blockers drug classes, the one with -depine endings, the one Verapamil is in, and the one where Diltiazem is. While she is teaching you the most common Calcium Channel Blocker drug class, guess which drugs are in your NCLEX mostly, the dang Verapamil and Diltiazem.
The first guy had great advice, and the person who said person was wrong and to just focus on drug classes is giving basic low level advice, the first was more helpful for the end game!
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thelittlenurse8
1 Post
Spot on! Thank you!