TOP 10 Meds?

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Hi...

I was hoping that I could get some more help from you wonderful nurses.

I am starting my last clinical rotation in the ER this weekend. I would like to know what you think are the top 10 (or 20) meds that are frequently used in the ER. I want to be as prepared as I can for this rotation, so I would like to make some med cards before the weekend.

Any help would be most appreciated.

Thank you,

Kyle

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

Morphine, Dilaudid, Zofran, Phenergan, Compazine, Rocephin, Heparin, Nitro (SL, topical, IV), Toradol, Levaquin, Zosyn, Benadryl, Epi (SQ vs IVP), Solumedrol, Dopamine, Dobutamine, Flexeril, Vicodin, Percocet, Cardizem, Adenosine

I'm spent.....

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Thank you so much! I will be busy tomorrow making my cards! :)

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Specializes in Emergency.

Narcan maybe?

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Specializes in many.

charcoal

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

I'll add:

Pepcid or Zantac

Protonix

Decadron

Demerol, yep it still has an indication or two (I do hate to give it though)

Fentanyl

Ativan

Haldol

Versed

Flagyl

Cipro (some have went to Levaquin)

Lovenox

that ED standby "GI cocktail" Mylanta or Maalox + Donnatal + Lidocaine (sometimes - depends on patient/doc)

I think it can get a bit "overwhelming" when you think of all the drugs out there - remember, all hospitals have a formulary and there are "customary" meds that certain ED docs use. I think most of the universal drugs are listed - there will be variances.

I always advise that you can generally "pull" a list of stocked meds from the the ED's Pyxis or MedSelect or whatever system they use (some still use the open bin system (believe it or not) and only lock the narc's. The formulary is generally in the administrative/clinical reference manuals (or you can ask the pharmacy)

I think it essential to know the all the ACLS medications. Don't stress - it takes time/experience - look up any med that you have never given before - also use the pharmacy as a reference too.

GOOD LUCK!

After 15 years and 17 different systems/facilities (No, I don't job hop - staff, travel, prn) and find that I still will have to look things up or call the pharmacy from time to time. ;)

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any narcotic

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Specializes in HEMS 6 years.

oxygen

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Specializes in HEMS 6 years.

amiordarone, albuterol vs. levalbuterol, ipratropium, phenytoin vs. fosphenytoin, giving bennies ? then romazicon and when NOT to give romazicon, IIb/IIIa, dextrose, and.... hmmmmm....#10.... ok .. augmentin.

good luck !

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Definately Dilaudid, I've used tons on Vistaril also in the ER, and phenergan and Nubain.

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Specializes in ER, telemetry.

Etomidate, succ, vecuronium

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Specializes in ER, telemetry.

dilaudid, phenergan and zofran are definitely at the top of the list though. rocephin, Tetorifice, ancef also big

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