What does Drug classification mean?

ERNurse752, RN · Sep 25, 2004

I would imagine it's asking for the actual classification/what type of drug it is.

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Sep 25, 2004

Need more info, but it sounds like they just want a simple classification like, diuretic, antipyretic, antibiotic, beta blocker, benzodiazapines, narcotic, etc.

kwagner_51 · Sep 25, 2004

Need more info, but it sounds like they just want a simple classification like, diuretic, antipyretic, antibiotic, beta blocker, benzodiazapines, narcotic, etc.

Thank you!! That is what I thought but I wasn't sure. This is for a test we have on Monday. I am getting ready to start Med-Surg 2 in about 2 weeks and our instructor is telling us we need to know the drug classifications really well.

This is for eyes and ears...so I need to know that a miotic dilates the pupil.. right??

Thanks!!

Dixielee, BSN, RN · Sep 25, 2004

That is certainly what it sounds like. So instead of knowing all of the particular drugs in a classification, if you know the classification, you can figure out what it does. Diuretic...increase urinary output, narcotic...control pain, antipyretic...decrease fever. I think you are on the right track. One thing you need to know in school and in the real world. DON'T ever be afraid to ask questions and for clarifications if you are not sure what someone is asking you. Many times someone "in charge", whether it be an instructor, another nurse or a doctor will have a strong knowledge of something and give you insufficient data to know what they are really asking. When you know a subject inside and out, you sometimes forget that everyone may not be on that level, and needs more basic info. It is not because they are trying to be arrogant about it, but sometimes they just forget that they were a learner once as well. I have been a nurse 31 years, and I still have questions every day. You don't have to have all the answers, you just have to know where to find them! If someone asks you a question you don't have the answer to, you can always say..." I don't know but I will find out and get back to you".

kwagner_51 · Sep 25, 2004

Usually I'm not afraid to ask questions, but there is a know it all in my class that I can't stand!! So I let her get to me and refused to ask a question that may have helped several in my class. I won't ever do that again!!

Thanks for your advice.

thanatos · Sep 25, 2004

This is for eyes and ears...so I need to know that a miotic dilates the pupil.. right??

Thanks!!

just for clarifciation:

miotic = agent that CONSTRICTS pupils

mydriatic = agent the DILATES pupils

I usually keep this straight with this mnemonic: the bigger word (the longer one) makes the pupils bigger (dilates).