PHARMACOLOGY

E - xactly what time are you going to give it

C - lient teaching tips
K - eys to giving it safely
Lactulose given to pt with hepatic enceph to dec
ammonia absorption
- s/e : diarrhea

I. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
ONLY RNs are allowed to administer (to include
central line) LPNs peripheral IV Line route;
ELDERLY PT provide with memory aid
PEDIATRIC PT do not mix w/ milk (dosage

depends on wt, age and size)

For SIDE EFFECTS GI symptoms (mostly)
For AD. EFFECTS always consider bone marrow

(leukocytopenia all PENIA)

3 COMMON DRUGS with patients over 65 y/o
a. LITHIUM if above 65 yo, dose shld not more than 1.0mEq

b. HALDOL if above 65 yo, dose shld not more than

6mg/day
c. MEPERIDINE if above 65 yo, shld not 50 mg

ANTABUSE (dizulfiram) most appropriate time to take

meds : after 12hrs of alcohol free.

COGENTIN to prevent pseudoparkinsonism (by

decreasing muscle rigidity)

TETRACYCLINE - can cause staining of teeth,

Photosensitivity (use sunscreen when outdoors)
LITHIUM shld have inc. fluid in the diet

II. TRANSCULTURAL
III. DELEGATION AND DOCUMENTATION
ASIANS are stoicism attitude (they refuse meds if for the 1st
Document all medical admin record: time, route, dosage and
time)
untoward reaction;
MIDDLE EASTERNERS - they expect meds during first
The following CANNOT be delegated: treatment,
contact w/ hx care provider
administration, documentation of meds
JEWISH no meds restrictions
JEHOVAHS WITNESS no meds restrctions
PSYCHOTROPIC
ORIENTAL PAYLOAH (from mexico)
I. ANTIPSYCHOTIC
treatment for diarrhea;
major tranquilizer;
may cause lead toxicity
for SCHIZOPHRENIA (pt has EXCESS
ECHINECEA
DOPAMINE);
use to boost the immune system;
plays as treatment to the symptoms NOT CURE
for pt. with cancer
to schizo meaning it modify the symptoms
ST JOHNS WORT
(target symptom: to decrease dopamine)
anti-depressant (it funx like MAO inhibitor);
ex.
do not give to pt taking MAO
Haldol
VALERIAN
Chlorpromazine
sedative (used also as anti-anxiety agent)
Clozapine (chlozaril)
adverse effects GI Irritation
Olanzapine (zyprexa)
GINGCO BILOBA
Risperdon
blood thinner;
BEST TO GIVE: after meals
use to enhance bld circulation;
DOPAMINE neurotransmitter (facilitate the transmission of
for pt w/ alzeimers
neurons)
CONTRAINDICATED to pt with bleeding
In SCHIZO there in INCREASE NEUROTANSMITTER.
disorders
COMMON CONTRAINDICATIONS for HERBAL MEDS:
NO HERBAL MEDS for pregnant client;
Signs & Symptoms:
NO HERBAL to lactating pt;
DELUSION FALSE BELIEF
NO HERBAL for those with severe kidney and
HALUCINATION - hearing sounds
liver disorder
LOOSENES OF ASSOCIATION shifting of topic
IV. THE CHECK PRINCIPLE
C lassification (FOR WHAT?)
CLIENT TEACHINGS:
H - ow will you know that he meds if effective (evaluation)

Report ADVERSE EFFECTS of ANTIPSYCHOTICS

which indicates agranulocytosis
a. fever
b. body malaise
c. sore throat
d. chills
hyperpyrexia and muscle rigidity
this indicates NEUROLEPTIC
MALIGNANT SYNDROME (NMS)
drug of choice: Parlodel, Dantrium
Assess SIGNS and SYMPTOMS of
PSEUDOPARKINSONISM
a. mask-like face or expressionless
face
b. pill-rolling tremors
c. cogwheels rigidity or lead pipe
rigidity

AKATHESIA
restless leg syndrome (I feel as if I have ants in my
pants)

DYSTONIA

Avoid direct sunlight

because meds photosensitivity

Instruct pt to rise
slowly to avoid orthostatic hypotension
Check: CBC, BP, AST/ALT
To prevent pseudoparkinsonism, administer
ANTIPARKINSONIAN agents

decrease ACETYLCHOLINE
ex. Benadry
Cogentin
effective: if decrease tremors and rigidity;
when to give: AFTER MEALS;
Health Teachings:
side effects: blurred vision (no driving);
dry mouth suck on ice chips or hard candy;
palpitations check PR;
constipation inc. roughage at diet;
urinary retention NOT urinary frequency
decrease BP rise slowly
check BP, PR, ECG
II. ANTI-ANXIETY
minor tranquilizer
decrease Reticular Activity System center of
wakefulness
ex. Valium, diazepam, Librium, Tranxene
Effective: Decrease Anxiety, Decrease Muscle
Spasm (to pt w/ traction) Promote Sleep
B4 MEALS because food delays absorption
HEALTH TEACHINGS:
report ADVERSE EFFECT:
PARADOXICAL REACTION opposite of side effects
Danger of Dependency
c. AVOID: Caffeine, Alcohol it increase the depressant
effect of the drug
check RR it causes respiratory depression
e. administer VALIUM separately because it is
incompatible with any drug use different syringe.

IA. DOPAMINERGICS - ANTIPARKINSONIAN

III. ANTI-DEPRESSANT/MANIC
in schizo there is increase dopamine, therefore give
a. TRICYCLICS
antipsychotic to dec dopamine then dec dopamine causes
b. MAO
pseudoparkinsonism. Therefore give dopaminergic.
c. STIMULANTS
ex.
L-Dopa
d. SSRI
Levodopa
PATIENT with DEPRESSION
Levodopa-Carbidopa
there is DECREASE norepinephrine and serotonin
Effective if decrease in tremors and rigidity within
2-3 days;
A.
TRICYCLICS prevents the reabsorption of
When to give: AFTER MEALS;
norepinephrine.
Health Teachings:
Ex. Tofranil, Elavil
Effective: If adequate sleep (8hrs only) Increase appetite
dietary modification: AVOID CHON and Vit B6
Best given: AFTER MEALS
- bec it decreases drug absorption
Hx Teachings:
b. check for ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION and
The INITIAL EFFECT
2-3 wks after
PALPITATION;
FULL
THERAPEUTIC
EFFCET
3-4
wks
c. check BP and PR
ONSET EFFECT
in a WK

AVOID : juice because an acidic

IB. ANTICHOLINERGIC
medium decrease absorption of drugs

Nurse Joseph Bahian Abang

REPORT PALPITATION and

TACHYCARDIA and ARRYTHMIAS
adverse effects of TRICYCLICS
CHECK BP and ECG

Depakine/ Depakote
LITHIUM
it alters level of neurotransmitters
effective if DECREASE HYPERACTIVITY
give AFTER MEALS
Hx Teachings:
MAO INHIBITOR (MonoAmine Oxidase)

diet:
prevents the destruction of NEUROTRANSMITTERs
High Na (6-10 gms) and High Fluid (3-4L)
ex. Parnate, Nardil and Marplan
N Na 3 gms, N fluid intake 3L
Effective : if INCREASE SLEEP and APPETITE
Basically, Lithium is a salt
Give AFTER MEALS
Report the ff s/s (NAVDA)
Hx Teachings:
Nausea
AVOID TYRAMINE CONTAINING FOOD
Anorexia
(1 day before FIRST DOSE and 14 days AFTER LAST
Vomiting
DOSE)
Diarrhea
Avocado, banana, cheese (cheddar, aged and swiss)
Abdl Cramps
ALLOWED: cheese cottage and cream,
Report
also:
FRESH MEAT, VEGETABLES
FINE HAND TREMORS progressing to COARSE HAND
COLA, CHICKEN LIVER
TREMORS, THIRST and ATAXIC - sign of LITHIUM
SOY SAUCE
TOXICITY Dug of choice: MANNITOL DIAMOX
RED WINE
Hx Teachings:
PICKLES
Avoid activity that increase perspiration Na & H2o;
Check BP the drug can cause HYPERTENSIVE
Avoid caffeine;
CRISIS occipital headache my nape is aching
2 WKS INTERVAL when shifting ANTI DEPRESSANT Monitor lithium level (specimen: blood drawn in the morning
to avoid HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS
b4 breakfast or at least 12 hrs after the last dose)
ex . after MAO 2 wks rest then can give ST
Frequency of Lithium monitoring: ONCE A MONTH;
JOHNS WORT
NORMAL LITHIUM LEVEL:
C.
STIMULANTS
ACUTE DOSE
MAINTENANCE
(Ritalin, Dexedrine and Cylert)
Below 65 yo
.5 1.5 mEq/L
.5 1.2 mEq/L
directly stimulates the CNS.
Above 65 yo
.6 1.0 mEq/L
.4 - .8 mEq/L
Effective: Increase Appetite and Adequate sleep
Best to Give: AFTER MEALS
Lithium is effective with 10 14 DAYS before it will reach its
if b4 meals, it suppresses the appetite;
therapeutic level.
give NOT BEYOND 2pm bec. it causes INSOMNIA 6
Hrs b4 bedtime;
CONTRAINDICATION OF LITHIUM:
shld be given in the morning to avoid INSOMNIA
Pregnancy;
Lactating;
COMPLICATIONS: growth suppression
Kidney disorder
Hx Teachings:
- if above s/s are (+) to patient, instead of lithium use

provide intervals or
TEGRETOL, DOPAKINE/ DEPAKOTE
intermittently to avoid growth suppression;
tegretol a/e : alopecia

check BP and PR
dopakine/ depakote - gingivitis
D.
SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)
Ex. ZOLOFT, Prozac
ANTICONVULSANT (Tegretol and dilantin)
Adverse effects: DECREASE LIBIDO and Impotence
for seizures, wherein there is abnormal discharge of
s/e: GI
impulse in the brain

III.1 ANTIMANIC
Lithium (lithane, lithobid, escalith)
Tegretol

A.

action : IT INHIBITS the seizure focus and discharge

effective: if (-) seizure
given BEST AFTER MEALS (except for sedatives- like valium)

MOST DRUGS THAT AFFECT CNS

ARE BEST GIVEN AFTER MEALS TOO.
NSG ALERT:
Report GINGIVITIS;
Report S/S of Bone Marrow Depression
pancytopenia (dec RBC & WBC);
Instruct pt to use SOFT BRISTTLEDTOOTHBRUSH;
Instruct pt to MASSAGE GUMS and frequent oral
hygiene
Check : CBC due to pancytopenia
RBC, WBC and Platelet label
CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITORS
For MYASTHENIA GRAVIS : Prostigmin (long acting) and
Tensillon (short acting)
For ALZEIMERs DSES : Cognex (tacrine) and Aricept
Myasthenia Gravis there is decrease or absence of
Acethylcholine (ACTH)
ACTH is a neurotransmitter the delivers the order ex. Brain to
muscle to contract/move.
Therefore, the drug is given to inhibit cholinesterase in
destroying ACTH (so, if dec cholinesterace and inc. ACTH,
good muscle contraction)
PROSTIGMIN long acting for treatment
TENSILLON short acting only for 5 mins. it increase
muscle strength in 30 seconds (therefore, if muscle weakness
disappear within 30 seconds it is MYASTHENIA GRAVIS)
Drug Action:

Increase muscle strength (ex. Increase chewing

ability or able to chew food forcefully)

GIVE B4 MEALS or any activity;

Meds is FOR LIFE;

Report s/s of HEPATOXICITY RUQ pain of

abdomen and JAUNDICE
Antidote: ATSO4 it reverses the effect of anticholinesterase
Check for LIVER FUNX TEST;
Keep at bedside: endotracheal tube for resp.
problem
ANTICOAGULANT
HEPARIN
For ACUTE CASES
of Manic Case
Antidote: PROTAMINE SO4
Given SubQ (Lower Abdl Fat)
Effective if (-) clot
Give same time of day

Report s/s of bleeding : Hemoptysis

Hematemesis
COUMADIN
FOR MAINTENANCE or Chronic CASE
Antidote: VIT K
Oral
Onset: 2-5 days (maintenance case)
Check PT (N 11-13 sec and INR 24 sec)
LOVENOX
Heparin Derivatives
Antidote same w/ Heparin

HEPARIN: AVOID green leafy vegetables bec it is

rich in Vit K and will counteract the effect of anti
coagulant.
Therefore, diet of patient no appropriate.
NSG ALERT: monitor PTT (N 60-70 SEC, TIL INR of
175), if more than INR - HOLD
INR refers to the upper limit of meds from N value to
the maximum dose

COUMADIN act as vit k dependent clotting factors

HEPARIN converts PROTHROMBIN to THROMBIN and
FIBRINOGEN to FIBRIN
- RAPID ACTING :onset : 24 48 hrs
Coumadin and Heparin
NOT to dissolve clot (only as THROMBOLYTIC
meaning it prevents ENLARGEMENT and FORMATION of
CLOTS)
can be given together
ANTIARRYTHIMICS
Ex.
Quinidine (quinam)
Side notes:
Characteristics of HEART MUSCLE:
a.
CONDUCTIVITY ability to propagate
impulses;
b.
AUTOMATICITY - ability of heart to initiate
contraction;
c.
REFRACTORINESS ability of t heart to
respond to stimulus while in the state of contraction;
d.
EXCITTABILITY - ability of the heart to be
stimulated
Inotropic effect
- force of contraction or
strength of myocardial contraction;
Chromotropic Effect
conduction of impulses;

Nurse Joseph Bahian Abang

Xanthopsia yellowish vision or greenish halos;

effective: if (-) bronchospasm;
REPORT HE FOLLOWING: insomnia,
Check PR if BELOW 60/min
GIVEN in AM to decrease insomnia
nervousness; palpitations
ANTIARRYTHMIC (quinidex, pronestyl)
Take meds LIFETIME (same w/ meds 4
REPORT THE FF: insomnia,
(adult) HOLD next dose;
repolarization resting phase (k goes out) depolarization
neuro);
tachycardia, palpitation-PR, + NAV
if BELOW 70/ min (older child) HOLD;
stimulating phase (Na goes in) (therefore the
Check HR, PR and kidney funx test;
Theophylline - N 10-20;
if BELOW 90- 110 (infants) HOLD next dose
depolarization and repolarization of heart muscle
for ACUTE ATTACK and PREVENTION

EXCRETION
depends on Na and K pump.)
ANTITHYROID (PTU, LUGOLS SOLUTION)
of ASTMA
Digoxin kidney monitor renal funx test (BUN & Crea)
K once it increase or decrease, it affects the repo and depo
For GRAVES DISEASE or
report if inc;
of heart muscle which causes arrhythmia. And so, to maintain
EXPECTORANT (robitussin)
HYPERTHYROIDISM;
Digitoxin liver AST/ ALT
the balance in the Na and K pump give antiarrythmia because DIGIBIND antidote for digoxin (lanoxin)
stimulates productive coughing;
Effective: Decrease in T3 and T4 (in lab
it decreases the automaticity of the heart. Antiarrythmia is
effective : (+) COUGHING &
data);
THERAPEUTIC LEVEL:
effective if (-) arrhythmia;
Give round the clock;
SECRETIONS
a. Digoxin :
0.5 2 ug/L
Give meds anytime;
give ANYTIME;
Health Teachings:
b. Digitoxin :
14 26 ug/L
Health teachings:
Report sore throat, fever, chills, body malaise because
sideffects: NAV + DIZZINESS or
a. report CNS confusion, ataxia and headache
meds cause AGRANULOCUYTOSIS;
drowsiness avoid activity that required alertness (ex.
NITRATES (nitroglycerine)
GI - nausea, anorexia and vomiting
Report lethargy, bradycardia, and INCREASE SLEEP
Driving)
dont give if pt taking VIAGRA it will
b.
RASH therefore SKIN TEST
indicates pt is having HYPERTHYROIDISM;
result to FATAL HYPOTENSION
FIRST
Diarrhea with metallic taste sign of IODINE TOXICITY
ANTIBIOTICS
EFFECTS: dilatation of coronary arteries and arterioles
b. REPORT s/s of QUINIDINE TOXICITY
bactericidal;
thereby resulting to DECREASE IN PRELOAD &
tinnitus, hearing loss and visual disturbances
ANTIDIABETICS (INSULIN)
effective: (-) infection;
AFTERLOAD.
d. check pt PR and ECG waves, rate and
effective: N Blood sugar (80-120)
give ON EMPTY STOMACH B4 MEALS;
Decrease in Preload decrease in the amount of
rhythm
for DM Type 1 (insulin dependent);
blood that goes to the LV;
Hx teachings: REPORT rash, urticaria and STRIDOR
QUINIDINE
give in AM b4 meals;
AFTERLOAD amount of resistance offered by
indicates airway obstruction;
PROCAINE
check:
blood vessels that heart shld overcome when pumping blood
side effects: NAVDA + GI Irritation
For VENTRICULLAR & ATRIAL Fibrillation
instruct S/S OF HYPOGLYCEMIA
I. PENICILLIN : antidote is EPINIPHRINE
Effective if NEGATIVE ANGINAL PAIN;
LIDOCAINE
Give BEFORE any activity;
Ventricular arrythmia
dizziness/ drowsiness
II. AMINOGLYCOSIDE (gentamycin)
Administered SUBLINGUALLY (+ burning
difficulty in problem solving
effective:
(-)
infection

give
B4
meals;
sensation indicates drug is potent) NO WATER
decrease level of consciouness
report the ff:
because it will dilute the meds;
cold clammy skin
OTOTOXICITY:
I
hear
ringing
in
my
ear
CARDIAC GLYCOSIDES
DOSES: 3 doses at 5mins interval;
monitor the blood sugar level in early AM and supper time
NEPHROTOXICITY
:
oliguria
increase force of contraction;
Report if there is persistence of pain;
INJECT AIR FIRST to NPH then inject air and
NEUROTOXICITY : seizures
affects the automaticity and excitability of
Check BP and PR;
check
BUN,
CREA
(kidney
funx
test);
WITHDRAW FIRST with REGULAR.
the heart muscle;
Keep meds in dark container (bec light dec

PEAK OF ACTION (refers to when patient

check
I
&
O
(sign
of
nephrotoxicity)
K shld be monitored when in this meds
potency);
becomes HYPOGLYCEMIA)
therapy
Once the bottle is open, use the meds within 3-6
III.
ANTINEOPLASTIC (adriamycin)
REGUALR INSULIN- lunch time
(The heart contraction is regulated by Na and K pump. If K
mos
for breast and ovarian CA;
Intermediate
- late in the afternoon B4 dinne
decreases, Calcium enters and it will result to a more
DO
NOT
REPORT
THE
FF:
(expected
s/s)
Hypotension,
effective: (-) tumor size;
Long Acting
- B4 Breakfast
increase force of contraction due to Na and Ca pump
Headache,
facial
flushing
why
is
my
face
red?
GIVE
IN
ARM

to
prevent
conversion.)
HEMMORRHAGIC CYSTITIS
SULFONYLUREAS (Orinase)
Effects:
MUCOLYTICS (an antidote also for ACETAMINOPHEN
Hx Teachings:
for DM type 2;
(+) INOTROPIC strengthen the force of contraction
TOXICITY)
a.
inc
oral
fluid
intake
(2-3L/day)

stimulate pancreas to produce insulin;

(-) CHRONOTROPIC decrease rate of contraction
Ex.
Mucomyst
cytotoxic
prevention;
effective N bld sugar level;
DIGOXIN
DIGITOXIN
it decreases the viscosity of secretion;
b.
monitor kidney funx I & O;
give b4 meals regularly;
give meds anytime;
teachings:
EFFECTIVE : it increase FORCE OF CONTRACTION
client teaching: meds can be diluted w/ NSS or cola;
THYROID AGENTS (synthroid, cytomel)
s/s of hypoglycemia;
ACTION
:onset : 5 20 mins
30 mins 2hrs
Side effects: NAV + Rashes
for HYPOTHYROIDSM; monitor renal funx test;
Give after meals due to GI irritation
same
if no side effects, repeat dose in 1 hr
effective: if Inc in T3 and T4antidote
and for hypoglycemia ORANGE JUICE
NORMAL SLEEP;
CLIENT TEACHINGS:
BRONCHODILATORS (ex. TERBUTALINE brethine)
pt always sleep, therefore give meds in
ANTACIDS (amphogel, tagamet)

Report s/s of TOXICITY :

dilates
the
bronchioles
or
airways;
AM

to
avoid
insomnia;
NAVDA
CHRONOTROPIC Effect

- rate of contraction

Nurse Joseph Bahian Abang

ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE GEL antacid and it also

dec phosphate level in pt renal failure;
Effective: dec phosphate (-) pain
- give on EMPTY STOMACH (1 hr b4 or 2hrs after meals);
- instruct pt to REPORT: muscle weakness in lower
extremities
indicates HYPOPHOSPATHEMIA
administer with glass of water;
check phosphate level and renal funx test;
assess for constipation
LAXATIVES (dulcolax)
Colace stool softener
Metamucil
- bulk forming
Dulcolax - rapid acting
Lactulose - 15-30 mins
effective : (+) BM;
give AT HS (if NOT diagnostic
procedure);
give AFTER MEALS for dyspepsia;
meds is given in short duration only
because of dependency
teachings:
a.
b.
c.

be near or stay near CR;

s/e: diarrhea;
NO lactulose for pt w/
diarrhea;

d.

Causes hypokalemia
therefore check electrolytes

e.

Increase fld intake to

avoid dehydration

DIURETICS
Target Organs
a. Diamox exerts effect at Proximal Convuluted
Tubules;
b. Lasix at Loop of Henle;
c. Diuril at Distant Con. Tubules
LOOP DIURETICS (lasix)
effetctive: incrase urine output;
give in morning to prevent nocturia;
teachings:
a. monitor for hypokalemia level and I & O;
b. report muscle weakness;
c. give K rich food banana, orange
THIAZIDE (diuril)
give in AM;
monitor for hypokalemia;

check I & O, K level, PR and BP

K-SPARRING (triamterene, aldactone)
effective: inc. urine output;
give in AM;
teachings: monitor for HYPERKALEMIA
check PR and K
ANTIGOUT
PROBENECID
- URICOSURIC
- promotes excretion of uric acid
- s/effects: NAV +
Hypersensitivity
COLCHICINE
- for ACUTE GOUT
- has anti-inflammatory effect by preventing deposition of
u.acid @ joints
- NAV + Bldg and Bruising
- ONSET: 8-12 wks
ALLOPURINOL
- for CHRONIC GOUT
- prevents or dec formation of u. acid
- dizziness/drowsiness agranulocytosis (check CBC)
- ONSET: 1-3 wks
TEACHINGS:
a. Increase ORAL FLUID INTAKE;
b. Monitor uric acid levels;
MIOTICS (timoptic, piloca)
DECREASE IOP (N12-21) for pt w/ glaucoma;
Give ANYTIME but for LIFETIME;
Teachings:
a. it causes blurring of vision and brow pain;
b. administer meds at lower conjunctival sac;
c. press the inner canthus for 1-2 mins to prevent systemic
side effects (hyperglycemia and hypotension)
MYDRIATRIC (AK-Dilate)
effective: pupillary dilatation;
give ANYTIME (but if pt for surgery, give
b4);
teachings: may cause blurring of vision
lower conjuctival sac
CARBONIC ANHYDRASE INHIBITORS (diamox)
for GALAUCOMA lifetime;
to decrease production of acqueous
humor;
effective: N IOP and Inc. urine output;

effective to pt with MENIERES DSES

- report if beyond 90 sec sign of uterine

hypertonicity
e. Check Force, Duration and Frequency of Uterine
Contraction

dec vertigo
-

teachings:
a.
b.

check urine output;

report: s/s of dehydration
bec of diuretic effect

c.
d.

blurred vision
monitor I & O and IOP

ANTI-ACNE (acutane, retin-a)

decrease sebaceous gland size;
given in AM to prevent insomnia;
avoid sunlight: photosensitivity
pregnancy: fetotoxic - therefore check if
pt is pregnant;
check if pt has skin irritation may burn
the skin
TOCOLYTICS (Yutopar, MgSO4)
relax the uterus;
drug of choice for pre-term labor;
effective: (-) pre-term or relaxed uterus;
give: ORAL B4 meals and IV
anytime;
teachings:
a. signs of Ca Intoxication:
hypotension, hypothermia and hypocalcemia
b. check bld pressure; urine output (N 30ml/hr)
c. check RR at least 12/min
d. check patellar reflex shld be (+) knee jerk
HOLD if RR 10/min and urine output: 15ml/hr
Antidote: Calcium Gluconate
OXYTOXIC
PITOCIN
To induce labor
Effective: Firm and Contracted Uterus
Give anytime
If IV, use piggy back
METHERGIN
To prevent post partum hemorrhage
Teachings:
REPORT the ff: HYPOTENSION (due to inactivation of ANS
neurological effect of drug);
Headache
Hypertension (cardiovascular effect of the drug)
Check BP, Uterine Contraction especially the duration N
30-90 sec

PROSTAGLANDIN (cytotec, E2gel)

anti ulcer drug to dec gastric acidity;
decrease ripening of the cervix w/c leads
to effacement then dilatation then abortion;
give after meals;
assess for diarrhea and gastric irritation;
check for pregnancy bec it may cause
abortion
TIPS ON PHARMACOLOGY
Patient receiving DIAZEPAM, the nurse notice that there
is no change in patient behavior. What shld the nurse
do? VERIFY THE PT DIET
COGNEX given with AZEIMERSS DSES to
increase mental functioning
Pt w/ PVC : bedside : XYLOCAINE
Pt w/ COMPLETE HEART BLOCK: give ATSO4 it
increases HR
Pt w/ DIVERTICULITIS (pt has diarrhea) the ff meds
were given: what meds the nurse shld question :
LACTULOSE
Morphine S04 given to pt with Pul. Edema to
decrease anxiety
Pt ask the nurse on why she will take COUMADIN when
shes already taking HEPARIN Heparin is given for
ACUTE CASES while Coumadin for maintenance
Pt on CHEMOTHERAPY complains of nausea and
vomiting, w/c meds can be given ZOFRAN
Expected side effects of STEROIDS : wt gain, obesity
and Inc appetite
Pt is taking LEVODOPA observe for URINARY
RETENTION
ADRIAMYCIN causes hemorrhagic cystitis
DESMOPRESSIN ACETATE administered
INTRANASALLY
FESO4 shld be given w/ orange juice
ASPIRIN I s given to pt w/ TIA to decrease platelet
aggregation
Pt taking ANCEF observe for skin rashes
Pt to receive NPH at 7:30am, the nurse shld expect for
hypoglycemia LATE in the AFTERNOON

Nurse Joseph Bahian Abang