CPE-B Drug Cards NUR 155

Vocabulary practice cards for common medications including indications, nursing considerations, and antidotes based on the NUR 155 reference.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

A pain reliever and fever reducer used for mild to moderate pain; it has a maximum dose of $4,000\,mg/day$ to avoid serious liver damage.

Cephalexin (Keflex)

A cephalosporin antibiotic used for bacterial infections; nurses must check for a penicillin allergy before administration due to possible cross-sensitivity.

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

A cardiac glycoside that strengthens heart pumping and slows heart rate; nurses must check the apical pulse for $1$ full minute and hold the dose if the heart rate is less than $60\,bpm$.

Digoxin toxicity signs

Symptoms that must be reported immediately, including nausea, vomiting, yellow/green vision halos, confusion, and irregular heartbeat.

Furosemide (Lasix)

A loop diuretic used to treat edema and hypertension that requires monitoring blood pressure and potassium levels; weight gains greater than $2\,lbs/day$ should be reported.

Heparin

An anticoagulant given SubQ or IV to prevent or treat blood clots; it is adjusted based on aPTT lab values and must NEVER be given IM.

Protamine Sulfate

The specific antidote used to reverse the effects of Heparin.

HIT (Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia)

A serious side effect of Heparin where low platelets cause dangerous clotting.

Ibuprofen (Advil / Motrin)

An NSAID used to reduce pain and inflammation; it should be taken WITH food to prevent stomach ulcers and GI bleeding.

Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

A thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism taken once daily in the morning on an empty stomach, $30-60\,min$ before eating.

Metformin (Glucophage)

An antidiabetic biguanide that must be held before CT scans with contrast dye due to the risk of lactic acidosis.

Metoprolol (Lopressor)

An immediate-release beta-blocker that treats hypertension and angina; the nurse must hold the dose if the heart rate is less than $60\,bpm$.

Metoprolol XL (Toprol-XL)

An extended-release beta-blocker that is slowly released over $24$ hours; it must be swallowed whole and NEVER crushed or cut.

Morphine Sulfate

An opioid analgesic used for moderate to severe pain; the respiratory rate must be monitored, and the dose held if RR is less than $12\,breaths/min$.

Naloxone (Narcan)

The antidote used for Morphine Sulfate toxicity or respiratory depression.

Ondansetron (Zofran)

An antiemetic used to prevent nausea and vomiting; it can cause QT prolongation, which is an abnormal heart rhythm.

Warfarin (Coumadin)

An oral anticoagulant used for clot prevention that requires monitoring INR levels (goal of $2.0-3.0$ for most patients) and consistent Vitamin K intake.

Vitamin K or FFP

The antidotes used for Warfarin (Coumadin) in the event of bleeding or high INR levels.