ATI Pharmacology Review

Assessment First Principle (Medication Error)

When a medication error or adverse effect occurs, collect further data (e.g., assess blood glucose) before notifying the provider to guide accurate intervention.

ECG Signs of Hypokalemia

Inverted or flattened T waves, ST-segment depression, and prominent U waves—often seen in clients taking potassium-depleting diuretics such as furosemide.

Haloperidol Adverse Effects

Includes akathisia (restless pacing), tardive dyskinesia, dystonia, and other extrapyramidal symptoms; may be managed with β-blockers, benzodiazepines, or anticholinergics.

Tardive Dyskinesia

Late-onset, potentially irreversible involuntary movements (tongue, face, lips) that appear months-years after antipsychotic therapy; reassess after 12 mo and every 3 mo thereafter; valbenazine may be prescribed.

Fentanyl Patch – Constipation Management

Opioids slow GI motility; increase fluids, fiber, and activity; add a stimulant laxative (bisacodyl) or stool softener (docusate); severe cases may require methylnaltrexone.

Chlordiazepoxide (Alcohol Withdrawal)

First-line benzodiazepine that stabilizes vital signs, reduces seizure risk, and lessens withdrawal intensity; give on a fixed schedule with PRN dosing, seizure precautions, and have flumazenil available.

Disulfiram (Aversion Therapy)

Daily maintenance drug that deters alcohol use by causing acetaldehyde syndrome (n/v, weakness, hypotension, possible seizures or death) if alcohol is ingested; teach strict alcohol avoidance.

Diltiazem Patient Teaching

Monitor HR and BP, hold if pulse <50 or SBP <90 mmHg, rise slowly, do not crush sustained-release tablets; verapamil may raise digoxin levels; record and report chest-pain patterns.

Famotidine Hepatotoxicity Alert

Histamine-2 blocker that can injure the liver; instruct clients to report jaundice and use caution with other hepatotoxic drugs such as NSAIDs.

Nephrotoxicity – Immediate Follow-Up Indicators

Report decreased urine output, hematuria, cloudy urine, rising BUN/creatinine; watch for intensified effects in clients on neuromuscular blockers, muscle relaxants, or with myasthenia gravis.