NUR 176 Pharmacology Suffixes and EKG Rhythms Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering pharmacology suffixes, specific non-suffix medications, and EKG cardiac rhythms from NUR 176.

-lol

Beta blocker drug family; lowers heart rate and blood pressure, decreasing cardiac workload (e.g., metoprolol).

-pril

ACE inhibitor drug family; causes vasodilation and lowers blood pressure/afterload (e.g., lisinopril).

-dipine

Calcium-channel blocker drug family; causes vasodilation and lowers blood pressure (e.g., amlodipine).

-statin

Statin drug family; lowers LDL/cholesterol and helps stabilize plaque (e.g., atorvastatin).

-xaban

Factor Xa anticoagulant family; prevents and treats clots; monitor for bleeding (e.g., apixaban).

-parin

Heparin-type anticoagulant family; prevents and treats clots; monitor for bleeding (e.g., enoxaparin).

-mab

Monoclonal antibody family; targeted biologic or immune therapy (e.g., infliximab).

-azole

Often an antimicrobial family whose exact action depends on the specific drug (e.g., metronidazole).

-semide

Loop diuretic pattern; removes fluid and requires electrolyte monitoring (e.g., furosemide).

-thiazide

Thiazide diuretic family; removes fluid and lowers blood pressure (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide).

Atropine

Medication that accelerates heart rate in symptomatic bradycardia.

Digoxin

Medication that increases cardiac contractility and can slow heart rate; requires monitoring for toxicity.

Nitroglycerin

Vasodilator used for angina; requires monitoring for low blood pressure, dizziness, and headache.

Spironolactone

Potassium-sparing diuretic that can cause potassium levels to rise.

Diltiazem

Calcium-channel blocker used for heart rate and blood pressure control.

Amiodarone

Antiarrhythmic medication used for rhythm control.

Ranolazine

Medication used for chronic angina.

Clopidogrel

Antiplatelet medication; requires monitoring for bleeding and bruising.

Aspirin

Antiplatelet medication associated with bleeding risk.

Cyanocobalamin

Vitamin B12 medication associated with the treatment of pernicious anemia.

Ferrous sulfate

Iron replacement medication used for iron-deficiency anemia.

Hydroxyurea

Sickle cell medication that increases fetal hemoglobin and helps reduce vaso-occlusive episodes.

Hydromorphone

Opioid analgesic requiring monitoring for sedation and respirations.

Tamoxifen

Hormonal therapy medication used in breast cancer treatment.

Vincristine

Chemotherapy medication.

Filgrastim

Medication that supports neutrophil / white-cell recovery.

-cillin

Suffix denoting Penicillin antibiotics.

cef- / ceph-

Prefix denoting Cephalosporin antibiotics.

-cycline

Suffix denoting Tetracycline antibiotics.

-floxacin

Suffix denoting Fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

-mycin

Suffix often indicating an antibiotic, though not a perfectly reliable suffix.

-prazole

Suffix denoting Proton-pump inhibitors (PPI).

-tidine

Suffix denoting H2 receptor blockers.

-sartan

Suffix denoting Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARB).

-zosin

Suffix denoting Alpha blockers.

-terol

Suffix denoting Beta-2 bronchodilators.

-tropium

Suffix denoting Anticholinergic bronchodilators.

Sinus Tachycardia

EKG rhythm with a P-QRS-T complex, rate $>100\,bpm$ but less than $150\,bpm$, caused by dehydration, fever, stress/anxiety, or excessive caffeine.

Atrial Fibrillation

EKG rhythm caused by rapid production of atrial impulses resulting in absent P waves, irregular heart sounds and pulses, a ventricular rate of $100\text{--}150\,bpm$, and increased stroke risk.

Ventricular Tachycardia

Life-threatening rhythm with wide, bizarre QRS complexes and a fast rate ($100\text{--}250\,bpm$); caused by MI, hypokalemia, or digoxin toxicity; pulse must be assessed prior to interventions.

Ventricular Fibrillation

Life-threatening rhythm with no P-wave, QRS, or T-waves and an undeterminable rate; presents with no cardiac output, no pulse, and loss of consciousness; requires immediate defibrillation.

Asystole

EKG rhythm characterized by no rate and no electrical activity in the heart (almost flat tracing), caused by acute respiratory failure, severe metabolic deficit, or heart damage.