Pharmacology for Nursing Practice Study Guide

Flashcards covering key pharmacological concepts related to respiratory and cardiovascular medications.

Antitussives

Medications that control non-productive (dry, hacking) cough.

Mechanism of Action (MOA) for Antitussives

Centrally acting; depresses the cough center in the medulla.

Adverse Effects (AEs) of Antitussives

May cause drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, and increase respiratory secretions' thickness.

Use of Oral Decongestants

Relieve sinus and nasal congestion.

MOA of Oral Decongestants

Stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in nasal mucous membranes to shrink membrane size.

Adverse Effects of Oral Decongestants

May cause anxiety, restlessness, hypertension, and urinary retention.

Rebound Congestion

Chronic nasal stuffiness caused by overusing nasal decongestant sprays.

1st Generation Antihistamines

Used for seasonal rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and urticaria.

MOA of 1st Generation Antihistamines

Blocks histamine at H1 receptor sites, causing sedative effects.

Adverse Effects of 1st Generation Antihistamines

Heavy sedation, urinary retention, dry mouth, and hypotension.

Expectorants

Medications that reduce the adhesiveness of respiratory secretions.

MOA of Expectorants

Thins respiratory secretions to allow for a more productive cough.

Mucolytics

Used for patients with thick respiratory secretions like in COPD or cystic fibrosis.

Antidote for Acetaminophen Overdose

N-acetylcysteine, acts as a precursor to glutathione.

Xanthines

Used for long-term management of chronic asthma and COPD.

Narrow Therapeutic Margin

The effective dose is very close to the toxic dose.

Beta-Adrenergic Agonists

Bronchodilators used for acute asthma attacks.

Teaching for Inhaler Use

Shake well, exhale fully, seal lips, press canister while inhaling slowly.

Albuterol

Rescue medication for quick relief of wheezing and shortness of breath.

Anticholinergics

Used for maintenance treatment of COPD bronchospasms.

MOA of Inhaled Steroids

Decreases the inflammatory response in the airway.

Leukotriene Receptor Antagonists

Prevent airway edema and smooth muscle contraction in asthma.

Aspirin

Antiplatelet drug that helps prevent TIAs or strokes.

MOA of Aspirin

Irreversibly inhibits thromboxane A2 synthesis on platelets.

Warfarin

Anticoagulant for prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic disorders.

MOA of Warfarin

Interferes with hepatic synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.

Epoetin Alpha

Stimulates red blood cell production in anemia associated with kidney failure.

Folic Acid

Nutritional supplement for the treatment of anemia due to deficiency.

Captopril

ACE inhibitor used for hypertension and heart failure.

MOA of Captopril

Blocks ACE from converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II.

Diltiazem

Calcium channel blocker used in hypertension and dysrhythmias.

Digoxin

Cardiac glycoside used for heart failure and dysrhythmias.

Amiodarone

Class III antiarrhythmic agent used for ventricular arrhythmias.

Nitroglycerin

Nitrate used for acute angina and hypertension crisis.