CPE-B Drug Cards NUR 155

Fundamental vocabulary and nursing considerations for common medications including analgesics, antibiotics, cardiac drugs, diuretics, anticoagulants, and antidiabetics.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

A pain reliever and fever reducer that treats mild to moderate pain by reducing brain chemicals signaling pain; it has a maximum dose of $4,000\,mg/day$.

Acetaminophen Overdose Signs

Serious liver damage indicated by symptoms including nausea, right-sided belly pain, and jaundice (yellow skin/eyes).

Cephalexin (Keflex)

A cephalosporin antibiotic that kills bacteria by breaking down the cell wall; requires screening for penicillin allergies due to possible cross-sensitivity.

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

A cardiac glycoside used for heart failure and atrial fibrillation that makes the heart pump stronger and beat slower; requires an apical pulse check for $1$ full minute before administration.

Digoxin Toxicity Signs

Clinical indicators including nausea, vomiting, yellow/green vision halos, confusion, and irregular heartbeat.

Furosemide (Lasix)

A loop diuretic (water pill) used for edema and hypertension that prompts the kidneys to remove sodium and water; requires monitoring for low potassium ($K^+$) and blood pressure.

Heparin

An anticoagulant given SubQ or IV (never IM) to prevent or treat blood clots; dosage is adjusted based on weight and aPTT lab values.

HIT (Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia)

A dangerous side effect of Heparin characterized by low platelet counts causing at-risk clotting.

Heparin Antidote

Protamine Sulfate.

Ibuprofen (Advil / Motrin)

An NSAID that reduces pain and inflammation; it must be taken with food to reduce the risk of GI bleeding, ulcers, and stomach upset.

Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

A thyroid hormone replacement for hypothyroidism that must be taken on an empty stomach in the morning, $30\text{--}60\,min$ before eating.

Metformin (Glucophage)

A biguanide antidiabetic that reduces liver sugar production; it must be held before CT scans with contrast dye to prevent lactic acidosis.

Metoprolol (Lopressor)

An immediate-release beta-blocker that slows heart rate and lowers BP; the dose should be held if the apical pulse is less than $60\,bpm$.

Metoprolol XL (Toprol-XL)

An extended-release beta-blocker taken once daily; tablets must be swallowed whole and NEVER crushed or cut as it destroys the coating and causes a dangerous drug release.

Morphine Sulfate

An opioid analgesic for severe pain that carries a high risk of respiratory depression; it should be held if the respiratory rate (RR) is less than $12$.

Morphine Antidote

Naloxone (Narcan).

Ondansetron (Zofran)

An antiemetic that blocks nausea signals; it can cause QT prolongation (abnormal heart rhythm) and ODT forms should dissolve under the tongue.

Warfarin (Coumadin)

An oral anticoagulant that blocks Vitamin K to prevent clots; patients must maintain consistent Vitamin K intake and monitor for a goal INR of $2.0\text{--}3.0$, or $2.5\text{--}3.5$ for heart valves.

Warfarin Antidote

Vitamin K (for slow reversal) or FFP (Fresh Frozen Plasma for emergency reversal).