Medications, Hematology Transfusions, and Clinical Judgment Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering pharmacology exam focuses, hematology and transfusion principles, and the six steps of clinical judgment.

Acetaminophen (Exam Focus)

Analgesic/antipyretic role; assess pain/fever and total exposure.

Ibuprofen (Exam Focus)

NSAID role in managing pericarditis; consider GI/renal and bleeding safety.

Amiodarone (Exam Focus)

Treats Ventricular antiarrhythmic; monitor rhythm, rate, BP, and response.

Atropine (Exam Focus)

Emergency use for symptomatic bradycardia; focus on perfusion and reassessment of rate and symptoms

Epinephrine (Exam Focus)

Emergency resuscitation role; monitor rhythm and patient response.

Aspirin (Exam Focus)

Antiplatelet in coronary disease; distinguish from anticoagulation.

Bumetanide / Furosemide (Exam Focus)

Loop diuretic: urine output, fluid balance, blood pressure, potassium, and renal function

Dabigatran (Exam Focus)

Oral anticoagulant: indication, bleeding precautions, adherence, and patient teaching

Heparin (Exam Focus)

Anticoagulant: indication, bleeding precautions, and relevant monitoring.

Warfarin (Exam Focus)

Anticoagulant: indication, INR monitoring, interactions, and long term teaching

Digoxin (Exam Focus)

Heart rate, clinical effects, toxicity concerns, and the importance of potassium and renal status.

Dobutamine (Exam Focus)

Inotropic support: expected changes in perfusion, urine output, heart rate, and blood pressure

Magnesium (Exam Focus)

Used medically to correct deficiencies, stabilize rhythms, and manage certain arrhythmias, especially in the context of electrolyte disturbances

Sodium Bicarbonate (Exam Focus)

Use depends on acid/base context and underlying cause.

An antacid and a buffer because it can raise the pH of acidic solutions

Morphine Sulfate (Exam Focus)

Pain relief and assessment of blood pressure, respiratory status, and level of consciousness.

0.9% Normal Saline (Exam Focus)

Effect of IV fluids on circulating volume and the need to reassess a patient with impaired cardiac function. Do not want to fluid overload

Suspected PRBC Transfusion Reaction (First Action)

STOP the transfusion.

Compatible IV Solution with Blood

0.9% normal saline.

Fresh Frozen Plasma

Rich in clotting factors.

Repeated Transfusion Major Long-term Risk

Iron overload/hemosiderosis.

Other Repeated Transfusion Risks

Hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia.

Aplastic Anemia

Pancytopenia; petechiae/ecchymosis can occur from low platelets.

Pernicious Anemia Cause

Lack of intrinsic factor causes impaired vitamin B12 absorption.

Pernicious Anemia Treatment

Vitamin B12 replacement/injections.

Hemophilia A

Factor VIII deficiency.

Clinical Judgment Step 1: Recognize Cues

Identify relevant VS, symptoms, assessments, ECGs, labs, and ABGs.

Clinical Judgment Step 2: Analyze Cues

Determine what findings suggest and which findings fit or conflict.

Clinical Judgment Step 3: Prioritize Hypotheses

Identify which potential problem poses greatest immediate risk.

Clinical Judgment Step 4: Generate Solutions

Choose assessments, monitoring, interventions, and concise reporting.

Clinical Judgment Step 5: Take Action

Select safest immediate nursing action and anticipate team interventions.

Clinical Judgment Step 6: Evaluate Outcomes

Reassess for improvement, no improvement, or deterioration.

New Telemetry Rhythm Action

Assess pulse, BP, consciousness, symptoms, and perfusion before treatment.

Suddenly Dyspneic HF Patient Evaluation

Compare fluid signs, ischemia clues, rhythm, oxygenation, BP/perfusion, and trends.

Chest Trauma with Changing Breath Sounds Evaluation

Distinguish pleural complication vs chest-tube/equipment problem; assess patient first.

PE with Abnormal ABG Interpretation

Interpret acid/base status and oxygenation separately, then trend respiratory/hemodynamic status.