Medication Competency Exam Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary study flashcards covering 23 essential medications, their classifications, mechanisms of action, critical side effects, and must-know nursing implications.

Morphine Sulfate (Duramorph®)

An opioid agonist acting on CNS receptors for severe pain management. Key nursing implications include withholding if $\text{RR} < 10/\text{min}$, having naloxone available at bedside, and instituting fall precautions.

Metoprolol (Lopressor®)

A beta blocker that blocks beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac workload. Key nursing: hold if $\text{HR} < 60\,\text{bpm}$ or $\text{SBP} < 100\,\text{mmHg}$, do not crush extended-release forms, and do not stop abruptly.

Amlodipine (Norvasc®)

A calcium channel blocker that blocks calcium entry into vascular smooth muscle and cardiac cells to produce vasodilation, lowering BP and reducing angina. Key nursing: monitor for peripheral edema (check ankles and feet) and instruct the patient to change positions slowly.

Famotidine (Pepcid®)

A histamine H2 blocker that blocks histamine H2 receptors in gastric parietal cells to decrease gastric acid secretion, used for GERD and peptic ulcers. Key nursing: watch closely for confusion, especially in elderly patients.

Omeprazole (Prilosec®)

A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that inhibits the proton pump in gastric parietal cells to decrease gastric acid. Key nursing: administer $30\text{--}60\,\text{minutes}$ before meals, swallow whole without crushing, and monitor long-term users for bone fractures and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Lisinopril (Zestril®)

An ACE inhibitor that blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II to induce vasodilation, lowering BP and improving outcomes post-MI. Critical risks include angioedema, hyperkalemia, persistent dry cough, and fetal harm (Pregnancy category D).

Furosemide (Lasix®)

A loop diuretic that inhibits Na+ and Cl- reabsorption in the loop of Henle to treat edema and hypertension. Key nursing: check for sulfonamide allergy, give in the morning, track daily weights and I&O, and monitor for hypokalemia and ototoxicity.

Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ)

A thiazide diuretic that inhibits sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule to lower blood pressure and reduce edema. Key nursing: administer in the morning, monitor for hypokalemia, and monitor blood glucose and uric acid levels for increases.

Spironolactone (Aldactone®)

A potassium-sparing diuretic and aldosterone antagonist that increases Na+ and water excretion while retaining K+. Key nursing: monitor closely for hyperkalemia, avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes, and monitor for gynecomastia.

Ibuprofen (Motrin®)

An NSAID that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. Key nursing: administer with food or milk to reduce GI upset, monitor for signs of GI bleeding (black or tarry stools), and evaluate renal function.

Ketorolac (Toradol®)

An NSAID that inhibits prostaglandin synthesis for moderate to severe pain relief. Key nursing: restricted to short-term use only ($\le 5\,\text{days}$) due to high risk of GI bleeding and renal failure.

Ampicillin (Polycillin®)

A penicillin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. Key nursing: screen for penicillin allergy, collect cultures BEFORE giving, administer oral doses with $\ge 6\,\text{oz}$ of water (not juice), keep epinephrine ready for anaphylaxis, and watch for C. diff.

Ceftazidime (Fortaz®)

A cephalosporin antibiotic administered IV or IM that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis. Key nursing: assess for penicillin cross-sensitivity, avoid alcohol-containing products for up to $72\,\text{hours}$ after dosing, and verify look-alike drug names carefully.

Levofloxacin (Levaquin®)

A fluoroquinolone antibiotic that inhibits bacterial DNA synthesis. Key nursing: separate administration from antacids, iron, or zinc by $2+\,\text{hours}$, and monitor for critical adverse effects including tendon rupture, seizures, cardiac dysrhythmias, and hepatotoxicity.

Albuterol (Proventil®, Ventolin®)

A short-acting beta2-agonist that stimulates beta2-adrenergic receptors in bronchial smooth muscle for rapid bronchodilation. Key nursing: teach that it is a rescue inhaler for acute symptoms (not daily control), expect tremors and tachycardia, and rinse mouth after use.

Metformin (Glucophage®)

A biguanide oral antidiabetic that decreases hepatic glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity. Key nursing: check renal function prior to administration (contraindicated in renal impairment), administer with meals, and monitor for rare lactic acidosis.

Aspirin

An antiplatelet agent that inhibits platelet aggregation by blocking the COX enzyme. Key nursing: take with food to minimize GI upset, and educate the patient on bleeding risk and reporting signs such as black stools or unusual bruising.

Clopidogrel (Plavix®)

An antiplatelet agent that inhibits ADP-mediated platelet aggregation to prevent blood clots and reduce stroke/MI risk. Key nursing: monitor for bleeding, bruising, and rare thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)

An analgesic and antipyretic that reduces pain and fever by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS. Key nursing: strictly adhere to a maximum dose of $4\,\text{g/day}$, assess liver function to prevent hepatotoxicity, and check all OTC combo products.

Digoxin (Lanoxin®)

A cardiac glycoside that increases cardiac contractility and slows heart rate for heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Key nursing: count apical pulse for $1\,\text{full minute}$ (hold if $< 60\,\text{bpm}$), check potassium levels, avoid high-fiber foods/bran, and do not administer IM.

Insulin Lispro (Humalog®)

A rapid-acting insulin that facilitates cellular glucose uptake to lower blood glucose. Key nursing: administer within approximately $15\,\text{minutes}$ of a meal, verify blood glucose beforehand, and monitor for signs of hypoglycemia.

Lactulose

An osmotic laxative that draws water into the colon to treat constipation and decrease ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy. Key nursing: takes $24\text{--}48\,\text{hours}$ to work, may be mixed with juice, and is contraindicated in patients on a low-lactose diet.

Docusate (Colace®)

A stool softener and emollient laxative that helps water and lipids penetrate the fecal mass to prevent opioid-induced constipation. Key nursing: softens without stimulating peristalsis/defecation, must be taken with $\ge 6\,\text{oz}$ of fluid, and is contraindicated in bowel obstruction.