NURS 220 Pharmacology: Antibiotics, Antifungals, Respiratory Drugs & NSAIDs

Penicillins and beta-lactam antibiotics

Major nursing considerations include allergy assessment, hypersensitivity reactions, and actions to take if a patient reports a serious allergic reaction.

Fluoroquinolones

Consider major contraindications, allergy history, important adverse effects, and patient safety considerations.

Vancomycin

Key toxicities include infusion-related reactions and organ toxicity; assessments and laboratory values are used to detect these toxicities.

Tetracyclines

These medications should be avoided or used cautiously in certain populations, including pregnant women and children.

Sulfonamides

Important to assess for hypersensitivity reactions and obtain a thorough allergy history before administration.

Safe Antibiotic Administration

Consider patient allergies, appropriateness of the medication, necessary assessments, adverse effects to monitor, and patient teaching.

Importance of completing antibiotic course

Completing the prescribed antibiotic course is crucial to prevent resistance and ensure full eradication of the infection.

Topical vs. systemic antifungal therapy

Topical antifungals are used for localized infections, while systemic antifungals are used for more severe or widespread infections.

Common antifungal medications

Know the medications discussed in class and special considerations for populations such as pregnant patients.

Cough medications

Antitussives suppress the cough reflex, while expectorants help clear respiratory secretions; hydration is important with expectorants.

Antitussives

These medications decrease the cough reflex; consider when it is appropriate to suppress a cough.

Expectorants

They help make respiratory secretions easier to remove; hydration plays a key role in their effectiveness.

First-generation antihistamines

They have common CNS and anticholinergic effects; safety teaching is important for activities like driving and operating machinery.

Systemic decongestants

Consider their cardiovascular effects and the need for caution in patients with conditions like hypertension.

Topical nasal decongestants

Prolonged use can worsen nasal congestion; understanding this is critical for patient education.

Asthma medications

Distinguish between quick relief/rescue medications and long-term control/prevention medications.

Short-acting bronchodilators

These are used for quick relief of asthma symptoms.

Inhaled corticosteroids

Used for long-term control of asthma; patient teaching is essential for proper use.

Lung surfactant

Pulmonary surfactant helps maintain alveolar expansion; deficiency is particularly concerning in premature infants.

NSAIDs

Long-term use can lead to adverse effects on the GI system, renal system, bleeding risk, and cardiovascular system.

Assessing NSAID toxicity

Understand which laboratory values and clinical findings indicate developing toxicity related to NSAID use.

Quiz preparation

Be able to answer why a patient is receiving a medication, how it works, important adverse effects, when to question the medication, and safety information for the patient.